Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to watch the 2025 Oscars, whether online or through cable. The event airs in over 200 countries, so chances are you can tune in through a local channel and catch the live broadcast. However, online streaming can get tricky, as most platforms enforce geo-restrictions due to copyright agreements. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Watch the 2025 Oscars Online
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Why You Need a VPN to Watch the 2025 Oscars Online
Streaming the Oscars 2025 can be tricky if you’re not in a country where the event is officially broadcast. Platforms like ABC, Hulu, and YouTube TV limit access based on location, so you might see an error if you’re streaming from abroad. Even if you’re in a supported country, school, work, or public networks sometimes block streaming sites entirely. A VPN can help you access the Oscars without interruptions. It routes your connection through a private server, ensuring a smooth, secure streaming experience. Here’s why it’s worth using:
Stream on blocked networks — A VPN lets you watch the Oscars on networks that block streaming sites, like schools, offices, and public WiFi hotspots. It bypasses these restrictions by routing your connection through an unrestricted server. Improve streaming quality — VPNs with dedicated streaming servers offer faster speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This ensures smooth, buffer-free streaming, even when your network administrator is throttling your speeds. Protect your privacy — A VPN hides your IP address with AES 256-bit encryption, keeping your location private while streaming the Oscars. This prevents platforms from blocking your connection, and protects your data if you’re watching on public WiFi. Maintain a stable connection — Some VPNs offer automatic server switching if one connection becomes slow or unstable. This ensures you don’t miss key moments during the live broadcast.
The Best VPNs to Safely Watch the 2025 Oscars
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How to Watch the 2025 Oscars Official Broadcast in the US
The 2025 Oscars will air live on March 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with Conan O’Brien hosting the event at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The official broadcast will be on ABC, but you don’t need cable to watch. Several streaming platforms carry ABC, making it easy to watch the ceremony live online.
1. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers the Oscars 2025 live through ABC, making it a top choice for streamers. You’ll get over 95 live channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. Hulu also gives you access to Disney+ and ESPN+, adding more value to your offer. Both the $76.99/month ad-supported option and the $89.99/month ad-free offer include unlimited cloud DVR. This means you can record the entire Oscars and rewatch it anytime. Hulu works on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV streams the Oscars live on ABC, with 4K support for crisp, clear video. It offers great playback features, like “catch up” while the event is still live, letting you rewind if you miss something. The service also allows 3 simultaneous streams, perfect for households. New users get a 7-day free trial, while the regular offer costs $72.99/month. YouTube TV includes 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, and up to 9 months of storage for your recordings. You can watch on smart TVs, computers, and mobile devices without extra equipment.
3. FuboTV
FuboTV lets you stream the Oscars live on ABC and includes a mix of entertainment, sports, and news channels. It supports 4K resolution, so you get sharp, clear video with minimal buffering. You can watch on smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile apps. New users get a 7-day free trial, but you’ll need a payment method at sign-up. After that, the Pro option costs $79.99/month and includes 1,000 hours of cloud DVR. If you’re planning to watch the event live, set up your account ahead of time to avoid delays.
4. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers live ABC access, making it another solid choice for streaming the Oscars 2025. You can watch on smart TVs, computers, tablets, and phones without any special setup. The service includes HD streaming, so you won’t have to deal with low-quality video. You can start with a 5-day free trial, but payment details are required. After the trial, the Entertainment offer costs $79.99/month and includes 75+ channels. The option comes with 20 hours of DVR storage, but you can upgrade if you need more space.
Where to Watch the 2025 Oscars Outside the US (Without Cable)
Where Can I Watch the 2025 Oscars on Cable?
The 2025 Oscars will air live on cable in over 200 countries, with ABC as the official broadcaster in the US. Networks like ITV, CTV, Star Movies, and Sky Cinema will cover the event globally. Here’s a breakdown of where to watch the Oscars on cable in your country.
Red Carpet Coverage
The Oscars 2025 Red Carpet kicks off the night with live interviews, fashion highlights, and celebrity arrivals. Coverage usually starts 60 to 90 minutes before the main event, giving you a front-row seat to all the pre-show excitement. Expect to see nominees, presenters, and performers sharing their thoughts before the ceremony begins. You can watch the red carpet live on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream, all of which stream ABC. The ABC app and ABC.com also offer live coverage if you log in with your TV provider. If you’re using a free trial, make sure it’s set up and active beforehand. Some platforms, like E! News, provide multi-angle views and backstage coverage alongside the main feed. You can also find red carpet recaps on channels like Entertainment Tonight and People TV after the event.
Films & Actors Nominated at the 2025 Oscars
The 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most exciting ceremonies yet, with a wide range of films and performances in the spotlight. Leading the pack is Emilia Perez, earning 13 nominations — the most ever for a non-English-language film. The Brutalist and Wicked follow closely, with 10 nominations each. Here are the Best Picture nominees: In the Best Actress category, Karla Sofia Gascon made history as the first openly transgender performer nominated, recognized for her role in Emilia Perez. She’s joined by Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here). For Best Actor, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Sebastian Stan (The Substance) are competing for the top prize. Chalamet, at 29, is now the youngest two-time Best Actor nominee since James Dean.
Protect Yourself Without Missing a Single Moment of the Oscars
Watching the 2025 Oscars shouldn’t be complicated, but it often is. Between regional restrictions, confusing sign-ups, and streams that crash last minute, it’s easy to get frustrated. Even if you find a working option, buffering can ruin the experience. That’s why knowing the best way to watch, without the hassle, matters. Many official broadcasters struggle to handle the user load on their servers during popular events like the Oscars. This can severely impact your connection and even kick you out of the stream entirely. If you find yourself staring at the 404 error or stuck in endless buffering, try refreshing the page or switching to a different VPN server. You can stream the 2025 Oscars on ABC, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, while cable viewers can tune in on Sky Cinema, CTV, and more. If you’re traveling or using a restricted network, a VPN can keep your connection secure and stable, so you don’t miss a moment of the show.
Summary — Watch the 2025 Oscars Online With These VPNs
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
