The 97th Academy Awards, set to air live on Sunday, March 2 from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marks a significant milestone with Conan O’Brien taking the helm as host. This year's ceremony offers an array of streaming options for both red carpet enthusiasts and award show aficionados, ensuring that no one misses out on the glamour and excitement.

Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the Oscars Without Cable

Streaming the Ceremony: Free Trials and Special Offers

The 97th Academy Awards promises an unforgettable evening filled with star-studded moments and cinematic achievements. For those who prefer streaming over traditional TV, several platforms offer compelling deals. Hulu is leading the charge by livestreaming the event for the first time. A 30-day free trial allows new subscribers to experience this historic moment without any upfront cost. After the trial, users can choose between plans starting at $9.99 per month for Hulu (With Ads) or opt for the ad-free version at $18.99 per month. Additionally, bundling Hulu with Disney+ enhances the viewing experience with more entertainment options.Hulu + Live TV also provides a three-day trial for just $82.99 per month, bundling Disney+ and ESPN+. This comprehensive package not only includes ABC but also offers access to over 90 channels, making it a robust choice for cord-cutters. The service is available with or without ads, catering to diverse preferences.Sling TV, known for its competitive pricing, is offering a discount on its Blue plan, reducing the first month’s fee to $25.50. Subscribers get access to ABC along with other popular channels. Sling Orange, priced at $23 for the first month, adds more channels to the mix, while the combined Orange + Blue tier, available for $33 initially, expands the selection even further.FuboTV, renowned for its extensive sports coverage, is providing a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. Starting at $59.99 for the first month, Fubo’s Pro package includes over 200 channels, including ABC. Users can record up to 1,000 hours of content, ensuring they never miss a moment. Higher-tier packages like Elite and Premier offer additional features such as NFL RedZone, Showtime, and 4K quality, enhancing the overall viewing experience.DirecTV Stream rounds out the list with a five-day free trial, starting at $86.98 per month for the first two months. The Entertainment + Sports Pack provides access to over 90 channels, including ABC. Other plans offer between 125-160 channels, all running special discounts for the first three months, making it a viable option for those seeking a broad range of programming.

International Viewers: Accessing the Oscars Globally

For international viewers eager to watch the Oscars, ExpressVPN offers a secure and reliable solution. By using this service, viewers can access their preferred live TV streaming accounts and enjoy the awards show from anywhere in the world. This ensures that fans of cinema can join in the celebration regardless of their location.

Red Carpet Coverage: Pre-show Extravaganza

The excitement begins well before the main event with extensive red carpet coverage. ABC’s pre-show, "On The Red Carpet at the Oscars," kicks off at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET, setting the stage for the glamorous night ahead. E! takes the festivities up a notch with "E!’s Brunch at the Oscars" starting at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET, followed by "Live From E!" at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET. Hosted by Keltie Knight, Zanna Roberts Rassi, Maria Taylor, Bresha Webb, and Will Marfuggi, these segments promise insider insights into the films, predictions for winners, and discussions on red carpet fashion.

Performances and Special Appearances: Musical Marvels

The 97th Academy Awards will be punctuated by stellar performances. Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye are set to take the stage, bringing energy and excitement to the ceremony. A highlight will be the surprise performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, starring in the Oscar-nominated film Wicked. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also make a special appearance, adding a touch of elegance to the evening.

Nominees and Contenders: A Closer Look

Leading the pack with 13 nominations is Emilia Pérez, showcasing her versatility across multiple categories. The Brutalist and Wicked follow closely with 10 nominations each. Films like A Complete Unknown and Conclave have garnered eight mentions each. Competing for Best Picture are Anora, Dune: Part Two, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, and The Substance. These films represent the pinnacle of cinematic excellence, vying for the prestigious accolade.

Host and Presenters: Stars Align

Conan O’Brien, known for his wit and charm, will host the 97th Academy Awards for the first time. Joining him on stage are a lineup of presenters that reads like a who's who of Hollywood. Joe Alwyn, Halle Berry, Sterling K. Brown, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Downey Jr., Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Cillian Murphy, Connie Nielsen, Amy Poehler, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, June Squibb, Ben Stiller, Emma Stone, Oprah Winfrey, Bowen Yang, Dave Bautista, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Margaret Qualley, Alba Rohrwacher, Rachel Zegler, Harrison Ford, Zoe Saldaña, and Samuel L. Jackson. Nick Offerman will serve as the show announcer, adding another layer of star power to the event.