Road to the 2026 Oscars: What to Know About the 98th Academy Awards

The countdown to the 98th Oscars is on. This year, the ceremony will celebrate a diverse array of films that captured the world’s imagination. Leading the pack is the thriller “Sinners,” which made history this January. It earned a staggering 15 nominations, breaking the all-time record previously held by “Titanic.”

Other major contenders include the war epic “One Battle After Another” and the sports biopic “Marty Supreme.” These films will compete for the industry’s highest honors in front of a global audience.

Ceremony Details: When and How to Watch The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026. The event returns to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The broadcast begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Fans can watch the ceremony live on major networks or via popular streaming platforms. For the second year in a row, Conan O’Brien will serve as the host. Known for his quick wit, O’Brien has teased a show that leans into the “zeitgeist” of this year’s cinema.

A Historic New Category For the first time in decades, the Academy is introducing a new award. This year marks the debut of Achievement in Casting. This category honors the professionals who assemble the perfect ensembles for the screen. Nominees include legendary casting directors like Nina Gold for “Hamnet” and Francine Maisler for “Sinners.”

The Returning Winners Following tradition, last year’s top acting winners will return to present. Expect to see Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldaña, and Kieran Culkin on stage. They will hand off the gold to the next generation of winners.

Snubs and Surprises Every year brings its share of controversy. While “Sinners” dominated, some fan favorites were left out. Notably, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande did not receive nods for “Wicked: For Good.” Additionally, veterans Adam Sandler and George Clooney were missing from the acting categories for their work in “Jay Kelly.”