How to watch, stream Oscars online for free without cable or on ABC

In a year where movie theaters were largely closed, the Academy Awards have sneaked up on Hollywood in 2021. Technically, the film industry’s biggest night of the year, this year’s celebration is a lot more muted. But it’s definitely happening this Sunday—and it could be the most unpredictable year ever.

There was no box office champion of 2020. There was no indie movie that critics adored and only a handful of cinephiles sought out. It was the year of the Tiger King (which, yes, wasn’t a movie) and streaming.

Aptly, Netflix’s Mank received the most Oscar nominations last year – 10 in total. And many of its films received nods as well.

Mank, Nomadland, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Judas and the Black Messiah and four other films will fight it out for the Best Picture honors. Nomadland captured the Golden Globe, but it’s hard to determine if the awards shows will track each other this year.

This is the 93nd year the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has honored the best films and performances of the year. But the ceremony will look a lot different.

Whether you’re pulling for a favorite film or just want to debate the fashions of the evening, it’s typically one of the biggest television events of the year.

Got questions about this year’s Oscars ceremony? We’ve got answers.

When do the Academy Awards take place?

The 93nd Academy Awards ceremony will be held Sunday, April 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Where can I watch the 2021 Academy Awards?

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).

Will there be a red carpet this year?

For many people, watching the stars arrive in their best (and occasionally oddest) formalwear is even more captivating than the Oscars themselves. The pandemic, though, means huge gatherings like in previous years are unsafe. The Academy, though, does plan to host a red carpet this year, even if it’s a lot smaller than what people are used to. And yes, attendees will be asked to wear masks.

What time does red carpet coverage of the 2021 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 Brunch at the Oscars 2021 starts as early as 3 p.m. ET.

How else will the 2021 Academy Awards be different?

To improve social distancing, this year’s Oscars is being jointly held at Union Station Los Angeles and the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. There will be no walls of fans before the show, cheering on stars. And only presenters, nominees and their guest will be allowed to attend the show.

How can I watch the Academy Awards 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 2021 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 Academy Awards 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 $65 per month.

YouTube TV

After a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $65.

Sling TV

Dish Network’s Sling lower tiered “Orange” plan will run you $35 per month. A more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $50-per-month. (Both have ABC.) You’ll have a 7-day free trial first – and right now, the cord cutting service is dropping the first month’s bill to $10.

AT&T TV

Formerly known as DirecTV Now and AT&T TVNow, AT&T’s streaming service will run you $70 per month and up. There is no longer a free trial option.

Who’s hosting the 2021 Academy Awards?

For the third year in a row, the Oscars have opted by not have a formal host. Instead, a large collection of well-known actors and actresses, including Harrison Ford, Halle Berry, Don Cheadle and Zendaya will present awards. How they’ll handle the show opening, though, remains a mystery.

Where can I watch this year’s Best Picture nominees?

The Father (Lionsgate)

Where to watch: Currently in theaters. Also streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Vudu, and Google Play.

Judas and the Black Messiah (Warner Bros.)

Where to watch: Streaming on Apple TV, AmazonPrime Video, Vudu, Google Play and YouTube. The film previously streamed for free for HBO Max customers, but is no longer on the service.