While you’ve traditionally needed a live TV package that includes ABC to watch the Academy Awards, or a way to access your local free over-the-air ABC station, that’s no longer the case. However, you will still need a subscription.
The 98th Oscars are still being shown on ABC, so those with access to their local station, either over-the-air or through a live TV package, can stream the event live as normal.
However, last year the Oscars ceremony became available to stream live on Hulu, and that’s also the case this year. Along with all Hulu Live TV subscribers, all basic Hulu subscribers can watch the entire awards ceremony at no additional cost.
When Are The 98th Oscars?
The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony takes place this Sunday (March 15) with the event starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
Watch The 98th Oscars On Hulu
While Hulu still requires a monthly subscription, it is considerably cheaper than signing up and paying for a full live TV package.
Hulu offers two non-live plans for new subscribers to choose from, Hulu and Hulu Premium. The main difference between the two tiers is the use of ads.
However, as the Oscars are streaming live, all subscribers can expect to sit through ad breaks regardless of which plan they subscribe to.
For those simply looking for the cheapest option possible, the standard Hulu plan costs $11.99 a month and a 30-day free trial is available.
For those that would like a more premium experience, the Hulu Premium plan costs $18.99 a month. Premium not only removes the ads when streaming content from the on-demand library, but also unlocks the ability to download titles to watch offline.
It is also possible to bundle Hulu with Disney+, with plans starting at just $12.99 a month.
In fact, Disney is currently running a promotion that allows new subscribers (signing up before March 24) to get Disney+ and Hulu for just $4.99/mo for the first three months.
If You Do Want To Watch With A Live TV Package
While you don’t need a live TV package to stream this year’s event, there are plenty of options available if you do.
At $45.99 a month, Sling TV is one of the cheapest options for a live TV package that includes ABC. However, as Sling doesn’t offer ABC is all locations, those shopping for a live TV package will want to confirm they will get ABC in their area before signing up.
For those that find they don’t live in an area where Sling offers ABC, Fubo is currently running a promotion which reduces the cost of its Fubo Sports package down to just $45.99 for the first month.
Fubo Sports provides access to more than 25 live TV channels, including ABC in supported areas.
Here are all the current live TV streaming services that provide access to ABC, and their cheapest prices.
| DirecTV Choice | $59.99/mo** |
| Fubo | $45.99/mo** |
| Hulu Live TV | $89.99/mo |
| Sling TV* | $45.99/mo |
| YouTube TV | $59.99/mo*** |
Depending on the live TV service, you may actually find you can take advantage of a free trial, completely removing the cost of streaming this year’s Academy Awards.
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