Anticipation is building for the 98th Academy Awards, an event set to captivate audiences on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This year, the ceremony returns to the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien at the helm for the second consecutive time. For film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, a variety of online streaming avenues are available to ensure access to both the main event and the glamorous red carpet festivities. Several platforms offer free trials and promotional bundles, making it easier than ever to tune in to Hollywood's most prestigious night.

The Grand Spectacle: Details on How to Experience the 98th Academy Awards

The illustrious 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to commence on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with the main ceremony kicking off at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. The entire event will be broadcast live on the ABC network. For those without traditional cable, numerous live TV streaming services provide access to ABC's feed. Options such as DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV all carry ABC, and many are offering enticing free trials for new subscribers. This presents an excellent opportunity to watch the entire spectacle without an upfront cost.

Beyond the main awards show, the red carpet pre-show offers a dazzling prelude to the evening's main events. ABC's official pre-show, titled 'On The Red Carpet at the Oscars', begins at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET. Additionally, E! will host its popular 'E! Live From the Red Carpet' coverage, starting at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET. Both these pre-shows can be streamed through the aforementioned live TV services, ensuring comprehensive coverage of celebrity arrivals and fashion statements. For example, DirecTV Stream offers a generous five-day free trial, allowing viewers to catch both the red carpet and the awards ceremony. Fubo also provides a five-day free trial, with plans commencing at $45.99 for the initial month. Hulu and Disney+ subscribers can also livestream the awards, with Disney+ currently running a special promotion offering a bundled subscription at a significant discount. Sling TV also includes ABC in its 'Blue Plan', and the 'Orange & Blue' package is currently available at half price for the first month.

This year's nominations are led by 'Sinners' with a record-breaking 16 nods, closely followed by 'One Battle After Another' with 13. 'Frankenstein', 'Marty Supreme', and 'Sentimental Value' each garnered nine nominations. All five are contenders for the coveted Best Picture award, alongside 'Bugonia', 'F1', 'Hamnet', 'The Secret Agent', and 'Train Dreams'. Conan O’Brien returns as the host, promising another evening of entertainment. Presenters include distinguished figures like Mikey Madison, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña. Live musical performances will feature two Best Original Song nominees: “Golden” from 'KPop Demon Hunters' and “I Lied to You” from 'Sinners'. As the evening unfolds, the list of winners will be continuously updated, celebrating the cinematic achievements of the year.

The extensive array of streaming choices for the Academy Awards highlights the evolving landscape of media consumption. The accessibility offered by various platforms, especially with free trials and bundled deals, democratizes the viewing experience, allowing a broader audience to participate in the excitement of Hollywood’s most celebrated night. This shift not only caters to convenience but also encourages engagement with premium content, demonstrating how traditional events can adapt to modern digital habits.