Streaming service Hulu experienced a significant service outage Sunday night, coinciding with the start of the 97th Academy Awards broadcast. Users attempting to stream the ceremony were unexpectedly logged out of their accounts and encountered “invalid email” errors when trying to reconnect. The technical issues persisted through at least the first 40 minutes of the Oscars telecast.
Newsweek reached out to Hulu via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
This disruption highlights a critical vulnerability in the streaming ecosystem as major events transition away from traditional broadcasting.
Disney-owned ABC had specifically promoted Hulu as the primary streaming option for viewers without cable access, leaving many cord-cutters scrambling for alternatives during Hollywood’s biggest night.
What To Know
Over all 34,000 viewers reported experiencing problems cross multiple states, according to DownDetector.com.
While the red carpet pre-show streamed without incident, problems began precisely when the main ceremony was scheduled to start.
For approximately 40 minutes, Hulu’s only communications were replies through its Support account on X, stating it was “investigating this behavior with high priority.” At 7:39 PM ET, Hulu Support finally posted a public message: “Having issues logging in? If so – we’re on it! Our team is actively investigating, and we hope to have things back up and running soon.”
Having issues logging in? If so – we’re on it! Our team is actively investigating, and we hope to have things back up and running soon.
— Hulu Support (@hulu_support) March 3, 2025
What People Are Saying
A Hulu customer shared their frustration on X: “Hulu owes me a damn refund right about now. All that advertisement about streaming the #Oscars2025, only for the site to not work.”
Wicked fans blasted the streaming service for missing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who opened the award show: “F*** you Hulu logging me out and not letting me in so I missed Ariana’s performance.”
Another fan added: “I MISSED THIS BECAUSE HULU’S F*** A**”
CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images
What Happens Next
Hulu is working to resolve the issue. The 2025 Academy Awards is also available on services offering live streaming of ABC such as YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV.