How To Watch The Oscars In Ireland This Year

Whether you’re tuning in for the award winners, the yearly drama, or just for the spectacular outfits, the Oscars will be available to easily watch live in Ireland this year – for the first time!

Premiering live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the 97th Oscars will be available to stream Sunday, March 2nd at 7pm EDT.

For Irish viewers, the show will be available to watch Monday, March 3rd at midnight, for the first time ever, on RTÉ One. For those who may not be able to tune into this year’s Oscars live, RTÉ2 will air the Oscar Highlights, containing the biggest moments, speeches and award winners. 

So, now you know how to watch, how about a little bit of history?

The Oscars originated in the year 1927, when the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science (AMPAS) held a dinner in the Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. This dinner was to discuss a method to honour achievements regarding motion picture production. The iconic statue was adopted in 1929 and since the initial banquet in May of that year, over 3000 statues have been presented to the winners of each category. 

Today, the Oscars are organised into 24 categories such as Best Picture, Actor and Actress in a Leading Role and behind the scenes awards such as Best Hair and Makeup. With approximately 9,500 voters, Academy members are categorised into 18 branches that encompass a variety of the jobs and sectors included in the industry. 

 

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Conan O’Brien, comedy writer, talk show host and former Ros na Rún guest star (yes, really) is set to host the 2025 Oscars. Following in the footsteps of previous hosts such as Jimmy Kimmel, Chris Rock and many others, O’Brien will lead the event and entertain the hundreds of millions of viewers that will tune in.

Despite finally being available on Irish broadcasting services in 2025, no Irish actors have been nominated in this year’s major categories. Fans were left disappointed after Kneecap failure to secure a nomination, after their fictionalised biopic was shortlisted. This is the second time in history that an Irish film was shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category after An Cailín Ciúin. 

It’s been one year since Cillian Murphy became the first Irish actor to win Best Actor at the Oscars, and it was predicted that he would double his win this year for his raw performance in Small Things like These. The movie was well praised by viewers and critics but has not received any nominations. Murphy may not be seen receiving an award, but he will present this year’s winner with the same award he received last year. 

Confirmed performances for this year’s show include Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, with their various nominations for their roles in Wicked. The Academy teased the pairs performance, claiming “a spellbinding moment awaits”. The last performance from the pair was seen at the Met Gala. Other confirmed performers include Doja Cat, Lisa from Blackpink, Queen Latifah and Raye. 

So, will you be tuning in to Ireland’s first time broadcasting this globally celebrated award show? 

Words by Emma Nolan