The 98th Academy Awards are set to return to the Dolby Theatre, bringing together the finest talents in global cinema for a night of high-stakes glamour and historic wins. Whether you are tuning in from the streets of New York, the suburbs of Sydney, or the heart of London, knowing exactly where to find the live broadcast is essential. Here is your definitive 2026 guide to watching the Oscars live across the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and South Africa.
The Global Countdown: When and Where?
The Oscars remain the most-watched entertainment event on the planet, but for international viewers, the biggest challenge is often the time zone math. The ceremony traditionally kicks off on a Sunday evening in Los Angeles, which means early Monday morning for many of our readers in Europe and Africa.
Key Broadcast Times
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USA & Canada: 5:00 PM (PT) / 8:00 PM (ET).
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United Kingdom: 1:00 AM (GMT) on Monday.
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South Africa: 3:00 AM (SAST) on Monday.
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Australia: 11:00 AM (AEDT) on Monday.
How to Watch the Oscars 2026 by Country
Each region has its exclusive rights holders. To ensure you don’t miss the Best Picture announcement due to a broken link, stick to these official broadcasters.
1. United States: The Home of ABC
In the US, ABC remains the exclusive home of the Academy Awards. If you have a cable subscription, you can watch it directly on your TV or via the ABC app. For those who have cut the cord, several live-streaming services offer ABC as part of their package:
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Hulu + Live TV: Includes ABC in most markets.
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YouTube TV: Reliable high-definition streaming.
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FuboTV: Great for those who also want sports coverage.
2. Canada: CTV and Crave
Canadian cinephiles can rely on CTV for the live broadcast. The network typically offers a simultaneous substitute of the ABC feed, including the star-studded red carpet pre-show. Additionally, the streaming service Crave often provides on-demand access to the ceremony shortly after it airs.
3. United Kingdom: ITV Takes the Stage
After years on Sky, the Oscars recently moved to ITV in the UK. Viewers can watch the ceremony live on ITV1 or stream it via ITVX. For those who cannot stay up until 4:00 AM, ITVX usually provides a “highlights” version the following day, perfect for your morning commute.
4. Australia: Channel 7 and 7plus
In Australia, the Oscars are a Monday morning affair. Channel 7 broadcasts the event live and free-to-air. If you are at work, you can stream the entire ceremony via the 7plus app on your mobile or tablet.
5. South Africa: M-Net (DStv)
For viewers in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa, M-Net (Channel 101 on DStv) is the traditional destination for the Academy Awards. Given the 3:00 AM start time, DStv usually schedules several rebroadcasts throughout Monday evening during prime time.
Expert Tips for an Uninterrupted Viewing Experience
Watching a live global event requires a bit of preparation. To avoid spoilers on social media before you’ve seen the big wins, follow these steps:
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Check Your Bandwidth: Ensure you have a stable internet connection if streaming. Live 4K broadcasts require at least 25 Mbps.
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Download the Apps Early: Don’t wait until 7:59 PM to download ITVX or 7plus. Update your apps and sign in at least an hour before.
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The Red Carpet: Most “Pre-Shows” start two hours before the main event. In 2026, expect TikTok and Instagram to have official partnerships for exclusive backstage “behind-the-lens” footage.
What Makes the 2026 Oscars Different?
The 98th edition isn’t just about the awards; it’s about the evolution of the medium. As AI-powered tools and new distribution models change how we consume stories, the Academy has introduced stricter theatrical requirements to ensure the “cinema experience” remains at the heart of the nominations.
“The Oscars are no longer just a Hollywood party; they are a global validation of cultural impact in an increasingly digital world.”
Major Categories to Watch
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Best Picture: Will a streaming giant finally dominate, or will traditional studios take the lead?
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Best Director: Look out for a diverse field of international auteurs.
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The Acting Brackets: 2025 gave us incredible performances that are already generating “lock” status for the 2026 nominations.
Conclusion: A Night of Cinematic History
Regardless of where you are located, the Oscars 2026 promise to be a landmark event in entertainment. By choosing the right platform for your region and preparing for the time difference, you can join millions of fans in celebrating the magic of the movies.
Who are you rooting for this year?
