How to Watch the 2026 Oscars: Where to Watch The 98th Academy Awards, Start Time, Nominees, Red Carpet Stunners, and More Live

This year marks the 98th Annual Academy Awards show, better known as The Oscars! With Hollywood's biggest night taking place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, the stars will be out just like past years, making appearances to see who takes home the coveted golden statuettes for best performances, films, directing and all the other nominees waiting to see if they secured an Oscar.

As always, streaming services make it easy to watch live TV
events like The Oscars.

Who, What, When, and Where for the 2026 Academy Awards Show

• Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
• Location: Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood
• Channel: Live on ABC
• Streaming: DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo
• Red Carpet Coverage: Pre-show begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on ABC
• Host: Conan O'Brien (First time hosting the Oscars)
• Nominations Announced: January 22, 2026
• Presenters: Announced presenters include Zendaya, Ryan Gosling, and Margot Robbie

Most Nominated Films

Watch the 2026 Oscars Award Show Live with a DIRECTV Genre Pack (5 Day Free Trial)

Local channels vary by market. New residential customers only. Valid card req'd.; may be charged temp hold during trial. After trial, service renews monthly at then-prevailing rate (currently $39.99/mo.) unless canceled. Restrictions apply.

The Oscars are available on ABC which means that DIRECTV's Genre Pack has you covered for the entirety of the broadcast. The new offering from a well-known service provides users the ability to pay for the channels that they watch without adding on extra channels to go unused and more expensive like many other services.

Take advantage of the 5-day free trial for Genre Packs to get access to this year's Academy Awards and watch cinema history being made live at the 2026 Oscars.

Quick Tips for Watching The 2026 Academy Awards Show

• Check your local ABC station for the exact start time in your time zone.
• If you're cutting the cord (which we recommend), try a free trial around the event to stream live without cable and test new options available.
• Tune into the red carpet pre-show for early interviews, fashion highlights, and celebrity arrivals. Don't get left out of Monday morning water cooler chat.

Must-See Moments at This Year's Oscars

• Opening Monologue
• Best Picture
• Best Actor & Best Actress
• Best Director
• In Memoriam Tribute
• Musical Performances
• Surprise Appearances (who will it be this year...)
• Red Carpet Highlights
• Post-Show Reactions

Our Team's Best Dressed Predictions for the Red Carpet

• Michael B. Jordan: The Sinners star always brings sophisticated style with a modern edge. Expect him to make a statement.
• Timothée Chalamet: Fashion-forward and unafraid to take risks. His red carpet looks are always conversation starters, especially after back-to-back acting nominations.
• Leonardo DiCaprio: Classic Hollywood style with impeccable tailoring. A veteran who knows how to command the carpet.
• Elle Fanning: Fresh, elegant, and always surprising. Her first Oscar nomination will surely inspire a memorable fashion moment.
• Teyana Taylor: Bold, confident, and fashion-forward. Expect showstopping style from the first-time nominee.
• Jacob Elordi: Rising star status with the style to match. His Frankenstein nomination will have all eyes on his red carpet debut.

Visit directv.com/affiliates/genre-packs to start your free five-day trial and get the full Genre Packs breakdown and offer details.