Oscars Red Carpet 2026: Start Time and How to Watch Preshows Online
The Oscars red carpet is just as exciting as the ceremony itself. Stars arrive in stunning outfits and fans worldwide tune in hours before the show starts. The 98th Academy Awards take place on Sunday March 15 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Los Angeles.
This guide covers every start time and every way to watch the red carpet preshows online and on TV.
Oscars Red Carpet 2026 at a Glance
- Date: Sunday March 15 2026
- Venue: Dolby Theatre Hollywood Los Angeles
- E! Preshow starts: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
- ABC Red Carpet Show starts: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT
- Ceremony starts: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
- Ceremony ends: Around 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET
- Host: Conan O’Brien
- Best free option: HD antenna on ABC
- Best streaming option: YouTube TV Base Plan (21-day free trial)
What Time Does the Oscars 2026 Red Carpet Start?
The red carpet coverage kicks off well before the main ceremony. E! starts its extended preshow at 4:00 p.m. ET. The official ABC Red Carpet Show follows at 6:30 p.m. ET. The main ceremony starts at 7:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu.
Here is the full schedule at a glance:
| Show | Channel | Start Time ET | Start Time PT |
|---|---|---|---|
| E! Live From the Red Carpet | E! | 4:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| ABC Oscars Red Carpet Show | ABC | 6:30 PM | 3:30 PM |
| 98th Academy Awards Ceremony | ABC / Hulu | 7:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Expected End Time | ABC / Hulu | 10:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
Oscars Red Carpet 2026 Start Time by Time Zone
Not everyone watches from the East Coast. Here is when to tune in from your location:
| Location | E! Starts | ABC Red Carpet | Ceremony |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York / Eastern (ET) | 4:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Chicago / Central (CT) | 3:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Denver / Mountain (MT) | 2:00 PM | 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Los Angeles / Pacific (PT) | 1:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Toronto / Canada (ET) | 4:00 PM | 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Mexico City (CT) | 3:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| London / UK (GMT) | 9:00 PM | 11:30 PM | Midnight |
| Paris / France (CET) | 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM Mon | 1:00 AM Mon |
| Berlin / Germany (CET) | 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM Mon | 1:00 AM Mon |
| Madrid / Spain (CET) | 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM Mon | 1:00 AM Mon |
| Rome / Italy (CET) | 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM Mon | 1:00 AM Mon |
| Amsterdam / Netherlands (CET) | 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM Mon | 1:00 AM Mon |
| Stockholm / Sweden (CET) | 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM Mon | 1:00 AM Mon |
| Athens / Greece (EET) | 11:00 PM | 1:30 AM Mon | 2:00 AM Mon |
| Moscow / Russia (MSK) | 12:00 AM Mon | 2:30 AM Mon | 3:00 AM Mon |
| Dubai / UAE (GST) | 1:00 AM Mon | 3:30 AM Mon | 4:00 AM Mon |
| Karachi / Pakistan (PKT) | 2:00 AM Mon | 4:30 AM Mon | 5:00 AM Mon |
| Dhaka / Bangladesh (BST) | 2:00 AM Mon | 4:30 AM Mon | 5:00 AM Mon |
| Mumbai / India (IST) | 1:30 AM Mon | 4:00 AM Mon | 4:30 AM Mon |
| Colombo / Sri Lanka (SLST) | 1:30 AM Mon | 4:00 AM Mon | 4:30 AM Mon |
| Kathmandu / Nepal (NPT) | 1:45 AM Mon | 4:15 AM Mon | 4:45 AM Mon |
| Bangkok / Thailand (ICT) | 3:00 AM Mon | 5:30 AM Mon | 6:00 AM Mon |
