Oscar ceremony to stream on 'Watch ABC'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Hollywood's Oscar pre-show and awards telecast are to stream live for verified "Watch ABC" viewers online and on mobile devices for the first time Sunday.

The programs, along with "Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Oscars," will then be available on demand through Wednesday.

"We're extremely proud of how much the Oscar Digital Experience has evolved," Albert Cheng, executive vice president and chief product officer of the digital media division for Disney/ABC Television Group, said in a statement. "This year more people than ever before will have access to the backstage streams and verified 'Watch ABC' viewers will be able to participate in the most interactive Oscars to date, seamlessly navigating between the pre-show, telecast and 'The Oscars Backstage' experience on their mobile devices."

The Oscars will honor the best in film in 2013. Ellen DeGeneres is to serve as host of the event.