The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of how audiences consume Hollywood’s most prestigious ceremony. As traditional broadcast television viewership continues to shift toward digital platforms, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has increasingly embraced streaming to maintain global reach. This year’s ceremony, hosted for the second consecutive time by late-night veteran Conan O’Brien, will be accessible through a variety of digital channels, offering numerous options for viewers seeking how to watch the 2026 Oscars without cable.
The official broadcast will begin at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on ABC, preceded by a highly anticipated red carpet pre-show at 6:30 p.m. ET. For those who have transitioned away from traditional satellite or cord-based services, the 2026 ceremony continues the partnership with Hulu, allowing subscribers to stream the event live. This multi-platform approach reflects a broader industry trend where live "event television" must adapt to the "on-demand" habits of a modern audience.
Live Streaming Platforms and Digital Access Points
For viewers prioritizing flexibility, several live TV streaming services provide access to local ABC affiliates. These platforms function as direct replacements for cable, offering the same live broadcast experience without long-term contracts. Understanding the landscape of these services is essential for anyone determining how to watch the 2026 Oscars without cable while seeking the best financial value.
YouTube TV remains a primary contender in the live streaming market. Its base plan includes over 100 channels, featuring local networks like ABC in most regions. For the 2026 Oscars, YouTube TV is offering a 21-day free trial for new users, followed by an introductory rate of $59.99 per month for the first two months. This promotion allows film enthusiasts to watch the ceremony at no initial cost, provided they cancel before the trial period expires.
Sling TV offers a more localized approach through its Sling Select package. At $19.99 per month, it is currently the most affordable live TV streaming option, though its inclusion of ABC is limited to specific major markets such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Fresno. Prospective viewers are encouraged to verify their zip code on the Sling website to ensure the Oscars broadcast is available in their area. Meanwhile, FuboTV provides a 5-day free trial and includes ABC in its standard lineup, positioning itself as a sports-heavy alternative that also captures major entertainment milestones.
Hulu’s Central Role in the 2026 Broadcast
Hulu has solidified its position as the premier digital home for the Academy Awards. For the second year in a row, the ceremony will stream simultaneously for Hulu subscribers, bypassing the need for a separate live TV add-on in many instances. This integration is a strategic move by Disney, which owns both ABC and a majority stake in Hulu, to consolidate its audience across linear and digital platforms.
New and eligible returning subscribers can take advantage of a 30-day free trial of Hulu, making it one of the most accessible ways to watch the 2026 Oscars without cable. Furthermore, a limited-time bundle deal available through March 24, 2026, offers both Hulu and Disney+ with ads for $4.99 per month for the first three months. Students also receive a significant discount, with a verified college email reducing the monthly cost to $1.99. T-Mobile customers on the "Experience Beyond" plan may find the service included in their mobile package at no additional cost, further lowering the barrier to entry for Hollywood’s biggest night.
Analysis of the 98th Academy Award Nominations
The 2026 awards season has been defined by a mix of blockbuster spectacles and intimate, auteur-driven dramas. Leading the pack is Sinners, which has set a new benchmark with a record-breaking 16 nominations. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film has dominated the cultural conversation, earning nods in almost every major category, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Lead Actor for Michael B. Jordan.
Close behind is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which garnered 13 nominations. The film, a sprawling historical epic, has been praised for its technical prowess and performances, particularly from Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro. Other significant contenders include Marty Supreme with nine nominations and Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, which earned seven.
Despite the breadth of the nominations, the 2026 list was not without its controversies. The total exclusion of Wicked: For Good—which received zero nominations—sent shockwaves through the industry and sparked heated debate among fans and critics alike. Similarly, the absence of Paul Mescal for his work in Hamnet and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia has been labeled by many as the year’s most significant snubs. These omissions highlight the intense competition in a year that many critics consider a "renaissance" for theatrical cinema.
How to Watch the 2026 Oscars Without Cable: A Guide to Best Picture Nominees
Preparation for the Oscars often involves "homework" for the audience—viewing as many nominated films as possible before the envelopes are opened. In 2026, the Best Picture nominees are spread across several competing streaming services, requiring a multi-platform strategy for completionists.
- Peacock: The NBCUniversal platform is currently the streaming home for Bugonia and Hamnet.
- HBO Max: Viewers can find the two most-nominated films, One Battle After Another and Sinners, on this service.
- Netflix: The streaming giant holds the rights to Frankenstein and Train Dreams.
- Apple TV+: The high-octane racing drama F1 remains an exclusive for Apple’s platform.
- Hulu: In addition to the live broadcast, Hulu hosts The Secret Agent and will debut Sentimental Value on March 23.
The Return of Conan O’Brien and the Presentation Lineup
The Academy’s decision to bring back Conan O’Brien as host follows a year of improved ratings and positive critical reception for the 97th Oscars. O’Brien’s comedic style, which blends self-deprecation with a deep respect for cinematic history, is seen as a stabilizing force for a telecast that has often struggled with its identity in the social media era.
The list of presenters for the 98th Oscars includes a diverse array of talent, featuring last year’s winners returning to pass the torch. Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, Adrien Brody, and Zoe Saldaña were among the first confirmed names. Subsequent announcements have added Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, and newcomer Chase Infiniti to the roster. The Academy has hinted at several "surprise" appearances to celebrate the legacy of film, a move designed to keep live viewers engaged throughout the three-hour-plus broadcast.
Technical Logistics and Streaming Quality
For those planning how to watch the 2026 Oscars without cable, technical preparation is as important as choosing the right service. Live streaming of a high-profile event requires a stable internet connection, ideally with speeds of at least 25 Mbps for a 4K or high-definition experience. Using a hardwired Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi can reduce the risk of buffering during critical moments, such as the Best Picture announcement.
Most streaming apps, including Hulu and YouTube TV, are compatible with major smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming sticks like Roku or Amazon Fire TV. Viewers should ensure their apps are updated to the latest version at least 24 hours before the ceremony to avoid last-minute technical hurdles.
Industry Impact and the Future of the Oscars
The shift toward streaming-centric viewership for the Academy Awards has profound implications for the film industry. The "Oscar bump"—a traditional increase in box office revenue following a nomination—has largely transitioned into a "streaming bump," where nominated films see a massive spike in minutes watched on digital platforms. This year, the record-breaking nominations for Sinners and One Battle After Another are expected to drive significant subscriber growth for HBO Max and other host services.
As the Academy prepares for its centennial in two years, the 98th Oscars serve as a testing ground for new technologies and distribution models. The success of the simultaneous Hulu stream and the proliferation of free trials on live TV services suggest that the future of the Academy Awards is inextricably linked to the digital ecosystem. By offering multiple ways for audiences to learn how to watch the 2026 Oscars without cable, the Academy is ensuring that Hollywood’s biggest night remains a relevant, global cultural event.
Summary of Major Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards
Best Picture
- Bugonia
- F1
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
Best Director
- Chloe Zhao — Hamnet
- Josh Safdie — Marty Supreme
- Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
- Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
- Ryan Coogler — Sinners
Best Lead Actor
- Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio — One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke — Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
- Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent
Best Lead Actress
- Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
- Rose Byrne — If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Kate Hudson — Song Sung Blue
- Renate Reinsve — Sentimental Value
- Emma Stone — Bugonia
The ceremony on March 15 will conclude a season of intense campaigning and critical evaluation. Whether viewed via a traditional antenna, a specialized streaming bundle, or a live TV replacement service, the 98th Oscars promise to be a definitive moment for the 2025 cinematic year. With Conan O’Brien at the helm and a historically competitive field of nominees, the event remains the gold standard for recognizing excellence in the moving image.
