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Oscars 2026: Everything You Should Know (98th Academy Awards Date, Host, Nominees, and How to Watch)

Yelzkizi Oscars 2026: Everything You Should Know (98th Academy Awards Date, Host, Nominees, and How to Watch)

Hollywood’s biggest night is fast approaching with the 98th Academy Awards, also known as Oscars 2026. This comprehensive guide covers everything you should know – from the event date and venue to the host, how to watch (on ABC, Hulu, or online), the nominees and new categories, plus red-carpet details, predictions, after-parties, and more. Whether you’re a casual viewer or an awards-season fanatic, read on for all the essential Oscars 2026 information.

When are the Oscars 2026? (98th Academy Awards date and start time)

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The live telecast begins at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT). Official red-carpet coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. ET, while E! Network begins its coverage at 4:00 p.m. ET. The broadcast is expected to last over three hours.

Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

Where are the Oscars 2026 held? (Dolby Theatre location)

The ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre at the Ovation Hollywood complex in Hollywood, California. The venue, which seats over 3,000 guests, has hosted the awards since 2001. The event involves significant local road closures and the installation of fan bleachers along Hollywood Boulevard.

Who is hosting the Oscars 2026?

Conan O’Brien will host for the second consecutive year following his 2025 debut. Academy leadership praised his previous performance for its humor and warmth. O’Brien has already begun joking about the upcoming show, referencing Adrien Brody’s long 2025 speech.

How to watch the Oscars 2026 live on ABC and Hulu

ABC is the official U.S. broadcaster. For the first time, the ceremony will also stream live for all Hulu subscribers. Viewers can also watch via the ABC website or app with a TV provider login. Internationally, the show is broadcast in over 200 territories through various partners like Sky/Now, ITV, and CTV.

Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

How to watch the Oscars 2026 online without cable

Cord-cutters can stream the Oscars through a standard Hulu subscription. Other options include live TV streaming services that carry ABC, such as YouTube TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, many of which offer free trials. Additionally, an HD antenna can be used to watch the local ABC broadcast for free.

Oscars 2026 nominees list (Best Picture, acting, directing, and more)

Nominations were announced on January 22, 2026.

  • Best Picture: Bugonia; F1; Frankenstein; Hamnet; Marty Supreme; One Battle After Another; The Secret Agent; Sentimental Value; Sinners; Train Dreams.
  • Best Director: Chloé Zhao, Josh Safdie, Paul Thomas Anderson, Joachim Trier, Ryan Coogler.
  • Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Wagner Moura.
  • Best Actress: Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, Emma Stone.
  • Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo, Sean Penn, Stellan Skarsgård.
  • Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku, Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Amy Madigan, Teyana Taylor.
    “Sinners” leads with 16 nominations, followed by “One Battle After Another” with 13.

Oscars 2026 nomination announcement date and schedule

Nominations were revealed on January 22, 2026, by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman. Key dates included shortlists in December 2025, nomination voting from January 12–16, and the Nominees Luncheon on February 10. Final winner voting ran from February 26 to approximately March 3, 2026, leading up to the March 15 ceremony.

Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

Oscars 2026 shortlists: what they are and which categories have them

Shortlists were announced on December 17, 2025, for 12 categories to narrow the field before final nominations. These categories include Documentary Feature and Short, International Feature, Animated and Live Action Short, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Original Song, Sound, Visual Effects, Casting, and Cinematography. Some technical categories involve “bake-off” presentations to determine the final five nominees.

Oscars 2026 presenters: full presenter lineup and updates

The 98th Oscars will feature a mix of returning winners, Hollywood legends, and contemporary stars. Following tradition, 2025 acting winners Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña will present this year’s acting awards.

Early March announcements included Anne Hathaway, Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Will Arnett, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Paul Mescal. They were joined by earlier confirms Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Maya Rudolph, and Chase Infiniti. Final additions include Nicole Kidman, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Rose Byrne, Delroy Lindo, Ewan McGregor, Wagner Moura, Sigourney Weaver, Jimmy Kimmel, and father-son duo Bill and Lewis Pullman.

Special segments include a 15th-anniversary “Bridesmaids” reunion with cast members like Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, a Marvel reunion featuring Downey Jr., Paltrow, and Evans, and a teased “extraterrestrial” appearance. Additional surprise guests may be announced.

Oscars 2026 performances: musical performances and songs

The ceremony will feature live performances for two of the five Best Original Song nominees. “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” will be performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, featuring traditional Korean instruments and dance. “I Lied to You” from “Sinners” will be performed by Miles Caton, accompanied by a large ensemble including Raphael Saadiq, Misty Copeland, Buddy Guy, and several other musicians and dancers.

The other three nominees—”Dear Me” (Diane Warren: Relentless), “Sweet Dreams of Joy” (Viva Verdi!), and “Train Dreams” (Train Dreams)—will be recognized through custom-produced filmed vignettes or montages. Additionally, Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale will perform, possibly for the In Memoriam segment. Host Conan O’Brien may also perform a musical comedy bit.

Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

Oscars 2026 most-nominated films and records to watch

“Sinners” made history with 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film, breaking the previous record of 14. It is chasing the record for most wins (11). “One Battle After Another” follows with 13 nominations. Other top contenders include “Hamnet” (8+), “Sentimental Value” (7–8), and “Marty Supreme” (~7).

Notable milestones include Timothée Chalamet becoming the youngest actor to receive three Best Actor nominations by age 30. The 98th Oscars will also award the first-ever Oscar for Best Casting. Historic firsts include Renate Reinsve as the first Norwegian actress nominated and multiple Black actresses nominated in the Supporting Actress category.

