Typical Start Time for the Oscars Red Carpet
The Oscars red carpet typically opens two hours before the main telecast begins, with the ceremony starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC in the United States. This means the red carpet generally begins around 6:00 p.m. ET for arrivals, interviews, and fashion coverage. For the most recent ceremony, the pre-show coverage started earlier to accommodate global audiences and live-streaming schedules. You can check the official Oscars website for the latest ceremony details official Oscars site.
Broadcast schedules can shift slightly depending on the network and any pre-game programming. In 2025, the Oscars telecast maintained a standard 8:00 p.m. ET start, keeping the red carpet window consistent with recent years. The pre-show usually runs from the red carpet opening until the first presenters walk on stage. Viewers in other time zones should adjust accordingly, as the red carpet window moves earlier in Pacific and Mountain times.
Red Carpet End Time and Broadcast Wrap-Up
The Oscars red carpet typically ends shortly before the main ceremony begins, with final arrivals and interviews concluding around 7:45 p.m. ET. After that, the broadcast transitions directly into the opening remarks and the first award categories. The pre-show segment is designed to capture the last wave of arrivals without delaying the telecast. This timing aligns with the standard broadcast format used by ABC for recent ceremonies.
Once the ceremony starts, the red carpet area is cleared for the show, and coverage shifts to the stage and backstage interviews. The main telecast usually runs between three and four hours, ending around 11:30 p.m. ET depending on the number of awards presented. For the latest updates on timing and format, the official Oscars site provides ceremony details official Oscars site. The red carpet window is a fixed pre-show block, not an ongoing segment during the awards.
Where to Watch the Oscars Red Carpet Live
The Oscars red carpet is broadcast live on ABC in the United States and is available on streaming platforms that carry the network. Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream typically include the ABC feed during the ceremony. For international viewers, the red carpet and ceremony are often available through local broadcasters or official streaming partners in their region. The official Oscars site also provides links to official streaming options official Oscars site.
Social media platforms and official Oscars accounts often stream red carpet highlights and interviews in real time. The Academy and ABC share clips and full coverage on platforms like X and YouTube during the event. For the most current streaming and broadcast options, the official Oscars website lists verified partners official Oscars site. The red carpet coverage is part of the official pre-show, not a separate standalone stream.