Hollywood’s most glamorous and unpredictable night is back — bigger, bolder, and more historic than ever. The 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) promises a star-studded celebration of the finest films of 2025, record-breaking nominations, diversity milestones, and one of the most competitive Best Picture races in years.

Taking place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the ceremony unfolds at the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles. For viewers in the UK and USA eager to tune in, the broadcast airs live on American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and streams simultaneously on Hulu, with red-carpet coverage beginning earlier in the day and the main ceremony kicking off at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT.

But that’s just the beginning.

Oscars 2026 Date, Time & Official Ceremony Details

Here’s a quick-reference table for key information about the 98th Academy Awards:

Category	Official Details
Event	98th Academy Awards
Date	Sunday, March 15, 2026
Venue	Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles
Main Show Time	7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
Network	ABC
Streaming	Hulu
Host	Conan O’Brien
Executive Producers	Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan
Producers	Jeff Ross, Mike Sweeney
Director	Hamish Hamilton
Nominations Announced	January 22, 2026
Announced By	Danielle Brooks & Lewis Pullman
Final Voting Closed	March 5, 2026
Total Competitive Categories	24 (including new Best Casting category)

This year introduces a brand-new competitive category — Best Casting — bringing the total number of Oscar categories to 24. It’s a significant moment for the industry, recognizing the often-unsung artistry behind assembling unforgettable ensembles.

Conan O’Brien Returns as Oscars 2026 Host – What to Expect

For the second consecutive year, Conan O’Brien returns as host. Known for his sharp wit and playful unpredictability, O’Brien’s comeback sets expectations high for a ceremony blending classic Hollywood elegance with modern comedic edge.

Behind the scenes, executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan join producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, while acclaimed live-event director Hamish Hamilton steers the broadcast. With such a seasoned team, viewers can expect seamless pacing, dynamic stage design, and headline-making moments.

Record-Breaking Oscar 2026 Nominations: ‘Sinners’ Makes History

The headline story of the year? One film has shattered expectations.

Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, leads the nominations with an unprecedented 16 nods — the most ever for a single film in Academy history. The historical vampire epic not only dominates numerically but also sets new benchmarks for Black representation across major and technical categories.

Starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twins, alongside Hailee Steinfeld, the film blends genre spectacle with emotional and musical storytelling — earning a 97% Tomatometer score.

Warner Bros. Ties Nomination Record & Diversity Milestones

In a powerful showing, Warner Bros. ties its all-time nomination record this year.

Meanwhile, milestones abound:

• Timothée Chalamet becomes one of the youngest multi-nominees across acting and producing categories.
  
• Chloé Zhao earns her second Best Director nomination — becoming the first woman of color to achieve this after a prior win.
  
• Increased representation shines in technical categories including cinematography, editing, and production design.
  

The 2026 Oscars aren’t just about competition — they reflect an evolving Academy embracing global storytelling.

Best Picture 2026 Ranked by Tomatometer: Critics’ Scores Revealed

As of late February 2026, here’s how the 10 Best Picture nominees rank according to Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer scores:

1. The Secret Agent (98%)

Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent leads critics’ rankings. Starring Wagner Moura, the Brazilian political thriller blends grindhouse stylization with razor-sharp social commentary.

2. Sinners (97%)

A genre-defying epic and awards juggernaut, Sinners fuses horror, history, and music into a cinematic powerhouse.

3. Sentimental Value (96%)

From director Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value explores artistic ambition and personal intimacy with a stellar cast including Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård.

4. Train Dreams (94%)

Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley, delivers a sweeping meditation on America, powered by Joel Edgerton’s performance.

5. One Battle After Another (94%)

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another stars Leonardo DiCaprio and stands as one of the season’s strongest awards contenders with 13 nominations.

6. Marty Supreme (93%)

In Marty Supreme, director Josh Safdie crafts a high-energy sports drama led by Timothée Chalamet.

7. Bugonia (88%)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia features Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons in a wildly inventive satire.

8. Hamnet (86%)

Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, imagines the emotional origins behind Shakespeare’s legacy, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

9. Frankenstein (85%)

From visionary director Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein reimagines the iconic monster with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi.

10. F1 The Movie (82%)

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, F1 The Movie stars Brad Pitt in a high-octane sports spectacle.

Critics vs Awards Buzz: Why ‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Lead Predictions

While The Secret Agent tops critic scores, industry momentum suggests Sinners and One Battle After Another are leading guild wins and prediction charts. This disconnect between critics and awards bodies adds suspense — making Best Picture one of the tightest races in recent memory.

Where to Watch 2026 Best Picture Nominees

Many nominees are now available across major streaming platforms:

• Frankenstein — Netflix
  
• Sinners — Max / Prime Video
  
• Others — Select theaters and digital rental
  

(Availability may vary in the UK and USA; check local listings or JustWatch.)

Why Oscars 2026 Could Be One of the Most Historic Ceremonies Yet

From record-shattering nominations to the introduction of Best Casting, the 98th Academy Awards marks a transformative moment for the industry.

Genres range widely:

• Political thrillers
  
• Historical vampire epics
  
• Intimate European dramas
  
• Sports spectacles
  
• Lavish horror reimaginings
  

The breadth of storytelling reflects a cinematic year unafraid to take risks.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Hollywood’s Biggest Night

Whether you’re watching from New York, Los Angeles, London, or beyond, March 15 promises unforgettable speeches, surprise wins, and viral red-carpet moments.

With Conan O’Brien at the helm, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners rewriting the record books, and a Best Picture race that could go either way, the 2026 Oscars are shaping up to be essential viewing for film fans everywhere.

Mark your calendars. Set your reminders. And get ready for a celebration of bold, diverse filmmaking that defined 2025.

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Enjoy the show on March 15! 🎬