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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How to Watch the Oscars 2024 Live Online for Free

Andjela Nikolic Updated on 28th March 2024 Fact-checked by Aleksandra Kovacevic Cybersecurity Researcher

You can watch the Oscars for free on ABC in the US or ITVX in the UK. The 2024 Academy Awards will be broadcast on the 10th of March across various platforms globally, with availability differing by region.

Theoretically, you can use a VPN to change your IP and watch the Oscars for free from anywhere, but this is copyright infringement and breaches streaming services' terms of use. However, a VPN is still valuable when streaming from your local Oscar's broadcasting service as it protects your online privacy without causing noticeable delays.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for securely streaming the Oscars in HD. It has native apps for all major devices, including smart TVs. It delivers the fastest speeds to watch the Oscars live uninterrupted. You can try it risk-free, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the Oscars in HD >>

Quick Guide: How to Watch the Oscars With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it's easy to use and works with all streaming platforms airing the Oscars. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.
  2. Connect to a server near you. For example, choose one of ExpressVPN's 5 UK locations if you're in the country to watch securely (and for free) on ITVX once you've created an account.
  3. Start watching. Log into your local Oscar's streaming platform. If you're in the US, use your ABC subscription to watch for free.
Important. Our team strongly opposes any form of copyright infringement. The VPN services we recommend are committed to strict no-logging policies and don’t track or store your data. You are responsible for using a VPN and must ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Best VPNs to Stream the Oscars in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Simple Setup to Watch the Oscars Easily on Any Device

Best Feature User-friendly apps to stream the Oscars safely in HD in just 2 clicks
Speed Very fast, with an average download speeds reduction of just 5%
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, plus 24 US locations
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, Roku, Kodi, Fire TV Stick, routers, and more

You can watch the Oscars live online within minutes, thanks to ExpressVPN's user-friendly apps. It's straightforward to install and use on all devices, including native Android and Apple TV apps — just download it from the relevant store. Use the Smart Location feature to automatically connect to the best server for your connection. You can also simultaneously use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices.

Speeds were the fastest of all the VPNs I tested. ExpressVPN uses a proprietary Lightway security protocol designed to be lightweight and faster than traditional protocols. This is great for streaming live events like the Oscars — you won't miss any part of the show due to a slow connection. During testing, my US colleague's speed dropped slightly from 126.29Mbps to 118.8Mpbs connected to a server in New York. He didn’t experience any buffering with live streams in 4K quality.

Streaming All UK servers I tested from the country were fast enough for uninterrupted streaming

You won't have to worry about your streaming service blocking you thanks to ExpressVPN's rotating IP addresses. Even when streaming from a country with Oscar broadcasting rights, certain providers will block you because it's flagged your VPN IP. VPNs are notorious for trying to bypass geo-restrictions. My international team and I tested servers in our respective countries (US, UK, Australia, and Ireland), and they all worked reliably with our local streaming platforms.

On the downside, subscriptions are slightly higher than other VPNs on my list, starting at $6.67/month. However, you can get up to 49% off on long-term plans; I even got 3 months of service for free. Whichever option you choose, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk in trying it out. I tested the refund process and got my money back 3 days after requesting it via 24/7 live chat.

Useful Features

  • MediaStreamer. This Smart DNS feature allows using ExpressVPN on devices that don’t usually support VPNs, like gaming consoles and older smart TVs. Since it doesn’t use encryption, it can be faster, too.
  • Custom router app. ExpressVPN is easier to use on routers than any other VPN I tested. Installing it on your router lets you stream the Oscars on any device connected to your home network.
  • Shortcuts. You can create up to 5 shortcuts to jump to your favorite services directly from the VPN app.
ExpressVPN Offer April 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Servers Optimized for Streaming to Reliably Watch the Oscars Online

Best Feature Regularly tests its streaming servers to confirm optimal performance
Speed Stream without buffering with a barely noticeable speed drop of 7%
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries, with 11 US and 3 UK locations
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, Roku, Kodi, Fire TV Stick, routers, and more

CyberGhost has servers optimized for various Oscars streaming platforms, like ITV, RTÉ, YouTube TV, and more. To find these servers, expand the app, click For streaming, and type your country into the search bar. Our testers in France confirmed that CyberGhots's streaming servers for Canal+ worked reliably, as did my colleague in India testing the Disney+ Hotstar streaming server.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's ITV streaming-optimized serverCyberGhost also has servers optimized for gaming and torrenting

Although slightly slower than ExpressVPN, speeds are impressively fast, reducing my base connection by only 7% on nearby UK servers from my location in London. If your internet speed is slow without the VPN, I recommend switching to the WireGuard protocol. It's one of the fastest VPN protocols available today and won't compromise your security.

I found the VPN apps easy to use on all platforms, with a maximum simultaneous connection of up to 7 devices. They come with many useful features, like configuring CyberGhost to automatically connect to a streaming-optimized server in your country when you open your preferred local streaming app. If you ever need help, support is available 24/7 via live chat.

One minor con is that monthly plans are expensive and have a shorter, 14-day money-back guarantee. However, long-term subscription costs only $2.03/month, and you can test CyberGhost free for 45 days, thanks to its extended refund period.

