The anticipation is building as Hollywood gears up for the 98th Academy Awards, set to take place on 15th March 2026 at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This year marks a significant occasion for film enthusiasts worldwide, particularly as the ceremony will spotlight an astounding 16 nominations for the vampire thriller, *Sinners*, a film that has made history with its record number of nods.
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In addition to *Sinners*, the Oscars will honour a wealth of cinematic talent with nominations for a diverse array of films including *One Battle After Another*, *Marty Supreme*, *Frankenstein*, and *Hamnet*. The evening is promised to be one filled with celebration, drama, and anticipation as screens turn to the stars of the silver screen.
Returning to the Oscars stage is comedian Conan O’Brien, who will host the prestigious event for the second consecutive year. O’Brien expressed his enthusiasm for the role, declaring, “It’s a really fun gig, and I had a lot of fun, and I just wanted to do it again.” He added, “The movies this year have been insane,” revealing his delight at being part of such a remarkable lineup during a stellar year for cinema.
As the red carpet prepares to welcome its guests, viewers can expect extensive coverage that begins well before the main event. E! will kick off their red carpet programme, *Live From E!: Oscars 2026*, at 4 p.m. ET. Additionally, ABC will host its own preshow, *On the Red Carpet at the Oscars*, which starts at 3:30 p.m. ET, featuring early insights and highlights as the stars make their grand entrances.
The pomp and glamour culminate in the awards ceremony itself, which is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. ET. This year, the Oscars will see the introduction of an innovative category: Best Casting. The ceremony will also pay heartfelt tribute to beloved filmmaker Rob Reiner during an extended “in memoriam” segment. “It’s going to be a very powerful part of the show,” O’Brien shared ahead of the ceremony, expressing the significance of the tribute.
For those eager to watch the ceremony live, the Oscars will be broadcast on ABC. Furthermore, streaming options have expanded; the event will also be available for viewing on Hulu, making it more accessible for audiences who prefer online streaming. The 2025 Academy Awards were the debut occasion that the ceremony was available for streaming live on the platform, which proved successful and is expected to attract an even larger audience this year.
Showrunner and executive producer Raj Kapoor teased viewers about the event, stating that O’Brien has some extraordinary surprises planned for the evening. “If anything, he’s going bigger, and his creativity has been unleashed to a new level,” Kapoor noted, promising an evening full of entertainment.
As the excitement surrounding the 98th Academy Awards approaches its peak, audiences are gearing up for a night that promises not only to honour cinematic achievements but also to deliver spectacular performances, emotional moments, and the ever-present allure of Hollywood. As fans prepare their viewing parties and gather with fellow film aficionados, the Oscars remain a defining moment in the entertainment calendar, celebrating the artistry and determination of those within the film industry.
With the stage set and the world watching, the 2026 Academy Awards aim to captivate hearts and minds, reminding us all why we love the magic and storytelling of film.