The most awaited show during the awards season will live stream this year in an unprecedented move by ABC, airing both online and via its mobile Watch ABC app.
The decision was made to reflect the ways that viewers watch TV as well as access other forms of media, according to realitytvworld.com. The live stream will be limited, however, as viewers who prefer to watch the pre-show and ceremony will still need to have a TV subscription in order to access the live feed.
Time reports that the Oscars is not the first live broadcast to stream for free, citing the Fox Super Bowl which successfully streamed online for the first time just this February, putting it on top of the most-viewed US Sports livestream ever.
This year's Academy Awards will be hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, and the feed will be available for subscribers with pay-TV access, as well as Watch ABC Apps on their mobile devices.
USA Today pointed out that the app is available to stream live at any day of the year, but this is the first time that it is made available during a telecast of the Oscars. The magazine also pointed out that all viewers will have access to the screen experience called "The Oscars Backstage" which pulls live footage from cameras backstage as well as on the red carpet at the Dolby Theater where the event will be held.
This means, according to SVP for Digital Media, Karin Gliford, that "if one of your favorite actors wins an award, you can see the great acceptance speech and then on 'The Oscars Backstage' experience follow them to a Thank You Cam where they can give a longer speech."
The "Oscars Backstage Experience" will be hosted by Ben Lyons, entertainment reporter and film critic; Hitha Prabhakar, ABC World News contributor; Peter Castro of People Magazine, and Chris Connelly of Good Morning America.
The Academy Awards will stream live on March 2 at 8:30 pm ET.
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