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ABC to stream the Oscars for the first time, but only for select viewers

ABC will be streaming its live coverage of the Oscars this weekend for the first time ever, but there are some important caveats. First, the awards show will only be viewable through Watch ABC on the web or through ABC's iOS and Android apps, both of which require a cable subscription for access. What's more, you'll need to live in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham or Fresno in order to stream the event, since Watch ABC isn't available nationwide. Even then, you'll need a Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Midcontinent, Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber or AT&T U-Verse subscription if you wanna see whether Her takes home best picture.

If you don't meet the above criteria for streaming, "The Oscars Backstage" second screen experience will be available to all viewers regardless of their location or service provider. This will pull footage from multiple cameras positioned on the red carpet and in the backstage area. As you might expect, folks with full access can toggle back and forth between the extra content and the live show. Last but not least, Variety reports that highlight clips will be posted to Oscars.com five to 10 minutes after they air. The 86th Annual Academy Awards happens this Sunday, March 2nd at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT.

[Image credit: Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images]