How to watch the 2020 Oscars live online for free—without cable
Oscars ceremony wraps up awards season in Hollywood.
Hollywood’s biggest night of the year gets underway Sunday—and it’s a year where anything could happen.
The Joker, The Irishman and Jojo Rabbit will battle six other films for the Best Picture trophy and oddsmakers say there’s no clear frontrunner. While The Joker received 11 nominations, it didn’t sweep the Golden Globes (though star Joaquin Phoenix did take home the Best Actor award).
This is the 92nd year the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has honored the best films and performances of the year. But the ceremony at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. starts long before the first award is handed out.
Whether you’re pulling for a favorite film or just want to debate the fashions of the evening, it’s one of the biggest television events of the year.
Got questions about this year’s Oscars ceremony? We’ve got answers.
What time do the Oscars start?
The 92nd Academy Awards ceremony will be held Sunday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET
What channel can I watch the Oscars on?
ABC is hosting this year’s Oscars and it’s the only broadcast channel that will air the event. Other networks, though, will provide coverage of events outside of the Dolby Theater (see below).
What time does red carpet coverage of the 2020 Academy Awards begin?
ABC will kick off its Oscars pre-show at 6:30 p.m. ET, but if you want an early start, E!’s Live From the Red Carpet will start airing at 5 p.m. ET and will run right up until the Oscars begin. And E!’s Countdown to the Red Carpet starts as early as 1 p.m. ET.
How can I watch the Oscars for free if I don’t have cable?
If you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, the best way to watch any network program for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. The 2020 Oscars will be broadcast by ABC—meaning you’ve got a good chance of capturing the game over the air, which costs nothing beyond the equipment prices. Be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
How can I stream the Oscars live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
There are loads of online options to watch the Oscars, some completely free and others with free trial periods. If you’re not near a TV, you can log into ABC.com to watch the show. Don’t have a cable subscription (which you’ll need to watch the official stream online)? Here are a few other options that work just as well.
Locast.org
This free service lets you watch local broadcast channels with no monthly fees or contracts. The hiccup is: It only services part of the country.
Hulu with Live TV
You can try the service free for a week. Once that’s up, you’ll pay $45 per month.
YouTube TV
After a seven day trial, you can expect monthly charges of $50.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling is one of the original cord cutter options. Its lower tiered “Orange” plan will run you $30 per month. A more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $45-per-month. (Both have ABC.) You’ll have a 7-day free trial first.
AT&T TVNow
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T’s streaming service will run you $65 per month and up after a 7-day free trial.
Who’s hosting the 2020 Academy Awards?
Comedian Kevin Hart was originally announced as host, but he backed away when some anti-gay tweets he posted a decade ago resurfaced. So, for the second year in a row, the Oscars are bypassing a host. ABC announced last month the focus would be on “huge entertainment value, big musical numbers, big comedy and star power.”
Where can I watch this year’s Best Picture nominees?
Ford v Ferrari (Fox)
Where to watch: Currently in theaters. Also streaming on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and YouTube.
The Irishman (Netflix)
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix
Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight)
Where to watch: Currently in theaters
Joker (Warner Bros.)
Where to watch: Streaming on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and YouTube, as well as On Demand on many cable systems
Little Women (Sony)
Where to watch: Currently in theaters. Also streaming on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and YouTube.
Marriage Story (Netflix)
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix
1917 (Universal)
Where to watch: Currently in theaters
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood (Sony)
Where to watch: Streaming on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and YouTube, as well as On Demand on many cable systems
Parasite (Neon)
Where to watch: Streaming on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu and Google Play, as well as On Demand on many cable systems
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—How Randy Newman’s family built a film-scoring dynasty
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—Charlize Theron and John Lithgow reflect on Bombshell’s indelible impact
—HBO’s “McMillion$” shows how cheaters scammed McDonald’s Monopoly
—Content is king: Inside Netflix’s streaming wars strategy
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