Hollywood is poised for one of its most prestigious evenings as the 98th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are set to take place on 15 March 2026. The glitzy event will be hosted at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, where the brightest stars will don their finest attire and celebrate the outstanding achievements in cinema from the past year.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/oscars-1-816a94bd550045ceb8d6b34a2c49fbbf.jpg)
For those eager to partake in the experience, the Oscars will commence at 7:00 p.m. ET, with the red carpet coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans craving even more of the glamour can tune in much earlier, as E! will kick off its extensive pre-show festivities at 4:00 p.m. ET. Viewers will have the opportunity to enjoy the occasion from the comfort of their own homes, as it will be broadcast live on ABC and Hulu.
Returning to lead the proceedings is comedic host Conan O’Brien, who enjoyed a successful debut in the role at last year’s ceremony. O’Brien’s charm and wit have been praised by the Academy, with officials citing his ability to manage the evening’s flow with both humour and respect. He quipped light-heartedly about his return, stating, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” referencing last year’s record-breaking acceptance speech.
A diverse array of presenters has been announced for the event, reflecting the rich tapestry of talent in the industry. Among the confirmed names are acclaimed actors such as Javier Bardem, Demi Moore, and Chris Evans, along with comedians like Kumail Nanjiani and Maya Rudolph. Continuing the tradition, last year’s winners in acting categories, including Adrien Brody and Kieran Culkin, will also present the relevant awards this year.
This year’s nominations showcase a stellar lineup of talent, with 20 actors and actresses vying for glory across 24 categories. Notable contenders for Best Actor include Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The Best Actress category features Jessie Buckley and Emma Stone, among others. Timothée Chalamet has made history with three nominations for Best Actor, a feat not seen since Marlon Brando in 1954.
The 2026 Oscars will see a notable film, *Sinners*, shattering records with a staggering 16 nominations, making it the most nominated film in Oscar history. Additionally, ten films will compete for the coveted Best Picture award, including *Bugonia*, *Frankenstein*, and *Train Dreams*.
In a refreshing update from previous awards, fans can look forward to live performances from two of the Best Original Song nominees. The tracks “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, performed by Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna, and “I Lied to You” from *Sinners*, sung by Miles Caton, promise to add an entertaining dynamic to the evening. Other nominated songs will be introduced through specially crafted segments, acknowledging their significance in the cultural landscape over the past year.
Oscar executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have assured that all nominees will receive the same level of respect and attention as other categories. However, the decision to feature only two live performances was based on the global influence and audience connection established by the selected songs.
As the countdown to this prestigious night continues, celebrities are finalising their looks and plans for the red carpet. The 2026 Academy Awards promise a memorable evening filled with recognition for cinematic excellence, vibrant performances, and the dazzling glamour that Hollywood embodies.
The anticipation builds as the world prepares to celebrate the art of storytelling through film, reinforcing the Academy Awards’ status as one of the most watched events in the entertainment calendar.