With less than two weeks to go, Hollywood is preparing for its biggest night.
The 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, honoring the best films released in 2025. The ceremony will once again be held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, airing live on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
The show begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with red carpet coverage kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT.
And returning to host? Conan O'Brien.
Here's everything you need to know as Oscar night approaches.
Conan O'Brien Returns as Host
After earning praise for his performance last year, Conan O'Brien returns to host the Oscars for the second consecutive year.
Academy leadership confirmed that executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan are also back for the third straight year, alongside director Hamish Hamilton. The returning team signals stability and confidence following a well-received 2025 broadcast.
O'Brien's blend of humor, heart, and cultural awareness is expected to once again set the tone for the evening.
When and Where Are the Oscars 2026?
Here are the key details:
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Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
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Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
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Red Carpet: 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT
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Location: Dolby Theatre, Hollywood
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Broadcast: ABC
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Streaming: Hulu, YouTube TV, FuboTV
The ceremony will honor achievements across 24 competitive categories, including a newly introduced award.
A New Oscar Category Debuts
For the first time since 2001, the Academy is adding a new competitive category:
Best Casting
This marks a significant shift in how filmmaking disciplines are recognized. Casting directors - long considered essential behind-the-scenes architects of performance - will finally receive Oscar recognition.
The inclusion reflects the Academy's broader effort to evolve with the industry.
The Films Leading the Race
As of March 2, the race is tightening - but a few films clearly stand out.
Sinners - 16 Nominations
Ryan Coogler's Sinners leads all nominees with 16 nominations, the most in Oscar history. The film has broken records previously held by Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land.
It also marks a milestone for representation, setting a record for the most Black nominees tied to a single film.
Other Major Contenders:
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One Battle After Another - 13 nominations
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Frankenstein - 9 nominations
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Marty Supreme - 9 nominations
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Sentimental Value - 9 nominations
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Hamnet - 8 nominations
With PGA and SAG momentum influencing predictions, the Best Picture race remains one of the most closely watched contests heading into March 15.
Acting Categories to Watch
This year's acting races include historic milestones:
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Timothée Chalamet becomes the youngest actor since Marlon Brando to earn three acting nominations.
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Wagner Moura becomes the first Brazilian nominated for Best Actor.
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Amy Madigan sets a record for the longest gap (40 years) between acting nominations.
The Best Actor lineup includes Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Ethan Hawke, and Moura - making this one of the most competitive fields in years.
Best Original Song Changes
Only two of the five Best Original Song nominees will be performed live during the ceremony:
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"Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters
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"I Lied to You" from Sinners
The Academy has chosen to highlight the other nominees through cinematic tribute segments rather than live performances - a decision that has sparked some debate within the music community.
Important Oscar Timeline
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Final Voting Ends: March 5, 2026
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98th Academy Awards: March 15, 2026
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Scientific & Technical Awards: April 28, 2026
With final voting ending this week, the outcome is nearly locked in.
Governors Awards Honorees
Earlier this season, the Academy presented honorary awards to:
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Tom Cruise
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Debbie Allen
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Wynn Thomas
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Dolly Parton (Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award)
These honors celebrate lifetime achievement and humanitarian contributions beyond competitive categories.
Why This Year Feels Different
Beyond record-breaking nominations and new categories, this year's Oscars come amid industry consolidation, global tensions, and evolving streaming dynamics.
The Academy has also implemented a new rule requiring voters to confirm they've watched all nominated films in a category before casting final ballots - an effort aimed at strengthening credibility and fairness.
In many ways, the 98th Academy Awards reflect an industry adapting while holding onto tradition.
Final Thoughts
With just under two weeks until the curtain rises at the Dolby Theatre, anticipation is building.
Will Sinners turn its historic nominations into major wins?
Can One Battle After Another continue its awards-season dominance?
Will a surprise upset redefine the race?
On March 15, 2026, the answers will unfold live.
And as always, beyond the trophies and headlines, the Oscars remain a celebration of storytelling - stories that challenge, inspire, and reflect the world we live in.
