Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here, and if you’re searching for oscars 2025 how to watch, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate viewing guide. The 97th Academy Awards are set to dazzle audiences on Sunday, March 2, 2025, broadcasting live from the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Whether you’re a traditional cable viewer or a streaming enthusiast, this year’s ceremony offers more ways to tune in than ever before , including a groundbreaking first for Hulu. Here’s everything you need to know to catch every glamorous moment, from the early red carpet arrivals to the after-party celebrations.
When and Where Are the 2025 Oscars Happening?
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony officially begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and will be hosted by comedian and late-night legend Conan O’Brien, marking his first time taking the reins of Hollywood’s most prestigious awards show.
While the main event is the headline attraction, the day is packed with coverage that begins hours before the first envelope is opened. Red carpet festivities kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT with a star-studded pre-show that promises fashion, exclusive interviews, and all the anticipation that builds up before the biggest night in film.
Oscars 2025 How to Watch: Your Complete Channel and Streaming Guide
This year’s Oscars bring exciting new options for viewers across the country. Here’s a breakdown of every way you can tune in:
Watch Live on ABC
The traditional home of the Academy Awards remains ABC. You can watch the entire ceremony live on your local ABC affiliate, starting with red carpet coverage at 3:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main awards show at 7 p.m. ET. ABC’s broadcast will also include a special preview of “American Idol” immediately following the ceremony.
Stream Live on Hulu
In a historic first, the 2025 Oscars will be streamed live on Hulu. This marks the first time the Academy Awards ceremony has been available for live streaming on the platform, giving cord-cutters an easy and accessible way to watch Hollywood’s biggest night without a traditional cable subscription. As Disney owns both ABC and Hulu, this partnership makes the streaming experience seamless for subscribers.
Watch on ABC.com
If you prefer to stream through your television provider’s website, you can watch the Oscars live on ABC.com. You’ll just need to authenticate your account using your cable or satellite login credentials. This option is perfect for viewers who want to watch on a laptop or smart device without a Hulu subscription.
Social Media and Digital Coverage
Beyond the main broadcast, you can follow all the red carpet action live on OnTheRedCarpet.com, as well as the On the Red Carpet Facebook and YouTube pages. This multi-platform approach ensures you never miss a moment, even if you’re on the go.
Don’t Miss the Red Carpet Pre-Show
The glamour of Oscar night begins long before the winners are revealed. ABC’s “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars” pre-show starts at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT and features a powerhouse team of hosts ready to bring you every breathtaking gown and dapper suit.
George Pennacchio of On The Red Carpet will be joined by ABC News anchors Linsey Davis and Whit Johnson as they welcome nominees, presenters, and A-list celebrities arriving at the Dolby Theatre. For fashion enthusiasts, supermodel Roshumba Williams and KABC’s Leslie Lopez will team up with renowned fashion expert Joe Zee to critique every stunning look on the red carpet. Expect candid commentary, celebrity interviews, and insider perspectives on this year’s standout styles.
The Robin Roberts “20/20” Oscars Special Edition
Before Oscar Sunday even arrives, ABC aired a must-see special hosted by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts on Friday, February 28, at 8/7c. This “20/20” Oscars Special Edition delivered an hour of exclusive content, including sit-down interviews with some of this year’s most talked-about nominees.
Highlights included conversations with Cynthia Erivo, who earned a Best Actress nomination for her role as Elphaba in “Wicked,” and Jesse Eisenberg, nominated in the Original Screenplay category for “A Real Pain” alongside Best Supporting Actor nominee Kieran Culkin. Roberts also took viewers behind the scenes with costume designer Paul Tazewell, offering a rare look at the gravity-defying dresses worn by the stars of “Wicked” , Tazewell himself is nominated for Best Costume Design.
The special also featured interviews with Oscar-nominated directors Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”) and James Mangold (“A Complete Unknown”), plus spotlights on high-profile nominees including Demi Moore, Zoe Saldaña, Mikey Madison, and Timothée Chalamet. ABC News correspondent Chris Connelly sat down with host Conan O’Brien for a preview of what the first-time emcee has planned for the big night. If you missed it, you can catch the special streaming on Hulu.
After-Party Coverage: Keep the Celebration Going
The festivities don’t end when the last Oscar is handed out. ABC will roll right into “On The Red Carpet After the Awards” immediately following the Best Picture announcement, giving viewers a front-row seat to the most exclusive parties in Hollywood.
George Pennacchio will report live from the Governors Ball, while WABC’s Joelle Garguilo covers the Vanity Fair party and KABC’s Tony Cabrera brings viewers inside the Elton John party. The fashion team will also return to reveal their picks for best-dressed celebrities of the evening, offering a stylish recap of the night’s most memorable looks.
“Live with Kelly and Mark” After the Oscars Show
For those who just can’t get enough of Oscar coverage, “Live with Kelly and Mark” is bringing back its popular “After the Oscars Show” on Monday, March 3, at 9 a.m. ET. Emmy Award-winning hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will return to the Dolby Theatre for a live broadcast recapping the night’s biggest moments, surprises, and water-cooler moments. It’s the perfect way to digest all the awards excitement with a morning-after perspective.
Get Ready with On The Red Carpet Specials
To help you prepare for Oscar Sunday, On The Red Carpet has produced three dedicated Oscar specials featuring in-depth interviews with this year’s nominees. The first special, “On The Red Carpet: And the Nominees Are…”, and the second, “On The Red Carpet: Countdown to Oscars,” are both available to stream. The third special airs on March 1, just one day before the ceremony. Check your local listings, visit OnTheRedCarpet.com, or look for these specials on your favorite streaming platform.
Why the Oscars on Hulu Is a Game-Changer
The decision to stream the Oscars live on Hulu represents a significant shift in how audiences consume awards shows. For years, cord-cutters have had limited options for watching live events, often relying on antennae or complicated workarounds. With Hulu now offering live access to the 97th Academy Awards, viewers without traditional cable subscriptions can enjoy seamless streaming alongside their favorite on-demand content. This move reflects the growing demand for flexible, accessible viewing experiences and signals that major broadcasters are embracing streaming as the future of live television.
Final Tips for Oscar Night Viewing
To make the most of your Oscars viewing experience, consider setting reminders for each segment of the day’s programming. Start with the red carpet pre-show at 3:30 p.m. ET, settle in for the main ceremony at 7 p.m. ET, and keep your TV on for the after-party coverage. If you’re streaming, test your Hulu connection beforehand to avoid any technical hiccups during the live broadcast.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards promise to be an unforgettable celebration of cinematic achievement, and with multiple ways to watch, there’s no excuse to miss a single moment. From the historic debut of live streaming on Hulu to the traditional ABC broadcast and robust digital coverage, this year’s Oscars cater to every type of viewer. Tune in early for the red carpet glamour, stay through the final award for the Best Picture, and keep watching for exclusive after-party coverage. Hollywood’s biggest night is bigger than ever in 2025 , make sure you’re part of it.