Oscars Live Stream

The 97th Academy Awards: Where to Watch and Everything You Need to Know

This Sunday, March 2, the 97th Academy Awards will take center stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, promising an evening of cinematic celebration, cultural reflection, and, as always, a touch of Hollywood glamour. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the Oscars will honor the best in film from the past year, with a lineup of nominees and performances that reflect the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for Hollywood’s biggest night.

When and Where to Watch

The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on ABC. For the first time, the Oscars will also stream live on Hulu, making it more accessible to cord-cutters. Viewers with cable subscriptions can also stream the event on ABC.com or the ABC app. International audiences can tune in via Disney+ in select regions.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the pre-show excitement, ABC’s official red carpet coverage, The Oscars Red Carpet Show, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET. Earlier coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET with On the Red Carpet at the Oscars, featuring interviews with nominees and presenters.

The Host: Conan O’Brien’s First Oscars

Conan O’Brien, known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating humor, will make his Oscars hosting debut. O’Brien has promised a fresh take on the ceremony, blending his comedic style with the gravitas of the event. In a recent interview, he joked about the advice he received from past hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, who told him, “If you can do the jokes sitting down, do them sitting down.”

The Nominees: A Diverse and Competitive Field

This year’s nominations reflect a broad spectrum of storytelling, from historical epics to intimate dramas. Leading the pack is Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, a crime musical with 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly transgender actress nominated in the category. Close behind are The Brutalist and Wicked, each with 10 nominations.

The Best Picture category is particularly competitive, featuring films like Dune: Part Two, Anora, A Complete Unknown, and Conclave. These films span genres and themes, from science fiction to biographical drama, showcasing the Academy’s growing recognition of diverse narratives.

Performances and Presenters

While the Oscars have traditionally featured live performances of Best Original Song nominees, this year’s ceremony will take a different approach. Instead, the evening will include “powerful musical moments” celebrating the history and future of filmmaking. Performers include Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as well as Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also deliver a special performance.

Presenters include last year’s acting winners—Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., and Da’Vine Joy Randolph—alongside a star-studded lineup featuring Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, Andrew Garfield, and Whoopi Goldberg, among others.

The Cultural Context: A Night of Reflection

The Oscars are more than an awards show; they are a cultural barometer. This year’s ceremony arrives at a moment of reckoning for Hollywood, as the industry grapples with issues of representation, equity, and the evolving role of streaming platforms. Films like Emilia Pérez and Anora highlight the growing visibility of underrepresented voices, while the inclusion of streaming services like Hulu in the broadcast underscores the shifting dynamics of film distribution.

What to Watch For

Keep an eye on potential historic moments, such as Karla Sofía Gascón’s groundbreaking nomination and the possibility of Wicked or The Brutalist sweeping major categories. The ceremony will also pay tribute to the late Quincy Jones, celebrating his contributions to music and film.

As the night unfolds, the Oscars will not only celebrate the art of filmmaking but also reflect the stories and struggles that define our time. Whether you’re tuning in for the awards, the performances, or the red carpet fashion, this year’s Academy Awards promise to be a night to remember.