Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here. The 98th Academy Awards will capture place this Sunday, March 15th, with comedian Conan O’Brien returning to host for the second consecutive year. Whether you’re planning a viewing party or settling in for a solo night with the stars, here’s everything you need to know about when and how to watch the 2026 Oscars.
The ceremony, set to unfold at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, promises a celebration of cinematic achievement, with Sinners leading the nominations with a record-breaking 16 nods. From the red carpet glamour to the highly anticipated award announcements, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
When and Where to Watch the 2026 Oscars
The 98th Academy Awards will begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Sunday, March 15th. The official red carpet show will kick off 30 minutes prior, at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT, offering a first look at the evening’s most stunning fashion.
For viewers tuning in from the United States, ABC will be broadcasting the ceremony across its local stations, as well as streaming it live on the ABC app and ABC.com. Hulu will also offer a live stream of the event, alongside options like YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and Fubo TV. Those watching from outside the U.S. Can find a list of international networks broadcasting the Oscars here.
Who’s Hosting and Presenting?
Conan O’Brien will once again take the stage as host, bringing his signature wit and charm to the ceremony. Adding to the star power, previous Oscar winners Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña are confirmed to present awards.
The presenter lineup also includes Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Paul Mescal (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), and Delroy Lindo (Sinners). Actor and comedian Matt Berry (What We Do In The Shadows) will serve as the ceremony’s announcer.
Performances to Anticipate
The 98th Academy Awards will feature several musical performances. Actor Miles Caton will perform “I Lied to You” from Sinners alongside Raphael Saadiq, who co-wrote the song with Ludwig Göransson. They will be joined by a diverse group of artists including Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith, in a performance designed to complement the film’s visual style, according to the Academy.
The fictional KPop group Huntrix – comprised of Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna from KPop Demon Hunters – will perform “Golden,” also nominated for best original song. Rounding out the musical lineup, Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale will also take the stage.
The Nominees
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners dominates this year’s nominations with a total of 16, including bids for best picture, director, and acting awards. One Battle After Another follows closely with 13 nominations, while Frankenstein, Sentimental Value, and Marty Supreme each received nine nominations.
The nominees for best actor include Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent). Competing for best actress are Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Emma Stone (Bugonia).
A new category this year, the Academy Award for casting, recognizes the crucial role casting directors play in filmmaking. The nominees are Nina Gold for Hamnet, Jennifer Venditti for Marty Supreme, Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another, Gabriel Domingues for The Secret Agent, and Francine Maisler for Sinners. A full list of nominees can be found here.
As the 98th Academy Awards approach, anticipation builds for a night celebrating the best in film. With a stellar lineup of nominees, captivating performances, and a charismatic host in Conan O’Brien, the ceremony promises to be a memorable event for movie lovers worldwide. The awards will undoubtedly spark conversation and further appreciation for the art of filmmaking in the months to come.
What are your predictions for the big winners this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