| Jakarta / Indonesia (WIB) | 3:00 AM Mon | 5:30 AM Mon | 6:00 AM Mon |
| Singapore (SGT) | 4:00 AM Mon | 6:30 AM Mon | 7:00 AM Mon |
| Hong Kong (HKT) | 4:00 AM Mon | 6:30 AM Mon | 7:00 AM Mon |
| Beijing / China (CST) | 4:00 AM Mon | 6:30 AM Mon | 7:00 AM Mon |
| Seoul / South Korea (KST) | 5:00 AM Mon | 7:30 AM Mon | 8:00 AM Mon |
| Tokyo / Japan (JST) | 5:00 AM Mon | 7:30 AM Mon | 8:00 AM Mon |
| Sydney / Australia (AEDT) | 8:00 AM Mon | 10:30 AM Mon | 11:00 AM Mon |
| Melbourne / Australia (AEDT) | 8:00 AM Mon | 10:30 AM Mon | 11:00 AM Mon |
| Auckland / New Zealand (NZDT) | 10:00 AM Mon | 12:30 PM Mon | 1:00 PM Mon |
| São Paulo / Brazil (BRT) | 5:00 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Buenos Aires / Argentina (ART) | 5:00 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Lagos / Nigeria (WAT) | 9:00 PM | 11:30 PM | Midnight |
| Nairobi / Kenya (EAT) | 11:00 PM | 1:30 AM Mon | 2:00 AM Mon |
| Johannesburg / South Africa (SAST) | 10:00 PM | 12:30 AM Mon | 1:00 AM Mon |
| Cairo / Egypt (EET) | 11:00 PM | 1:30 AM Mon | 2:00 AM Mon |
How to Watch the Oscars Red Carpet Preshow in 2026
Watch on ABC Free
ABC is the official broadcast home of the Oscars. The ABC Red Carpet Show starts at 6:30 p.m. ET and runs 30 minutes before the main ceremony begins.
The easiest free option is a digital over-the-air HD antenna. Plug it into your TV scan for channels and ABC comes in clearly. No cable subscription needed and no login required. Pick up an HD antenna at any electronics store for around $20 to $50.
You can also stream ABC free on ABC.com or the ABC app. You need a TV provider login for the live stream. The ABC app works on iPhone Android Roku Apple TV and Fire Stick.
Watch on E! for Full Coverage
E! is the best choice for red carpet fashion fans. The network dedicates two full hours to arrivals starting at 4:00 p.m. ET with its “Live From the Red Carpet” program. That is 150 minutes more coverage than ABC’s 30-minute show.
E! is available on all major cable and satellite providers. For streaming E! is on YouTube TV Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream.
Watch on Hulu
Hulu is the most convenient option for cord-cutters. The Oscars Red Carpet Show and the full ceremony stream live on Hulu. This applies to both standard Hulu and Hulu + Live TV subscribers. No extra steps needed. Just open Hulu on March 15 and tune in.
Live Streaming Services to Watch Oscars Red Carpet 2026
Here is a full breakdown of every streaming option with updated March 2026 pricing:
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is the best overall pick for Oscars red carpet coverage. The base plan carries both ABC and E! which means you get the full red carpet experience from 4:00 p.m. ET straight through to the end of the ceremony.
New subscribers get a 21-day free trial. Sign up before March 15 and watch everything at zero cost. Cancel before the trial ends and pay nothing.
YouTube TV also launched new lower-cost plans in February 2026 giving subscribers more options:
| Plan | Price Per Month | Key Channels | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Plan | $82.99 | 100+ channels, ABC, E!, ESPN, CBS, NBC, FOX | Full Oscars coverage |
| Sports + News | $71.99 | ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC | Sports and news fans |
| Sports Plan | $64.99 | ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, FS1 | Sports fans only |
| Entertainment Plan | $54.99 | ABC, FX, Bravo, Hallmark, HGTV, Comedy Central | Entertainment fans |
| News + Entertainment + Family | $69.99 | Entertainment + Disney Channel, Nickelodeon | Families |
Key features: Unlimited cloud DVR storage, up to 6 household accounts, 3 simultaneous streams, multiview, no contracts and no hidden fees.