Useful Features

  • Block Content. This feature filters out ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It can keep you safe in case you accidentally land on an illegitimate streaming site.
  • Favorites. You can mark certain servers as favorites, making it quicker to connect to the best ones in your country for streaming the Oscars. I marked a couple of servers I use the most, so I could connect immediately.
  • Exceptions. You can choose which websites and apps use the VPN, and which don't. This could enhance your connection speeds by selectively encrypting your internet traffic.
April 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access — Global Network to Live Stream the Oscars From Your Location

Best Feature Thousands of servers worldwide to quickly find one near you to stream the Oscars
Server Network 29,650 servers in 90 countries to avoid delays due to overcrowding
Speed 9% speed loss to live-stream the Oscars uninterrupted
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, Roku, Kodi, Fire TV Stick, routers, and more

Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts a vast server network covering 53 US and 3 UK locations. This extensive network helps avoid server congestion, especially during high-traffic events like streaming the Oscars. Similar to CyberGhost, it also has optimized servers for streaming, although these are specific to a country. Its UK-streaming server gave me crystal-clear images and loaded videos almost instantly.

You can conveniently use one subscription to cover an unlimited number of devices. I connected multiple to PIA to see if it would affect its speeds. My streaming speeds remained stable regardless of how many devices I connected during my tests.

The Oscars Live channel on ITVX with PIA connected to a streaming-optimized server in the UKThe optimized servers are more reliable than other UK servers I tested from London

One drawback is that the VPN apps have various configuration possibilities, which might overwhelm new users. However, PIA's default settings are pre-configured for streaming to watch the Oscars safely without any adjustments. Simply install the app, log in, and connect to a server in your country.

You can get a long-term PIA plan for only $2.03/month. The VPN reinforces its commitment to customer satisfaction with a 30-day money-back guarantee, offering a risk-free way to test its service for streaming the Oscars.

Useful Features

  • MACE. By blocking ads, trackers, and malware, MACE enhances your streaming experience and eliminates unwanted interruptions and potential security threats. Although it’s not as effective as some ad-blockers, it managed to block the majority of ads during my testing.
  • 24/7 live chat. You can connect with customer support at any time of day. During my testing, I found them friendly and knowledgeable.
April 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!

Where Can I Watch the Oscars Live Online?

The Oscars are available globally through various online streaming options. Below, you'll find both free and paid options for watching the Oscars online from the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia, and more.

Country Service Price Free Trial
United States ABC Free None
United States Hulu Live TV From $76.99/month None
United States YouTube TV From $73/month 14 days
United States Fubo From $75/month 7 days
United States DirecTV Stream From $75/month 5 days
United Kingdom ITVX Free None
Canada CTV Free None
Australia 7plus Free None
Ireland RTÉ Player Free None
Germany ProSieben Free None
France
Poland
Canal Plus From 8€/month 7 days
Spain Movistar Plus+ From 14€/month None
Belgium GoPlay Free None
Japan WOWOW From 2300¥/month None
India & Indonesia Disney+ Hotstar From Rs. 299/month None

Note. While you can hypothetically use a VPN to watch the Oscars on any of the above services wherever you are, this is considered copyright infringement, and we do not support it.

FAQs on Watching the Oscars With a VPN

How can I watch the Oscars online for free?

You can watch the Oscars for free on platforms such as 7plus in Australia, or ITVX in the UK. In the US, you can watch the Academy Awards on the ABC website with a TV provider login. Here’s a full list of streaming services that offer the Oscars around the world.

Can I watch the Oscars on Hulu?

Yes, you can watch the Oscars on Hulu with Live TV in the US. If you're in the US and use a VPN for privacy, note that only a few VPNs reliably work with Hulu. While you could theoretically also use a VPN to get a US IP address and watch the Oscars on Hulu+ Live TV from abroad, this violates copyright laws. Use your VPN responsibly.

Is it legal to watch the Oscars with a VPN?

Using a VPN to stream the Oscars securely is legal. VPNs are invaluable tools for privacy and security. Launch your VPN and connect to a server in your country for a private connection. However, using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access restricted content violates copyright laws and the ToS of your streaming platform.

Why isn't my VPN working for watching the Oscars?

The streaming service you use probably blocked the VPN's IP address. Streaming platforms like ITVX have measures to detect and block VPNs, even when you’re watching from an area with broadcasting rights. To prevent this, use a VPN that’s tested to work with the popular streaming services. Additionally, try connecting to a different server in your country, ensuring your VPN is updated, or contacting your VPN's customer support for assistance.

Who are the 2024 Oscar Nominees?

Notable nominations include Barbie for Best Picture and Bradley Cooper for Actor in a Leading Role in Maestro. For a comprehensive list of nominees across various categories, you can refer to official Oscar announcements​​. Additionally, here’s a list of the official Oscars broadcasters around the world.

Watch the Oscars in Minutes

You can catch the Oscars on multiple platforms, like ITVX in the UK and ABC in the US. To stream safely, always use a VPN. VPNs hide your data from prying eyes, but few are suitable for live HD streaming.

ExpressVPN is my go-to for watching the Oscars without interruptions. It stands out with its fast and secure servers in over 105 countries and ease of use. It backs its service with a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, providing a risk-free opportunity to test it.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching the Oscars...

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 49%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 84%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 83%!
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Andjela is a technology and cybersecurity writer for vpnMentor, dedicated to helping readers protect their privacy online with detailed VPN reviews, testing all features, and providing the facts.

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