Oscars 2026: Nominees, predictions, start time and how to watch | Cinema News
98th Academy Awards Set to Honor Outstanding Films Amid Global Tensions
Los Angeles — The 98th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, will take place Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, celebrating the best films released in 2025. The ceremony will bring together renowned actors, directors, and filmmakers from around the world, all vying for Hollywood’s most esteemed accolades.
This year’s ceremony arrives against a backdrop of escalating global tensions, notably the ongoing conflict in Iran. Host Conan O’Brien acknowledged the challenge of balancing entertainment with the current realities facing audiences. “My job is always to try to walk a very thin line between entertaining people and also acknowledging some of the realities,” O’Brien said at a news conference earlier this week.
Event Details
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. PT (23:00 GMT), with red carpet coverage commencing at 3:30 p.m. (22:30 GMT).
Viewing Options
The 2026 Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC in the United States. Viewers can also stream the ceremony via the ABC app or ABC.com, as well as through streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. Notably, the Academy announced plans to shift to an online-only platform on YouTube starting in 2029, ending a longtime partnership with ABC that began in 1976.
Hosting Duties
Conan O’Brien returns as the host for a second year, expressing his excitement for the show. “This year, I know where the doughnuts are,” he said, hinting at his familiarity with the event. He emphasized the importance of creating a memorable experience while reflecting on contemporary issues.
Red Carpet Coverage
The Oscars red carpet, an iconic display of fashion and celebrity, will feature various broadcasts ahead of the main event. Programs include “On the Red Carpet at the Oscars,” hosted by Tamron Hall and Jesse Palmer at 20:30 GMT, and “E! Live from the Red Carpet” at 21:00 GMT.
British comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg will also serve as the official Oscars social media correspondent for the third consecutive year.
Presenters and Performers
Last year’s acting award winners, including Adrien Brody and Kieran Culkin, will return to present awards. The ceremony will also showcase musical performances connected to the Best Original Song nominees, featuring artists like Rei Ami and EJAE.
Leading Nominees
This year, the film “Sinners” garnered attention with a historic 16 nominations, breaking the previous record of 14. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film combines elements of supernatural horror and romance, set against the backdrop of 1932 Mississippi.
Other notable contenders include “One Battle After Another” with 13 nominations, and “Frankenstein,” among others.
International Representation
The Oscars will shine a light on Arab cinema this year, with several films shortlisted for Best International Feature Film. “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, received a nomination, marking a significant milestone for Arab representation at the Oscars.
Key Film Highlights
“Best Picture” nominees include:
- “Bugonia”
- “F1”
- “Frankenstein”
- “Hamnet”
- “Marty Supreme”
- “One Battle After Another”
- “The Secret Agent”
- “Sentimental Value”
- “Sinners”
- “Train Dreams”
Nominees for Best Director feature Chloe Zhao (“Hamnet”), Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”), Paul Thomas Anderson (“One Battle After Another”), Joachim Trier (“Sentimental Value”), and Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”).
The Best Actor and Best Actress nominees include notable figures such as Timothee Chalamet and Jessie Buckley, who are considered frontrunners in their respective categories.
Industry Reactions
The nominations have sparked discussions around surprises and snubs, with audiences reacting to noteworthy exclusions, particularly for the sequel “Wicked: For Good.”
As the ceremony approaches, anticipation builds among film enthusiasts regarding potential winners, with early predictions suggesting competitive races across key categories.
