Everything to know about the 98th Academy Awards.

When and Where to Watch the Oscars

March 13, 2026 – The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu, with coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Comedian Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year after receiving strong reviews for last year’s ceremony.

International viewers can also watch the broadcast through local television partners or streaming services that carry ABC.

Image Credit: Jason DeCrow / Associated Press

Key Nominees in the 2026 Race

This year’s Oscars celebrate films released in 2025, with the vampire thriller Sinners leading the nominations with 16 total nods, making it the most nominated film of the year.

Other major contenders include One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, and Train Dreams, all of which have appeared prominently throughout the awards season.

The acting categories are also highly competitive, with performers like Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Amy Madigan, and Jessie Buckley frequently mentioned as frontrunners.

Awards Season Momentum

The race for Best Picture appears to be particularly close. Industry observers say the competition has largely narrowed to Sinners and One Battle After Another, both of which have performed strongly across critics’ awards and guild ceremonies.

Paul Thomas Anderson is widely expected to be a strong contender for Best Director for One Battle After Another, while the acting categories remain unpredictable heading into Oscar night.

What to Expect From the Ceremony

The 2026 ceremony is expected to feature a mix of emotional tributes, political commentary, and memorable performances. Industry insiders also anticipate special moments celebrating film history and honoring artists who passed away during the past year.

The show will also present awards across 24 competitive categories, including the introduction of a new category recognizing casting achievements.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Oscars promise a dramatic finale to a highly competitive awards season. With films like Sinners and One Battle After Another battling for the top prize and several tight acting races, this year’s ceremony could deliver some surprising winners.

For film fans, the night will once again celebrate the best storytelling and performances from the past year in cinema.

FAQs

Q1: When are the 2026 Oscars?
The ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.

Q2: Where can viewers watch the Oscars?
The event will air on ABC and stream on Hulu.

Q3: Who is hosting the 2026 Oscars?
Comedian Conan O’Brien is returning as host.

Q4: Which film has the most nominations?

Sinners* leads the nominations with 16.

Q5: Which films are expected to win Best Picture?
Predictions often mention Sinners and One Battle After Another as top contenders.