Important note: E! is only included in the Base Plan at $82.99. The lower-cost plans do not carry E!. For full red carpet preshow coverage from 4:00 p.m. ET you need the Base Plan.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is a strong pick for anyone already in the Disney ecosystem. It bundles Hulu Disney+ and ESPN Select into one subscription. Both ABC and E! are included so you get wall-to-wall Oscars coverage.
| Plan | Price Per Month | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV with Ads | $89.99 | 95+ channels, Disney+, ESPN Select, Hulu library, ABC, E! |
| Hulu + Live TV No Ads | $99.99 | Same as above but ad-free on demand content |
Key features: Unlimited cloud DVR, unlimited simultaneous streams at home, access to full Hulu on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN Select included, no contracts.
Popular add-ons: Max at $10.99/month, Cinemax at $9.99/month, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME at $13.99/month and STARZ at $10.99/month rising to $11.99 on March 31 2026.
Free trial: 3 days only. No long trial available but the Disney bundle value makes it worth the price for regular subscribers.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is the strongest option for channel count. It carries ABC and E! across all plans. It also offers the most premium channel options including Max Paramount+ STARZ and Cinemax on the top tier.
| Plan | Price Per Month | Channels | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $89.99 | 90+ channels, ABC, ESPN, CNN, E!, HGTV | Casual viewers |
| Choice | $94.99 | 125+ channels, adds RSNs, MLB Network, NBA TV | Sports fans |
| Ultimate | $124.99 | 160+ channels | Power users |
| Premier | $169.99 | 185+ channels, includes Max, Paramount+, STARZ, Cinemax | Premium viewers |
Key features: Unlimited cloud DVR, 3 simultaneous streams at home, no annual contracts, 5-day free trial for new customers.
New customers can save $30 over the first 3 months on the Entertainment plan bringing it down to $84.99/month for the first 3 months.
FuboTV
FuboTV carries ABC so you can watch the 30-minute ABC Red Carpet Show and the full ceremony. However FuboTV dropped E! and all NBCUniversal channels in November 2025 following a contract dispute. That dispute remains unresolved as of March 2026.
| Plan | Price Per Month | Channels | E! Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $73.99 | 200+ channels, ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN | No |
| Elite | $84.99 | 260+ channels, adds NBA TV, MLB Network | No |
| Premier | $94.99 | 300+ channels, adds SHOWTIME | No |
| Latino | $32.99 | 49 Spanish-language channels | No |
Key features: Unlimited cloud DVR, up to 10 simultaneous streams at home, 7-day free trial, strong sports coverage and 4K content on Elite and Premier plans.
FuboTV is a solid pick for sports fans year-round but it is not the best choice for Oscars red carpet coverage. You will miss two full hours of E! arrivals. Stick with YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for the complete experience.
Full Streaming Comparison Table
| Service | Starting Price | ABC | E! | Free Trial | DVR | Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $54.99/mo | Yes | Yes (Base only) | 21 days | Unlimited | 3 |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99/mo | Yes | Yes | 3 days | Unlimited | Unlimited at home |
| DirecTV Stream | $89.99/mo | Yes | Yes | 5 days | Unlimited | 3 at home |
| FuboTV | $73.99/mo | Yes | No | 7 days | Unlimited | 10 at home |
Bottom line: YouTube TV Base Plan at $82.99 is the best pick for the Oscars red carpet. It carries both ABC and E! and gives you a 21-day free trial. You can watch everything on March 15 for free and cancel before the trial ends.
Can You Watch the Oscars Red Carpet Free Online?
Yes but with limits. The Academy posts red carpet interviews and backstage clips on its official YouTube channel. Instagram goes live with celebrity arrivals. Facebook streams portions of the preshow. TikTok clips the highlights in real time.
These free platforms do not carry the full broadcast. ABC holds exclusive rights to the complete show. Free social platforms give you clips and interviews but not wall-to-wall red carpet coverage.
The only way to watch the full preshow and ceremony free is with an HD antenna on ABC or a streaming service free trial.
