Oscars Broadcast in Jeopardy as Disney Struggles with Livestream Fail

The 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, 2025, was a night to remember. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the evening was filled with emotional speeches, unforgettable performances, and, of course, shocking upsets. One standout moment was the surprising film Anora, which swept the ceremony with five wins, including Best Picture.

The night was full of magic, and as always, the Oscars delivered its usual blend of celebration and entertainment.

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But while the Oscars may have been a hit for most viewers, there was one major disappointment that overshadowed the excitement for those watching from home. Disney’s livestream of the event on Hulu ended up being a massive failure, threatening to tarnish the evening for many.

For Hulu subscribers, this wasn’t just a minor inconvenience — it was a full-blown disaster. Subscribers, who pay a premium price for Hulu’s live TV feature, found themselves unable to log into their accounts to watch the event.

Despite the Oscars’ broadcast beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, a tweet saying the issue was fixed was not sent out until 9 p.m.

A tweet sent out around that time read: “We are aware of the issues and are working to fix them,” but the damage was already done for many viewers who had missed critical moments of the night.

Unfortunately, the problems didn’t end there.

Just when viewers thought things might be back on track, Hulu once again failed to deliver. The live-streaming service had major issues just before one of the most anticipated moments of the evening: the Best Actress and Best Picture awards.

As one user tweeted in frustration:

“Hulu shutting off the Oscars saying its over because nobody contemplated it might run long (which it always does) is peak level incompetence.”

Hulu shutting off the Oscars saying its over because nobody contemplated it might run long (which it always does) is peak level incompetence#Oscars #Oscars2025 #hulu pic.twitter.com/MuCRHbnR7e

— Danny Seidel (@Dnseidel) March 3, 2025

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The shutdown left many viewers completely in the dark as they missed some of the most prestigious awards of the night. Over 30,000 Hulu subscribers reported issues during the Oscars, many of them unable to watch or rewatch any of the evening’s most talked-about moments.

For Disney, this disastrous livestream experience raises serious questions about its ability to continue hosting the Oscars on Hulu. This was their first attempt to stream the event, and based on the failure, it might very well be their last.

The Oscars have aired on ABC for decades, but with the contract between Disney and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) set to expire in 2028, there’s growing concern that this blunder could cost them the broadcast entirely.

Related: Disney CEO Bob Iger Denounces “Redundant” Streaming Service

According to reports from Bloomberg, AMPAS is already considering other options, including offering the rights to stream the Oscars on major platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. For a broadcast as prestigious as the Academy Awards, it’s crucial to have a reliable streaming platform, especially as more and more viewers turn to online services for their TV needs.

Unfortunately for Disney, Hulu’s technical failings during such a high-profile event may make AMPAS look for a more dependable partner moving forward.

This situation is compounded by the declining viewership of the Oscars over the past decade. In the last ten years, the Academy Awards has seen a staggering 50% drop in television viewership, a trend that has left AMPAS scrambling for new ways to attract an audience.

Moving to a larger streaming service like Netflix or Prime Video could potentially help AMPAS boost viewership, as these platforms boast millions of subscribers globally who are more likely to tune in for an event like the Oscars.

Another issue on the horizon for Disney and the Academy is the growing frustration over the price Disney pays for broadcasting rights. While Disney made over $100 million for the broadcast, the shrinking viewership and technical issues have left AMPAS considering a renegotiation.

However, Disney isn’t exactly eager to commit to a new deal, especially given the current challenges in maintaining its streaming services.

The Oscars might be facing a turning point. With Disney’s failed livestream, coupled with the decline in traditional TV viewership, the question of where the prestigious ceremony will land in 2028 is becoming more pressing.

Will Disney renew its contract with AMPAS, or will the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences make the bold decision to move the Oscars to a platform like Netflix or Prime Video? Only time will tell, but this disaster could be a key moment in the Oscars’ future broadcast plans.

Did you try watching the Oscars on Hulu? What were your thoughts on the livestream disaster? Let us know in the comments below!