The 2025 Oscars are just around the corner, and excitement is building for one of the most celebrated nights in film. This year, we’ll provide you with essential details about the Academy Awards telecast, including how to watch the ceremony online for free, where to stream the Oscar-nominated films, and more. If you're eager to catch all the action, keep scrolling!
This year's frontrunner, the musical crime drama Emilia Pérez, leads the pack with a staggering 13 nominations. The film is not only vying for Best Picture but has also garnered nominations for lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who is expected to attend despite some controversy surrounding her. Other notable nominations include supporting actress Zoe Saldaña and director Jacques Audiard.
In addition to Emilia Pérez, the period drama The Brutalist and the musical adaptation Wicked are also in contention, each earning 10 nominations. Interestingly, several former TV stars have also received nominations this year, adding to the excitement of the event.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, at 7/6c on ABC and will be livestreamed on Hulu for the first time. If you’re looking to watch the ceremony online, you’ll need to subscribe to a live-TV streaming service that includes ABC, or sign up for Hulu. Below, we outline the best options for watching the Oscars online, many of which offer free trials!
This year, the Oscars will be available for the first time on Hulu. You can choose the Basic plan with ads for just $9.99 per month. If you prefer an ad-free experience, the Hulu Premium plan is available for $18.99/month, allowing you to download titles for offline viewing. For a more comprehensive cable replacement, consider Hulu + Live TV for $76.99/month, although this plan does not offer a free trial.
If you're on a budget but want to catch the Oscars, Sling TV is a great option. The Sling Blue subscription in select markets gives you access to ABC, enabling you to stream the Academy Awards. Normally priced at $50.99/month, new subscribers can currently enjoy their first month for just $25.50. Plus, you have the freedom to cancel anytime!
DirecTV Stream offers various subscription packages, but we recommend the Choice package for $114.99/month, which includes ABC in select markets. Right now, there's a promotion that offers $25 off your first three months, lowering your initial cost to $89.99/month. However, if you're primarily interested in watching the Oscars online for free, consider other options.
For those looking to watch the Oscars without spending a dime, Fubo TV offers a seven-day free trial for new users. The Pro plan provides access to ABC in select markets and includes over 175 other channels. Currently, the plan is discounted to $64.99/month, down from its usual $84.99/month. Be sure to cancel or change your subscription at any time, making Fubo a flexible choice for livestreaming the 2025 Academy Awards.
The Hulu + Live TV subscription is one of the pricier options for those wanting to watch the 2025 Academy Awards without cable. Plans start at $82.99/month, giving you access to ABC along with the entire streaming libraries from Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. If you’re seeking a comprehensive cable alternative, this option may be worth considering.
This year's Oscars will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, a familiar face in the realm of award shows. He has previously hosted the Emmys and the MTV Movie Awards. O’Brien takes over from fellow late-night star Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the event for the last two years. Kimmel opted not to return for a third consecutive year, while comedian John Mulaney was also rumored for the hosting gig.
If you're eager to binge-watch the Oscar-nominated films before the ceremony, we have you covered. For a complete guide to where to watch the major Oscar-nominated movies, stay tuned!
Here’s a quick overview of some of the top contenders:
Best Picture: Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, WickedBest Actor: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist; Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown; Colman Domingo, Sing Sing; Ralph Fiennes, Conclave; Sebastian Stan, The ApprenticeBest Actress: Cynthia Erivo, Wicked; Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez; Mikey Madison, Anora; Demi Moore, The Substance; Fernanda Torres, I’m Still HereBest Supporting Actor: Yura Borisov, Anora; Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain; Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown; Guy Pearce, The Brutalist; Jeremy Strong, The ApprenticeBest Supporting Actress: Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown; Ariana Grande, Wicked; Felicity Jones, The Brutalist; Isabella Rossellini, Conclave; Zoe Saldaña, Emilia PérezWith so many exciting films and performances recognized this year, the 2025 Oscars promise to be a night to remember. Be sure to check back for more updates and information on how to catch all the action live!