In November 2025, Honorary Awards were presented to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas, while Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Oscars 2026 Best Picture predictions and odds (what to know)

“One Battle After Another” is currently the frontrunner for Best Picture, having won major precursor awards like the PGA and DGA. “Sinners” is considered the primary challenger due to its record-breaking nomination count.

Other nominees include “Hamnet,” which could serve as a consensus choice, and “Sentimental Value,” which seeks to become the second non-English film to win the top prize. The remaining contenders are “Marty Supreme,” “Frankenstein,” “Bugonia,” “F1,” “The Secret Agent,” and “Train Dreams.”

The winner is determined by a preferential ballot, which often favors films with broad support across the Academy’s diverse branches. Results in categories like Film Editing, Screenplay, and Director earlier in the night often serve as indicators for the final Best Picture outcome.

Oscars 2026 red carpet: start time, where to watch, and who’s hosting coverage

The official Oscars red carpet coverage begins Sunday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) on ABC. Earlier coverage is available via ABC News Live starting at 3:30 p.m. ET, and the E! Channel kicks off its “Live From the Red Carpet” at 4:00 p.m. ET. Online options include People TV, Entertainment Tonight, and social media feeds from the Academy.

ABC’s coverage is led by Lara Spencer, Whit Johnson, and Linsey Davis, with fashion commentary from Roshumba Williams and Joe Zee. E! will feature a team of news anchors and stylists. High-profile stars typically arrive in the final hour of the carpet.

Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

New Oscars casting award: what it is and how it works

The 98th Academy Awards marks the debut of the Best Casting category, the first new Oscar category since 2001. This award honors casting directors for assembling a film’s ensemble. The selection process involved a shortlist of 10 films and a “bake-off” presentation for the Casting Directors Branch.

The inaugural nominees are Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme), Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another), Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent), and Francine Maisler (Sinners). The final winner is chosen by the full Academy membership, who must certify they have watched all five nominated films to vote in this category.

Oscars 2026 voting timeline and Academy voting process

Winners are determined by over 10,000 Academy members. Nomination voting took place January 12–16, 2026. Final voting for winners opened on February 26 and closed around March 3. While branches nominate within their own fields, the entire membership votes on winners for most categories.

Best Picture uses a preferential (ranked) ballot to find a consensus winner. All other categories use a plurality (highest vote) system. A new rule requires members to watch all nominees in a category before voting for a winner to prevent “name-check” voting. All ballots are tabulated secretly by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Oscars 2026 eligibility rules: which movies qualify for the 98th Academy Awards

To be eligible for the 98th Oscars, a film must have been released in the 2025 calendar year. Standard requirements include a minimum 7-day theatrical run in a qualifying city with at least one daily screening between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Feature films must run longer than 40 minutes.

Best Picture contenders face stricter rules, requiring an expanded run in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets. They must also meet two of four Academy Inclusion Standards regarding diversity. International films, documentaries, and shorts have specific additional qualifying criteria involving festival wins or specific theatrical engagements.

Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

Oscars 2026 after-parties: Vanity Fair Oscar Party livestream and details

Following the ceremony, the 31st annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party will move to a new location at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). While the event is private, a red-carpet arrivals livestream hosted by Quenlin Blackwell, Brittany Broski, and Jake Shane begins at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT) on Vanity Fair’s website and YouTube.

Other notable events include the Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Party and the Academy’s official Governors Ball, where winners have their trophies engraved. The Vanity Fair party is famous for its portrait studio and its tradition of serving In-N-Out burgers to guests.

Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. When are the Oscars 2026 and what time do they start?
    The ceremony is Sunday, March 15, 2026, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT. Red carpet coverage begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on E! and 6:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
  2. Where will the 98th Academy Awards be held?
    The event takes place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.
  3. Who is hosting the Oscars 2026 ceremony?
    Comedian Conan O’Brien returns for his second consecutive year as host.
  4. How can I watch the Oscars 2026 on TV or online?
    Watch live on ABC or stream on Hulu. Other options include YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. It is broadcast globally in over 200 countries.
  5. Can I watch the Oscars without a cable subscription?
    Yes, via Hulu’s basic plan, live TV streaming services with free trials, or an HD antenna for local ABC access.
  6. Who are the major nominees for Oscars 2026?
    Best Picture nominees include Sinners, One Battle After Another, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme. Lead acting nominees include Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, and Jessie Buckley. Sinners holds a record 16 nominations.
  7. What is the new Best Casting award at this year’s Oscars?
    It is a new category recognizing casting directors. The inaugural nominees are from Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, and Sinners.
  8. How many categories will be awarded in Oscars 2026?
    There are 24 award categories, all of which will be announced during the live broadcast.
  9. How long is the Oscars 2026 broadcast expected to last?
    The show is expected to run between 3 and 3.25 hours, ending around 10:00 p.m. ET.
  10. Where can I get official Oscar updates and winners information?
    Real-time winners are posted on @TheAcademy social media and Oscars.org.
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)
Yelzkizi oscars 2026: everything you should know (98th academy awards date, host, nominees, and how to watch)

Conclusion

The 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, celebrate cinematic excellence with host Conan O’Brien. Highlights include the record-breaking 16 nominations for Sinners and the introduction of the Best Casting category. Viewers are encouraged to follow official channels, use interactive ballots, and join the global community in celebrating the year’s best in film.

Sources:

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