Oscars 2025 | 97th Academy Awards | Red Carpet Show

Oscars 2025: How to Live Stream the Ceremony for Free

The wait is almost over! The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and Hollywood's biggest stars are gearing up for a night of glamour, excitement, and those coveted golden statuettes. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite film to win Best Picture or just here for the red carpet fashion, you won’t want to miss a second of the action. But what if you don’t have cable? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with all the ways to live stream the Oscars 2025 for free.

Oscars 2025: What to Expect

The 2025 Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony kicks off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and will be hosted by the hilarious Conan O’Brien, known for his quick wit and late-night charm. This year’s show promises to be unforgettable, with performances by stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from the hit musical Wicked, alongside other artists such as Doja Cat and LISA from Blackpink.

The nominations are just as exciting. Emilia Pérez leads the pack with 13 nods, including a historic nomination for Karla Sofía Gascón, who could become the first openly transgender actor to win an Oscar. Other frontrunners include The Brutalist and Wicked with 10 nominations each, and A Complete Unknown and Conclave with eight apiece. It’s a diverse and thrilling lineup, and anything could happen on Oscar night.

How to Watch the Oscars Live

Traditionally, the Oscars air on ABC, and 2025 is no exception. However, in a groundbreaking move, the ceremony will also be streamed live on Hulu for the first time ever. No cable? No problem! If you’re a Hulu subscriber, you can simply open the app or visit the website at showtime to catch the live stream.

But if you’re looking to watch without spending a dime, there are plenty of free options available. Let’s dive into how you can tune in without breaking the bank.

Free Streaming Options

Here are the best ways to live stream the Oscars 2025 for free:

1. Free Trials from Streaming Services

One of the easiest ways to watch the Oscars without paying is by signing up for free trials offered by live TV streaming platforms. Many services carry ABC and provide trial periods that can cover the duration of the ceremony. Here are some top options:

• Hulu + Live TV: Offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Includes ABC in most markets.

• YouTube TV: Provides a 7-day free trial. Check your local channel lineup to confirm ABC availability.

• FuboTV: Features a 7-day free trial with ABC in many regions.

• DirecTV Stream: Offers a 5-day free trial, including ABC in select areas.

How to do it:

1. Sign up for a free trial with one of these services before March 2.

2. Use the trial to stream ABC’s live broadcast of the Oscars.

3. Cancel your subscription after the show to avoid any charges.

Pro Tip: Most trials require a credit card, so set a reminder to cancel before the trial period ends. Also, verify that ABC is available in your area—services like Sling TV only offer ABC in select markets, so double-check before committing.

2. Over-the-Air Broadcast

Don’t have a fancy streaming setup? No worries! Since ABC is a broadcast network, you can watch the Oscars for free with a simple TV antenna. If you’re within range of an ABC affiliate, plug in an antenna, scan for channels, and enjoy the show in high definition—no subscription needed.

What you’ll need:  

• A digital TV antenna (available at most electronics stores for $20-$50).

• A TV with a built-in tuner or an external tuner box.

Pro Tip: Check your signal strength beforehand to ensure you can pick up ABC clearly. Websites like AntennaWeb can help you confirm coverage in your area.

3. International Free Streams with a VPN

For viewers outside the U.S., some countries offer free Oscar broadcasts that you can access with a little tech know-how. For example, in Australia, Channel 7 and its streaming service 7plus will air the ceremony for free. Not in Australia? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you tune in.

How to do it:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN service like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.

2. Connect to a server in Australia (or another country with free coverage).

3. Visit the 7plus website or app to stream the Oscars live.

What’s a VPN?: A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear as though you’re browsing from another location. This bypasses geo-restrictions and unlocks content unavailable in your region.

Pro Tip: Test your VPN connection ahead of time to ensure a smooth, buffer-free experience on Oscar night.

Watching the Red Carpet

The Oscars aren’t just about the awards—the red carpet is a major event in itself! The official Oscars Red Carpet Show starts at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu. Catch all the stunning fashion and celebrity interviews before the main ceremony begins. The same free streaming options—trials, antennas, or VPNs—apply, so you can enjoy the pre-show without extra cost.

Conclusion

With so many ways to watch the Oscars 2025 live stream for free, there’s no excuse to miss out on Hollywood’s biggest night. Whether you snag a free trial from Hulu + Live TV, dust off an old antenna, or use a VPN to tap into international streams, you’ll be front and center for all the excitement. So grab your popcorn, print out your Oscar ballot, and get ready for a night of cinematic celebration on March 2, 2025! Who will take home the gold? Tune in to find out!