Posted: 27 February 2026, Friday at 8:00 pm | Dubai | Edited: 27 Feb 2026, Friday at 8:00 pm
The road to Oscars 2026 is officially underway. The excitement is building fast. From record-breaking nominations to Conan O’Brien’s return as host, the 98th Academy Awards promise glamour, surprises, and emotional moments.
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When Is Oscar 2026? Date & Start Time Confirmed
Overview: The show begins at 7 p.m. ET, helping keep the ceremony tighter and more viewer-friendly.
The Oscar ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, with an earlier start time than the Academy has kept in recent years.
Before planning your watch party, note these timings:
- Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT/ 4 AM UAE (Next Day)
- Red Carpet: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT/ 3:30 AM UAE (Next Day)
The earlier start has improved pacing, but Oscar night always delivers long speeches, unexpected wins, and viral moments.
Where Is Oscar 2026 Being Held?
Overview: The 98th Academy Awards will be held at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Here’s why the venue matters:
- The Oscars have been hosted here since 2002
- The grand staircase is one of the most photographed spots in Hollywood
- It has witnessed historic wins and unforgettable controversies
Celebrating cinema in the heart of Hollywood adds poetic weight to Oscar 2026, especially in the streaming era.
How to Watch Oscar 2026 Live
Overview: The ceremony will air live in over 200 territories worldwide.
Whether you prefer cable or streaming, Oscar is widely accessible. Key options to watch include:
- Live on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the US
- Streaming on Hulu
- International broadcast via regional networks
Last year drew nearly 20 million viewers. Oscar 2026 is expected to match or exceed those numbers.
Who Is Hosting Oscars 2026?
Overview: Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year.
The Academy is sticking with a familiar face for Oscar 2026.
Why this matters:
- Brings decades of late-night comedy experience
- Known for sharp but good-natured humour
- Provides stability after years of format changes
After experimenting with host-less ceremonies, the Academy appears committed to consistency. Expect clever monologues, absurd sketches, and internet-savvy humour throughout Oscar.
Oscars 2026 Presenters: Star-Studded Lineup
Overview: Last year’s winners and Hollywood A-listers will take the stage.
The presenter list adds even more excitement to Oscars.
Returning winners presenting awards:
- Adrien Brody
- Kieran Culkin
- Mikey Madison
- Zoe Saldaña
Additional announced presenters:
- Javier Bardem
- Chris Evans
- Demi Moore
- Kumail Nanjiani
- Maya Rudolph
More names are expected in the coming weeks.
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Oscar 2026 Nominations: Record Breakers & Frontrunners
Overview: This year reflects a mix of blockbusters, prestige dramas, and genre films.
Major highlights:
- Sinners leads with a record-breaking 14 nominations
- One Battle After Another follows with 13 nominations
- Marty Supreme, Frankenstein and Sentimental Value earned nine nominations each
- Hamnet secured eight nominations
The “Big Five” Categories
These awards often define Oscars 2026:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Screenplay (Original & Adapted)
A win here can transform careers and reshape Hollywood narratives.
New Category at Oscars 2026
Overview: Achievement in Casting debuts this year.
Oscar 2026 introduces a significant addition.
This category recognises casting directors, long overdue recognition for professionals shaping performances behind the scenes.
What to Expect on Oscar 2026 Night
Overview: Expect emotion, viral moments, and industry reflection.
Oscar night is never predictable. Here’s what viewers can anticipate:
- Musical performances
- Tearful and awkward speeches
- Social media meltdowns
- At least one major upset
With industry strikes reshaping Hollywood in recent years, Oscar feel like a ceremony marking recovery and reinvention.
FAQs
1. When is Oscars?
Oscars 2026 takes place on March 15, 2026.
2. What time does Oscars start?
The ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.
3. Where is Oscars held?
At the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
4. Who is hosting Oscars?
Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second year in a row.
5. Which film has the most nominations at Oscar?
“Sinners” leads with 14 nominations.
6. How can I watch Oscar?
You can watch it live on ABC and stream it via Hulu.
Conclusion
Oscar 2026 isn’t just another awards show; it feels like a turning point. With record-breaking nominations, a new casting category, and Conan O’Brien’s steady presence, the 98th Academy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting ceremonies in recent memory.
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