The 96th Academy Awards ceremony took place on Sunday, March 10, 2024, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. The event was televised globally by ABC in the United States and streamed via multiple digital platforms, honoring the best films released through the 2023 calendar year.
Understanding the 96th Academy Awards Schedule and Timeline
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) establishes a rigid calendar each year leading up to the Oscars. For the 96th Academy Awards, honoring films released in 2023, the timeline shifted slightly earlier compared to pandemic-era ceremonies, returning to a traditional early-March window.
The eligibility period for films to qualify for consideration closed on December 31, 2023. Following the close of the eligibility window, the preliminary voting ballots were made available to members of the Academy in January 2024. Nominations voting concluded in mid-January, and the official nominees were announced on January 23, 2024.
Final voting for the winners took place between February 22 and February 27, 2024, culminating in the live ceremony on March 10, 2024. Notably, the ceremony itself began an hour earlier than in previous years, starting at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Pacific Time), which allowed domestic viewers to catch the conclusion of the broadcast earlier on a Sunday evening.
Where to Watch the 2024 Oscars: Broadcast and Streaming Options
Accessing the Academy Awards requires understanding both traditional cable television rights and modern digital streaming ecosystems. Because broadcasting rights vary significantly by region, viewers had to select the appropriate platform based on their geographic location and subscription status.
United States Television Broadcast and Digital Streaming
In the United States, ABC held the exclusive broadcast rights for the 96th Academy Awards. Viewers with a traditional cable television package, satellite subscription, or digital TV antenna could watch the ceremony live on their local ABC affiliate station.
For cord-cutters and digital-first viewers, the ceremony was accessible through several live television streaming services that carry local ABC channels. These platforms included:
- Hulu + Live TV: Provided direct access to the live ABC broadcast along with cloud DVR storage for those tuning in late.
- YouTube TV: Offered the local ABC station as part of its base channel lineup.
- FuboTV: Included local ABC affiliates in the majority of its regional service areas.
- DirecTV Stream: Broadcasted the ceremony through its standard tier packages.
Additionally, authenticated users could stream the ceremony directly through the official ABC app or ABC.com by logging in with their television provider credentials.
International Broadcasting and Viewing Options
Outside the United States, the Academy Awards are syndicated to international broadcast partners across more than 200 territories. Major regional outlets included:
- Canada: Broadcasted simultaneously on CTV, streamed via the CTV app and website for authenticated cable subscribers.
- United Kingdom: Available live on ITV1 and streamed digitally through ITVX.
- Australia: Broadcasted on the Seven Network and available on-demand via 7plus.
Major Nominees, Winners, and Historical Context
The 2024 ceremony was dominated by several critically acclaimed films that drove significant public interest and viewership. Understanding the major categories provides context for why audiences tuned into the broadcast in record numbers compared to previous years.
Christopher Nolan’s biographical drama Oppenheimer led the nominations field with 13 nods, ultimately securing seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. Other notable contenders included Poor Things, which earned four awards (including Best Actress for Emma Stone), and Killers of the Flower Moon, which entered the night with 10 nominations.
| Category | Winner / Notable Nominee | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Winner | Oppenheimer |
| Best Director | Christopher Nolan | Oppenheimer |
| Best Actor | Cillian Murphy | Oppenheimer |
| Best Actress | Emma Stone | Poor Things |
| Best Supporting Actor | Robert Downey Jr. | Oppenheimer |
| Best Supporting Actress | Da'Vine Joy Randolph | The Holdovers |
Red Carpet Coverage and Pre-Show Events
The lead-up to the Academy Awards is structured around extensive pre-show coverage, which has become a major component of the viewing experience. Major entertainment networks provide hours of fashion analysis, actor interviews, and predictions before the main ceremony begins.
Official pre-show coverage began hours before the 7:00 PM EST ceremony start time. The official Oscars Red Carpet Show, hosted by Vanessa Hudgens and Julianne Hough, provided live interviews with arriving nominees and presenters. Simultaneously, cable networks such as E! Entertainment offered dedicated fashion tracking and commentary, while digital platforms streamed creator-led panels and behind-the-scenes arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the 2024 Oscars ceremony start?
The 96th Academy Awards ceremony began at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Pacific Time) on March 10, 2024. This marked a shift to an hour earlier than the traditional start time used in prior years.
Can I still watch a full replay of the 2024 Oscars?
Full replays of the live broadcast are generally not hosted permanently on free streaming services due to syndication and music licensing restrictions. However, short clips, acceptance speeches, and red-chip highlights remain available on the official Oscars YouTube Channel.
Who hosted the 2024 Academy Awards?
Comedian and television host Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 2024 ceremony for the fourth time in his career, making him one of the most frequent masters of ceremonies in Oscar history alongside figures like Billy Crystal and Bob Hope.
How are Oscar winners chosen?
Winners are determined by the voting membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Active members within each specific branch (such as actors voting for actors, directors for directors) vote for their respective categories during the nominations phase, while the entire membership votes across all categories for the final winners.
What channel broadcasts the Academy Awards in the US?
ABC holds the exclusive long-term broadcast rights to televise the Academy Awards in the United States. The network airs the event live on television and through its digital authenticated streaming portal.
Next Actions for Film Enthusiasts
To prepare for subsequent Academy Awards ceremonies, viewers should verify their television packages or live streaming subscriptions ahead of the eligibility deadlines. Checking local listings, ensuring subscription access to ABC or authorized international partners, and tracking the annual release calendar will ensure uninterrupted viewing of future red carpet arrivals and live broadcasts.
