how to watch the oscars 2025

Get Ready for Hollywood's Biggest Night: Your Guide to Watching the 2025 Oscars

Lights, camera, action! Award season is reaching its grand finale, and that means one thing: the Oscars. The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and anticipation is building to see which films and performances will take home the coveted golden statuettes. With a buzz volume of 20,000 searches, it's clear that movie lovers across the country are eager to tune in. Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or just enjoy a glamorous night of entertainment, here's everything you need to know about how to watch the 2025 Oscars.

When and Where to Watch the 2025 Oscars

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Oscars will air live on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. You can catch all the action on ABC. For the first time ever, the Academy Awards will also be streaming live on Hulu. So, whether you prefer to watch on traditional television or stream from your favorite device, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

How to Watch the Oscars: Cable and Streaming Options

If you have cable, tuning into ABC is the simplest way to watch the Oscars. But what if you've cut the cord? Don't worry; you have several streaming options:

• Hulu: As mentioned, Hulu will be streaming the Oscars live for the first time. This is a great option if you already have a Hulu subscription.
• DIRECTV STREAM: This service offers ABC in its channel lineup, allowing you to stream the Oscars live.
• FuboTV: Similar to DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV also includes ABC and offers a free trial for new subscribers.
• ABC App: You may also be able to watch the Oscars live through the ABC app, depending on your location and cable provider.

Who's Hosting?

Get ready for some laughs! The legendary Conan O'Brien will be hosting the 2025 Oscars. With his quick wit and decades of experience in comedy, Conan is sure to bring a fresh and entertaining energy to the show.

What to Expect: Predictions and Printable Ballots

As the ceremony approaches, the predictions are flying in thick and fast. Who will win Best Picture? Which actor and actress will take home the gold? Experts at NPR and The New York Times are offering their insights. NPR's predictions article, "What should win vs. what will win — here are our Oscars predictions," delves into the potential winners based on both critical acclaim and popular opinion. The New York Times also weighs in with "Oscars 2025 Predictions: Who Will Win Best Picture, Actor and Actress?," providing their take on the odds and potential upsets.

Want to get in on the action yourself? Vanity Fair offers a "Here’s Your Printable Oscar Ballot for the 2025 Academy Awards," so you can make your own predictions and compete with friends and family.

Nominated Films: Where to Watch Them Online

Want to catch up on the nominated films before the big night? Many of the nominees are available to stream online. Keep an eye out for films like 'A Complete Unknown,' 'Emilia Pérez,' 'The Brutalist,' and 'Wicked' on various streaming platforms. Check your favorite services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ to see where these and other nominated films are available in your region.

Watching from Around the World

The Oscars are a global event, and viewers from around the world will be tuning in. The 2025 Oscars will be televised on ABC in more than 200 territories worldwide. Check your local listings for specific broadcast times and channels in your region.

A Brief History of the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards, or Oscars, have been honoring excellence in cinematic achievements since 1929. The awards are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Over the decades, the Oscars have become the most prestigious and widely recognized awards in the film industry. The iconic gold-plated statuette, designed by Cedric Gibbons and sculpted by George Stanley, has become a symbol of cinematic achievement.

The first Academy Awards ceremony was a relatively small and intimate affair held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. In contrast, today's ceremonies are grand, televised events watched by millions around the globe. The Oscars have evolved alongside the film industry, reflecting changes in technology, storytelling, and cultural values.

Why the Oscars Still Matter

In an era of endless streaming options and diverse entertainment choices, the Oscars continue to hold significant cultural relevance. They provide a platform to celebrate artistic achievement, recognize talent, and elevate the art of filmmaking. Winning an Oscar can significantly boost a film's visibility, increase its box office revenue, and enhance the careers of those involved.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Oscars also play a role in shaping cultural conversations. The nominated films and acceptance speeches often address important social and political issues, sparking dialogue and raising awareness. The Academy has also made efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the film industry, although there is still work to be done.

The Immediate Effects of Winning an Oscar

Winning an Oscar can have a profound impact on the careers of actors, directors, and other film professionals. For actors, an Oscar win can lead to more lucrative roles, increased creative control, and greater recognition within the industry. Directors who win Oscars often find it easier to secure funding for future projects and attract top talent.

The economic impact of an Oscar win can also be substantial. Films that win Best Picture often experience a significant surge in box office revenue, as audiences flock to see the award-winning movie. In addition, an Oscar win can boost tourism to filming locations and increase merchandise sales.

Future Outlook: The Evolution of the Oscars

As the film industry continues to evolve, the Oscars will likely adapt to reflect these changes. The rise of streaming services, the increasing globalization of cinema, and the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion are all factors that will shape the future of the Academy Awards.

One potential change is the continued expansion of streaming eligibility. As more and more films are released directly on streaming platforms, the Academy may need to adjust its rules to ensure that these films are eligible for consideration. Another possibility is the introduction of new award categories to recognize emerging forms of cinematic storytelling, such as virtual reality and interactive films.

Don't Miss Out!

The 2025 Oscars promise to be a night of glamour, excitement, and celebration. With Conan O'Brien hosting and a diverse range of nominated films, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your friends and family, prepare your snacks, and get ready to watch Hollywood's biggest night unfold.

Whether you're watching on TV or streaming online, don't miss your chance to be part of the Oscars experience. And be sure to check out the predictions from NPR and The New York Times and download your printable ballot from Vanity Fair to make the night even more engaging. Get ready to celebrate the best in film!