The Academy Awards remain the ultimate prize in Hollywood. It’s the prize Leonardo DiCaprio chased for decades before finally winning, the scene where Matthew McConaughey’s heartfelt “three things a day” speech moved audiences around the world, and the moment when stars, both new and established, find true validation. And in 2026, the competition for the golden statuette looks tougher than ever.
Leading the charge are the Best Actor nominees, including Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supremewho has perhaps been the most vocal about his pursuit of greatness. But he faces formidable competition, including Leonardo DiCaprio for One match after another and Michael B. Jordan for Sinners.
On the actress side, Emma Stone for Bugonia widely considered to be the favourite, although Jessie Buckley gave an equally convincing performance in The port. In fact, it was a surprise that her co-star Paul Mescal did not receive a nomination.
The Oscars 2026 ceremony will be broadcast live in more than 100 countries around the world. But some lucky viewers – in the UK and Australia, as well as in the US through a few sneaky methods – can watch the entire three-and-a-half-hour performance completely free. Read on to find out how…
How to watch the 2026 Oscars for free
Audiences in the UK and Australia have the easiest way to watch Oscars 2026 live free. The ceremony will be streamed on free platforms in both countries.
Streaming options:
United Kingdom: ITVX (FREE)
Australia: 7 plus (FREE)
US: Hulu (30-day free trial)
Away 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 rates NordVPN as top for price, streaming, security, etc.).
Nothing works as well as Nord when it comes to unblocking streaming services – so you can access your favorite Oscars 2026 live streams anywhere!
Quick Start: Using a VPN to Watch the 2026 Oscars for Free
Once you’ve signed up for your VPN:
1. Open NordVPN app.
2. Connect to a server based in your home country where the ceremony is free to watch, such as the UK, Australia or even the US.
3. Switch on the ITVX, 7plus, or a US free trial streaming service of your choice, such as Hulu or YouTube TV.
5. Watch the Oscars in 2026 on streaming without cable TV, anywhere, for FREE.
When will the Oscars in 2026 take place?
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15 at the iconic Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. The ceremony begins at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT, and the show is expected to run for about three and a half hours.
Who will host the Oscars in 2026?
Conan O’Brien has been confirmed to host the 98th Academy Awards for what will be his second consecutive year.
Oscars 2026 nominations
Category 1: Actor in a leading role
Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One match 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 match after another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One match after another
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental value
Category 3: Actress in a leading role
Jessie Buckley, The port
Rose Byrne, If I had legs, I’d kick you
kate hudson, The song sung 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, Arms
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Teyana Taylor, One match after another
Category 5: Animated feature film
Arco
Elio
KPop Demon Hunters
Little Amélie or the character of the rain
Zootopia 2
Category 6: Animated short film
Butterfly
Forever green
The Girl Who Cried Pearls
Pension scheme
The three sisters
See the full 2026 Oscar nominations list.
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