Is the Oscars Red Carpet on Netflix in 2026?
No. Netflix does not stream the Oscars. The Actor Awards formerly the SAG Awards stream on Netflix but the Oscars do not. ABC holds the broadcast rights through 2028. YouTube signed a deal with the Academy starting in 2029 but that is still three years away. For now ABC and Hulu are your only streaming options for the full show.
How Long Is the Oscars Red Carpet Preshow?
The ABC Red Carpet Show runs for 30 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. That is a short window to see every star arrive.
E! covers the red carpet for two full hours starting at 4:00 p.m. ET. Most serious fashion watchers tune into E! first and switch to ABC when the ceremony begins.
There is also an important broadcast rule to know. ABC holds an exclusive window during the final hour before the ceremony. No other network can air live red carpet footage during that window. E! wraps up its live arrivals coverage before that blackout period starts and switches to pre-recorded content.
How Long are the 2026 Oscars?
The ceremony starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and runs three to three and a half hours. Expect the show to wrap up around 10:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET. Last year the ceremony finished at 10:50 p.m. ET. The Academy keeps a tight schedule these days and avoids marathon shows.
Who is Hosting the 2026 Oscars?
Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year. He made his Oscars debut at the 97th ceremony in 2025 and became a fan favorite for his humor and warmth. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan return as executive producers for the third straight year.
Who Will Walk the Oscars 2026 Red Carpet?
These are the biggest names expected on the carpet March 15:
- Best Actress nominees: Jessie Buckley, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve and Rose Byrne.
- Best Actor nominees: Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke and Wagner Moura.
- Best Supporting Actress nominees: Teyana Taylor, Wunmi Mosaku, Elle Fanning, Amy Madigan and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas.
- Confirmed presenters: Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Mescal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Chris Evans, Chase Infiniti, Javier Bardem, Maya Rudolph and more.
Teyana Taylor has been the standout fashion moment at every red carpet this awards season. Emma Stone has worn Louis Vuitton to multiple ceremonies. Chase Infiniti is the breakout star of Sinners and a guaranteed headline look on March 15.
You can also download our free Printable Oscar Ballot 2026 and see how many winners you can guess right.
Oscars 2026 Red Carpet FAQs
What time does the Oscars red carpet start in 2026?
E! starts coverage at 4:00 p.m. ET. The official ABC Red Carpet Show starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on March 15 2026.
What channel is the Oscars red carpet on?
ABC carries the official 30-minute preshow starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. E! carries two hours of extended coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. ET.
How can I watch the Oscars red carpet without cable?
Stream on Hulu or sign up for YouTube TV. YouTube TV offers a 21-day free trial. You can also use a digital HD antenna to pick up ABC for free with no subscription needed.
Is the Oscars red carpet on Netflix?
No. The Oscars air on ABC and stream on Hulu. Netflix does not carry the Oscars in 2026.
How long is the Oscars red carpet show on ABC?
The ABC Red Carpet Show is 30 minutes long. It runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. E! gives you two full hours of coverage starting at 4:00 p.m. ET.
What time do the Oscars end in 2026?
The ceremony starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and runs three to three and a half hours. Expect the show to wrap between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. ET.
Can I watch the Oscars red carpet free online?
You can watch clips and interviews free on YouTube Instagram and TikTok. For the full broadcast use an HD antenna on ABC or a streaming service free trial.
Is FuboTV good for watching the Oscars red carpet?
FuboTV carries ABC so you can watch the 30-minute ABC preshow. But FuboTV dropped E! in November 2025 so you will miss two hours of E! coverage. YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV are better options.
What is the best streaming service to watch the Oscars red carpet?
YouTube TV Base Plan at $82.99 is the best pick. It carries both ABC and E! and comes with a 21-day free trial. New subscribers can watch the full red carpet and ceremony on March 15 at zero cost.
The 98th Academy Awards air live on ABC and Hulu on Sunday March 15 2026. Tune in to E! at 4:00 p.m. ET for the full red carpet experience.