Oscars 2026: Date, Time & How to Watch the 98th Academy Awards
The Academy Awards, fondly known as the Oscars, represent the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. As Hollywood gears up for another unforgettable evening, fans are eager to know: when are the Oscars 2026? The 98th annual Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. PST. This prime-time event will celebrate the best films, performances, and technical wizardry from the past year, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
With nominations already announced and buzz building around frontrunners like Sinners and Bugonia, anticipation is sky-high. Whether you're a die-hard cinephile or just tuning in for the glamour, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Oscars 2026 date, viewing options, and standout nominees.
The Oscars 2026 Date and Schedule: What to Expect
The official Oscars 2026 date falls on March 15, aligning with the Academy's tradition of hosting the ceremony in mid-March. Kicking off at 4:00 p.m. PST (7:00 p.m. EST), the live broadcast will run for about three to four hours, featuring heartfelt speeches, surprise wins, and star-studded red carpet arrivals starting as early as 2:00 p.m. PST.
This year's event promises to highlight diverse storytelling, from gripping dramas to innovative animations. The eligibility period for films ran from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, ensuring a fresh slate of contenders. Nominations were unveiled on January 17, 2026, setting the stage for months of campaigns and predictions.
Historically, the Oscars have evolved since their inception in 1929. The 98th edition continues this legacy, with the Academy expanding its voter base to over 10,000 global members. Expect tributes to industry icons and perhaps a nod to recent cinematic milestones, all under the glittering chandeliers of the Dolby Theatre.
How to Watch the Oscars 2026: Broadcast and Streaming Options
For U.S. viewers, the Oscars 2026 will air exclusively on ABC, the longtime broadcaster of the event. If you have cable or satellite TV, simply tune to your local ABC affiliate. But in today's streaming era, cord-cutters have plenty of alternatives.
Stream the ceremony live on Hulu (with Live TV), ABC.com, or the ABC app—all requiring a cable login or Hulu subscription. Other platforms like YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream also carry ABC for live viewing. International fans can check local broadcasters or use a VPN for U.S. streams, though availability varies.
Beyond the main show, ABC will offer pre-show coverage, including red carpet fashion from E! and behind-the-scenes insights. Post-ceremony, highlights and full speeches will be available on the Academy's YouTube channel and Oscars.org.
Where to Watch Oscar-Nominated Films Before the Big Night
To get in the mood, catch up on the nominees. Many are already streaming or in theaters. For instance:
- Bugonia (Best Picture, Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Original Score): Available on Fandango at Home, Peacock, and Prime Video. This Yorgos Lanthimos-directed thriller has critics raving about its twisted narrative.
- Sinners (Multiple nods including Best Picture, Directing, and Original Song): Stream on Fandango at Home, HBO Max, Prime Video, or Hulu. Ryan Coogler's vampire saga is a genre-bending standout.
- F1 (Best Picture): Rent on Fandango at Home, Apple TV+, or Prime Video. The high-octane racing drama starring Brad Pitt is revving up awards chatter.
- Frankenstein (Best Picture, Supporting Actor, Cinematography): Exclusively on Netflix, this modern retelling boasts stunning visuals.
- Hamnet (Best Picture, Actress, Directing): Currently in theaters—don't miss its poignant exploration of grief and legacy.
Other highlights include Marty Supreme (in theaters), One Battle After Another (HBO Max, Hulu), and animated contenders like Zootopia 2 (Fandango at Home) and Elio (Disney+). For international fare, The Secret Agent streams on Apple TV+, while Sentimental Value is on Fandango at Home.
Tech categories shine too: Avatar: Fire and Ash (Visual Effects, Costume Design) is in theaters, and Jurassic World Rebirth (Best Picture) hits Fandango at Home, Peacock, and Prime Video. With options across Netflix, Hulu, and more, there's no excuse to miss the conversation.
Spotlight on Key Oscars 2026 Nominees and Predictions
The 2026 field is stacked with prestige projects. Sinners leads with 16 nominations, including Best Picture, Leading Actor (Michael B. Jordan), and Leading Actress (Hailee Steinfeld), positioning it as a potential sweep. Its blend of horror and social commentary has resonated deeply.
Bugonia, with Emma Stone in the lead, eyes wins in acting and screenplay categories. Meanwhile, Jurassic World Rebirth surprises with Best Picture contention, thanks to its epic scope and Scarlett Johansson's powerhouse performance.
In animation, Zootopia 2 and KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix) vie for Best Animated Feature, while documentaries like The Voice of Hind Rajab (in theaters) bring urgent global stories. Acting races are fierce: Expect battles between Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme and Dwayne Johnson in One Battle After Another.
Predictions point to Sinners for Best Picture, but upsets are possible—Hamnet's emotional depth could sway voters. Music nods go to original songs from Train Dreams (Netflix) and KPop Demon Hunters.
Why the Oscars 2026 Matter: A Cultural Milestone
Beyond the glitz, the Oscars 2026 underscore film's role in reflecting society. From climate themes in The Lost Bus (Apple TV+) to identity explorations in Sentimental Value, this year's nominees tackle pressing issues. The ceremony also promotes inclusivity, with expanded categories like Best Casting and International Feature.
As we approach March 15, 2026, the Oscars remain a beacon for storytelling's power. Whether streaming from your couch or cheering in a theater, join millions worldwide for this cinematic extravaganza.
Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for live updates, winner announcements, and post-show analysis on Oscars 2026.
