The 98th Academy Awards delivered a night of memorable moments, historic wins, and stunning performances. Beyond the golden statuettes, the ceremony itself was a spectacle, blending musical tributes with heartfelt acceptance speeches. For those who missed the live broadcast, or seek to relive the highlights, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to watch and stream the 2026 Oscars.
This year’s show wasn’t just about celebrating cinematic achievement; it was a showcase of artistic collaboration. The performance of “I Lied to You” from the film Sinners, in particular, captivated audiences, demonstrating the power of music and dance to elevate storytelling. Understanding how to access the show after the fact allows viewers to fully appreciate these moments and the broader context of the evening’s events.
A Performance for the Ages: Misty Copeland and the Sinners Tribute
One of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 Oscars was the performance of “I Lied to You,” the Oscar-nominated song from Sinners. The performance, conceptualized to explore the role music plays in the film’s narrative, featured Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq alongside a star-studded ensemble. Notably, ballet legend Misty Copeland, who recently came out of retirement following hip replacement surgery, delivered a breathtaking performance. As reported by My Modern Met, Copeland’s appearance was a poignant echo of a visual reference within the film itself – a red ballerina who leaps and twirls across the frame during the song’s surreal sequence.
Copeland wasn’t alone on stage. The performance similarly included Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith, creating a vibrant and dynamic tribute to the film’s musical roots. According to Yahoo Entertainment, the act mirrored a key scene from Sinners, set in a Mississippi juke joint, showcasing a blend of musical sounds and performers from across different eras and cultures.
Ballet legend Misty Copeland performs at the 98th Academy Awards. (Image via Getty Images, as featured on My Modern Met)
Beyond Sinners: Other Musical Highlights
Even as the Sinners performance was a standout, it wasn’t the only musical moment of the night. The KPop Demon Hunters segment featured Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the singing voices behind HUNTR/X, performing “Golden.” This performance incorporated traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance, celebrating the folklore and cultural inspiration behind the film. Every nominated song was also introduced with footage from the film it was written for, grounding each performance in its cinematic context.
Other nominated songs included “Train Dreams” from Train Dreams, “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi!, and “Dear Me” from the documentary Relentless, though only “Golden” and “I Lied to You” were performed live during the broadcast.
Who Presented at the 2026 Oscars?
The 98th Academy Awards boasted an impressive lineup of presenters, including Will Arnett, Javier Bardem, Adrien Brody, Rose Byrne, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kieran Culkin, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Anne Hathaway, Chase Infiniti, Ellie Kemper, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Mikey Madison, Melissa McCarthy, Ewan McGregor, Paul Mescal, Demi Moore, Wagner Moura, Kumail Nanjiani, Pedro Pascal, Robert Pattinson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, Maya Rudolph, Zoe Saldaña, Channing Tatum, Kristen Wiig, Sigourney Weaver, and Zendaya. Billy Crystal, Rachel McAdams, and Barbra Streisand also took the stage during the In Memoriam segment to honor Rob and Michele Singer Reiner, Diane Keaton, Catherin O’Hara, and Robert Redford.
How to Stream the 2026 Oscars Now
Currently, specific streaming platforms haven’t been officially announced for on-demand viewing of the 2026 Oscars. But, traditionally, the ceremony becomes available for streaming on platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, often with a subscription requirement. Checking these platforms directly is the best way to confirm availability. People Magazine reported on Timothée Chalamet’s standing ovation for Copeland’s performance, further highlighting the event’s cultural impact and likely driving demand for replays.
Preserve an eye on official ABC and Academy Awards social media channels for updates on streaming options. Clips and highlights are also frequently shared on YouTube, offering a taste of the evening’s most memorable moments, including Copeland’s stunning return to the stage.
The 2026 Oscars were a celebration of cinematic artistry and a showcase of incredible talent. As more information becomes available regarding streaming options, viewers will have ample opportunity to revisit the highlights and experience the magic of the night for themselves.
What was your favorite moment from the 2026 Oscars? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
