The Oscars remain the ultimate prize in Hollywood. It’s the award Leonardo DiCaprio sought for decades before finally winning, the moment when Matthew McConaughey’s heartfelt speech about “three things every day” moved audiences around the world, and the moment when stars new and established find true validation. And in 2026, the competition for the golden statuette promises to be fiercer than ever.
Leading the battle are the Best Actor nominees, including Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supremewho has perhaps been the one who has spoken the most about his quest for greatness. But he faces formidable competition, including Leonardo DiCaprio for One battle after another and Michael B. Jordan for Sinners.
As for the actresses, Emma Stone for Bugonia is widely considered the favorite, although Jessie Buckley delivered an equally convincing performance in Hamnet. In fact, it was a surprise that her co-star Paul Mescal didn’t receive a nomination.
The 2026 Oscars will be broadcast live in more than 100 countries around the world. But some lucky viewers – in the UK and Australia, as well as the US thanks to a few sneaky methods – can watch the entire three-and-a-half hour show completely for free. Read on to find out how…
How to watch the 2026 Oscars for free
UK and Australian audiences have the easiest way to watch the film. Oscars 2026 live for free. The ceremony is broadcast on free platforms in both countries.
Streaming options:
UNITED KINGDOM: ITVX (FREE)
Australia: 7plus (FREE)
WE: Hulu (30-day free trial)
Far from home? Use a VPN to access your local streaming services from anywhere in the world.
Use a VPN to access the 2026 Oscars from anywhere
NordVPN is our best VPN (we actually have our own in-house expert, Mike, who tests VPNs 24/7 and he ranks NordVPN among the best in terms of price, streaming, security, etc.).
Nothing works quite like Nord when it comes to unblocking streaming services – so you can access your favorite Oscars 2026 live streams from anywhere!
Quickstart: Use a VPN to watch the 2026 Oscars for free
Once you are signed up with your VPN:
1. Open the NordVPN application.
2. Connect to a server based in your home country where the ceremony is free, such as the UK, Australia or even the US.
3. Launch ITVX, 7plus, or a free trial US streaming service of your choice, such as Hulu or YouTube TV.
5. Watch the 2026 Oscars streaming without cable TV, from anywhere, for FREE.
When will the 2026 Oscars take place?
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15 at the famous Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, and the show is expected to last approximately three and a half hours.
Who will host the 2026 Oscars?
Conan O’Brien has been confirmed as host of the 98th Academy Awards for what will be his second consecutive year.
2026 Oscar nominations
Category 1: Actor in a leading role
Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonard DiCaprio, One battle after another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B.Jordan, Sinners
Wagner Moura, The secret agent
Category 2: Actor in a supporting role
Benicio Del Toro, One battle after another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One battle after another
Stellan Skarsgard, Sentimental value
Category 3: Actress in a leading role
Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Rose Byrne, If I had legs I’d kick you
Kate Hudson, Song sung in blue
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental value
Emma Stone, Bugonia
Category 4: Actress in a supporting role
Elle Fanning, Sentimental value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental value
Amy Madigan, Weapons
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Teyana Taylor, One battle after another
Category 5: Animated feature film
Bow
Elio
Demon Hunters KPop
Little Amélie or the character of the rain
Zootopia 2
Category 6: Animated short film
Butterfly
Evergreen
The girl who cried pearls
Retirement plan
The three sisters
Check out the full list of 2026 Oscar nominations.
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