The 97th Academy Awards are almost here, and Hollywood’s biggest night is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Set for Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Oscars will bring together the year’s standout films, dazzling stars, and plenty of drama—think nail-biting races and red-carpet glamour. But here’s the kicker: for the first time ever, you won’t need a cable box to catch it live. Over-the-top (OTT) platforms are stepping up, making it easier than ever to tune in. So, when’s it happening, and where can you stream it? Let’s dig into the details.
The Oscars kick off on March 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, that’s 4:00 PM Pacific if you’re on the West Coast. For folks in India, it’s a late-night affair, starting at 5:30 AM IST on Monday, March 3. The show’s slated to run about three and a half hours, wrapping up around 10:30 PM ET, so pace yourself if you’re planning to watch live. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony’s bound to have some sharp humor to keep things rolling.
Red-carpet coverage starts earlier, naturally. ABC’s official pre-show, “The Oscars Red Carpet Show,” begins at 6:30 PM ET, while E!’s “Live From E!: The Oscars” fires up at 4:00 PM ET. If you’re all about the fashion and pre-game buzz, that’s where you’ll want to be. The main event, though, is what everyone’s waiting for, especially with tight races like Anora versus Conclave in the Best Picture hunt.
Here’s the big news: 2025 marks the first time the Oscars will stream live on an OTT platform alongside its usual ABC broadcast. That’s right—no more scrambling for a friend’s cable login or rigging an antenna. Hulu’s leading the charge, offering a front-row seat to the Dolby Theatre action. It’s a shift that’s been a long time coming, especially as cord-cutting keeps picking up steam. For the Academy, it’s a smart way to snag younger viewers who’d rather scroll than flip channels.
This isn’t just about convenience, either. With wildfires rattling LA and the industry still shaking off pandemic blues, going OTT feels like a nod to resilience, bringing the show straight to fans, no matter where they’re parked.
Hulu’s your golden ticket for live streaming. If you’re already a subscriber, plans start at $9.99 a month with ads. Newbies can grab a 30-day free trial, which is plenty to cover Oscar night without spending a dime. Just sign up, log in, and hit the live stream at 7:00 PM ET. Hulu’s also got next-day access if you crash before the Best Picture winner’s announced.
But Hulu’s not the only game in town. OTT services with live TV, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream, carry ABC and will air the show, too. Prices vary: Hulu + Live TV starts at $82.99 a month, while YouTube TV’s around $72.99. The perk? Many offer free trials; Fubo’s got a week-long one, so one can watch for free. Cancel after the credits roll, and you’re out nothing. Check your zip code, though, as ABC availability can depend on your spot.
If you’re not in the States, don’t sweat it; the Oscars air in over 200 territories. Internationally, OTT options shift by region. In India, Star Movies or Disney+ Hotstar might pick it up, though nothing’s locked in yet. Keep an eye on local listings. In the UK, ITVX could be your bet, while Canada’s got CTV streaming. The Academy’s site has a full rundown of global broadcasters, so poke around there closer to the date. Wherever you are, an OTT platform’s likely got you covered.
Beyond the streaming hype, 2025’s Oscars are stacked. Emilia Pérez leads with 13 nods, but its lead actress’s drama might shake things up. The Brutalist and Wicked are hot on its heels with 10 each, and dark horses like A Complete Unknown could steal the show. Conan’s wit, plus performances from Ariana Grande and Doja Cat, promise a night that’s equal parts glitz and edge. Whether you’re in it for the wins or the memes, OTT makes it a breeze to join the party.
The Oscars 2025 is breaking new ground with OTT access, and it’s about time. Tune in March 2 at 7:00 PM ET on Hulu or a live TV streamer—free trials make it a no-brainer. Wherever you’re watching, it’s set to be a night of surprises, and now you’ve got no excuse to miss it.