Fans have been on the edge of their seats to find out if their favourite films will bag the Oscar this year. So, here’s what you need to know if you’re planning on watching the 98th Academy Awards.
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Juhi Sharma
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The 98th Academy Awards ceremony promises surprises, with a brand-new category launching alongside a high-energy hosting style, some powerful nominations and the presence of the best stars in the league. Fans have been cheering for their favourite films. So, as we wait for the grand showdown, let’s take a look at everything you need to know before the biggest night in Hollywood.
When and where to watch the 98th Academy Awards?
The 98th Academy Award ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The main event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. (ET) and 4:00 p.m. (PT). The official red carpet celebration begins earlier at 6:30 p.m. (ET). This marks the 25th consecutive year the Oscars call the Dolby Theatre home. The ceremony airs live on ABC and streams simultaneously on Hulu, ensuring millions can tune in nationwide.
Conan O’Brien will be coming back as the host of the 98th Academy Awards
The Emmy Award-winning comedian, Conan O’Brein officially returns to host the 2026 Oscars ceremony. The much-loved comedian’s second hosting stint comes after delivering critical acclaim just months earlier. The comedian will bring his signature sharp wit, irreverent humour, and the ability to balance celebrity moments with genuine entertainment. His chemistry with the creative team remains strong, with executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan returning alongside him. The host has been preparing day and night for the role, hinting at surprising moments to come. According to multiple sources, the much-loved comedian stated:
“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”
Some historic changes with a new category at the Academy Awards
The 2026 ceremony brings groundbreaking changes to the Academy Awards format. It is for the first time since 2010 that a new competitive Oscar category has been added to the list. According to reports, the award show has launched its Best Casting category this year. This addition brings the total competitive categories to 24. The Best Casting award recognises the vital work of casting directors. Additionally, the Oscars enforced a new voting rule. All Academy members competing in final-round voting must now watch all nominated films in their respective categories. This procedural change aims to boost credibility and ensure informed voting. The Academy issued a statement about the same and stated:
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, and our creative team for the 98th Oscars. They’ve proven their ability to create moments that matter.”
How to watch the 2026 Oscars live?
ABC broadcasts the 98th Academy Awards live coast-to-coast and simultaneously on services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV, giving viewers multiple ways to catch all the action. Start watching the red carpet pre-show at 6:30 PM ET on March 15, 2026. International viewers will be able to watch the show on their local channels. The ceremony benefits from a YouTube partnership, bringing unprecedented access through closed captioning and additional features. Additionally, cable or satellite subscribers can watch on ABC.com and the ABC app. The show will also air live in more than 200 territories worldwide.
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Sinners leads the nominations with a historic 16 nominations
The film, Sinners leads the 2026 Oscar race with an unprecedented 16 nominations, the highest this season. The powerhouse contender spans multiple categories, positioning it as a potential major winner. This nomination count surpasses typical competition and signals broad Academy support. Industry insiders predict Sinners could achieve a historic sweep, potentially topping even the success of recent major blockbusters. Following the film on its heels is One Battle After Another, with 13 nominations, giving Sinners a tough competition for the best.
Talking about India at the 98th Academy Awards, the country’s entry unfortunately did not make the nomination list. For the unversed, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound was India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars. Despite being shortlisted in the top 15, the film failed to secure a spot in the final nomination on January 22, 2026, in the Best International Film category. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in key roles.
More about the 98th Academy Awards
The Oscars are the biggest night in the entertainment field. Not just the fans but also the actors themselves are excited about the upcoming awards. Presenters confirmed include Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Zoe Saldana, and Demi Moore. The red carpet will showcase Hollywood’s biggest stars competing for 24 coveted golden statuettes. The telecast itself will be helmed by a familiar team, as last year’s executive producer and showrunner, Raj Kapoor, executive producers, Katy Mullan and Rob Paine, and director, Hamish Hamilton.
What are your thoughts on the 98th Academy Awards? Let us know.
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