Who is involved
The Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards, have long been a staple in the film industry, celebrating cinematic excellence. Traditionally, the event has been broadcast on television networks, with viewers eagerly tuning in to witness the glamour and excitement of the awards ceremony. However, with the rise of streaming platforms, expectations around how audiences can access the Oscars have evolved.
Before the latest developments, many fans anticipated that the Oscars would be available on multiple streaming services, including Disney Plus. This expectation was fueled by the growing trend of major events being accessible on various platforms. However, recent announcements have clarified the situation for the upcoming 2026 Oscars.
On March 15, 2026, the 98th annual Academy Awards will air live on ABC, but notably, they will also stream live on Hulu for all subscribers. This marks a significant shift in how audiences can engage with the event, as Hulu will be the exclusive streaming service for the Oscars, leaving Disney Plus out of the equation. To watch the Oscars live on Hulu, subscribers must activate their Hulu account through their Disney+ settings, which may confuse some users who are accustomed to accessing content through Disney Plus directly.
The Oscars red carpet coverage is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the ceremony following at 7:00 p.m. ET. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event is expected to draw significant viewership, especially given the anticipation surrounding nominated films, including the film ‘Sinners,’ which has garnered 16 nominations. However, Hulu subscribers have reported issues accessing the Oscars live stream, raising concerns about the platform’s reliability during such a high-profile event.
For those unable to watch the Oscars live, Hulu has confirmed that the entire ceremony will be available for on-demand streaming starting March 16, 2026. Additionally, the replay will also be accessible on Disney Plus after the ceremony concludes, providing some flexibility for viewers. Despite this, the fact remains that the Oscars will not be available for live viewing on Disney Plus, which may disappoint some fans.
As the landscape of media consumption continues to change, the decision to stream the Oscars exclusively on Hulu reflects a broader trend in the industry. Experts suggest that this move may be part of a strategic effort to bolster Hulu’s subscriber base, particularly with the Disney+/Hulu bundle deal priced at $4.99 per month for three months until March 24, 2026. This pricing strategy aims to attract new subscribers while providing existing users with access to premium content.
In summary, while the Oscars will not be available on Disney Plus for live viewing, the event can be accessed through Hulu, with additional options for on-demand viewing. As the date approaches, viewers will need to navigate these changes to ensure they do not miss out on the excitement of the Oscars. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of any streaming issues that may arise during the live broadcast, but the anticipation for the event remains high.
