The Oscars are not on Disney Plus
The Academy Awards broadcast does not stream on Disney Plus. ABC holds the television rights and streams the ceremony live on ABC.com and the ABC app, which you can access with a cable login or a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. If you have a Disney Bundle subscription that includes Hulu with ads, you can add a live TV plan to Hulu and watch through that route.
Disney owns ABC, but the company keeps the Oscars broadcast separate from Disney Plus. The streamer focuses on entertainment, sports, and news content from its own studios and networks — not on major live events that draw advertising revenue through traditional television.
Key Takeaways
- ABC broadcasts the Oscars live, and you can stream it on ABC.com or the ABC app with a cable login or live TV service.
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV all carry ABC and let you watch the ceremony without cable.
- Disney Plus does not carry the Oscars, even though Disney owns ABC.
- The ceremony usually airs in the evening on the Sunday it is scheduled, and streaming options are available at the same time as the television broadcast.
How to watch on ABC.com or the ABC app
Go to ABC.com or read the ABC app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. You will need to sign in with a cable provider account or a live TV streaming service. If you have Comcast, Charter, DirecTV, or another cable provider, use those login details. If you do not have cable, you can use a login from Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or another live TV service you subscribe to.
The broadcast starts at the time ABC announces — usually 7 p.m. Eastern Time on the Sunday of the ceremony. The stream is live, so you cannot pause or rewind during the event, but you may be able to watch a replay or clips afterward depending on your login method.
Live TV streaming services that carry ABC
If you do not have cable, a live TV streaming service is the most straightforward way to watch. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo all include ABC in their channel lineup. Each service costs between $55 and $80 per month, though prices and channel lists change. You can usually start a free trial for a week or two before committing.
Once you subscribe to one of these services, you can use your login on ABC.com or the ABC app to stream the Oscars. You can also watch directly through the service's own app or website. Check the current price and channel list on each service's website before signing up, because they vary by location and change throughout the year.
Using your Hulu + Live TV subscription
If you already have Hulu + Live TV as part of a Disney Bundle, you own a live TV service that includes ABC. You can watch the Oscars through the Hulu app on your TV, phone, or computer, or you can use your Hulu login on ABC.com and the ABC app. The broadcast is live, so you will see it at the same time as cable viewers.
Hulu + Live TV costs around $75 per month on its own, but if you bundle it with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, the total is lower than buying each service separately. If you already pay for the bundle, you have no extra cost to watch the Oscars.
Why the Oscars are not on Disney Plus
Disney Plus is a subscription video-on-demand service, meaning you pay a monthly fee and watch content whenever you want. The Oscars is a live event that airs once a year and draws millions of viewers and significant advertising revenue. ABC, which Disney owns, broadcasts the ceremony and sells commercial time to advertisers — that is where the money comes from.
Putting the Oscars on Disney Plus would mean losing that advertising revenue and giving the event to a service that does not run ads (unless you pay for Disney Plus with ads, which is a lower-cost tier). Disney has chosen to keep live events like the Oscars, the Super Bowl, and major sports on ABC and its live TV services, where they can sell ads to national brands.
When the Oscars airs and how to plan ahead
The Academy announces the ceremony date months in advance. The Oscars usually takes place in late February or early March, though the exact date varies year to year. Check the official Academy Awards website or ABC's schedule to confirm the date and time for the year you want to watch.
If you plan to watch on a live TV service, sign up at least a few days before the ceremony so you have time to read the app and test your login. If you use ABC.com or the ABC app, make sure your cable or streaming service login works before the broadcast starts. Testing your setup the day before the event prevents frustration on the night itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Oscars on demand after it airs?
ABC usually posts clips and highlights on ABC.com and the ABC app shortly after the ceremony ends. Full-episode replays may be available through your cable provider or live TV service, but availability depends on your specific login method. Check ABC.com the day after the ceremony for what is available.
Do I need a paid subscription to watch on ABC.com?
Yes, you need a cable login or a live TV streaming service login to watch on ABC.com or the ABC app. You cannot watch the Oscars for free on ABC's website or app without one of those logins, even though ABC is a broadcast network.
Is the Oscars ceremony ever on regular broadcast television?
Yes, ABC broadcasts it over the air if you have an antenna. If you have a TV antenna and live in an area with ABC reception, you can watch the ceremony for free on your television without any subscription or login.
What if my live TV service does not include ABC?
Most major live TV services include ABC, but some regional or budget services do not. Check the channel list on the service's website before you subscribe. If your service does not carry ABC, choose a different live TV service or use cable if you have it.
Can I watch the Oscars on Hulu without the Live TV add-on?
No, regular Hulu does not carry the Oscars. You need Hulu + Live TV, which includes the live ABC broadcast. The standard Hulu subscription does not include live television.