The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set to illuminate the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026, marking another landmark event in the illustrious history of cinematic achievement. As Hollywood’s biggest night approaches, anticipation is building for a telecast promising a captivating blend of honoring the year’s finest films, celebrating enduring legacies, and recognizing the evolving landscape of filmmaking. This year’s ceremony, broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, is poised to deliver an unforgettable evening for a global audience, with pre-show festivities commencing at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with the official red carpet coverage, hosted by seasoned broadcasters Tamron Hall and Jesse Palmer.
The telecast itself will commence at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, reaching viewers not only across the United States but also in over 200 territories worldwide, underscoring the universal appeal and influence of the Academy Awards. The Academy has meticulously curated a program designed to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.
Conan O’Brien Returns to Host, Bringing His Signature Wit and Dedication
Returning for his second consecutive year at the helm of the Oscars is beloved television personality Conan O’Brien. His debut hosting performance last year was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its humor, warmth, and ability to navigate the complexities of the ceremony with grace. O’Brien, known for his meticulous approach to his craft, has reportedly been deeply immersed in preparation, engaging in an intensive three-month period of workshopping material through surprise gigs in and around Los Angeles, followed by dedicated time in the writers’ room.
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter for this week’s cover story, O’Brien shared his characteristic intensity regarding the hosting duties. "I get obsessive," he admitted. "I want to turn it off, but I can’t. That’s not always a fun ride, but that’s the deal. At 62, I understand it. I tell my daughter, ‘You have to know your own owner’s manual.’ I now know the Conan Owner’s Manual.” This dedication suggests a host fully committed to delivering a memorable and polished performance, building upon the success of his previous outing.
A Galaxy of Stars Set to Present and Celebrate
The Academy has assembled a truly star-studded lineup of presenters for the 98th Oscars, a testament to the prestige of the event and the deep respect filmmakers hold for one another. The roster features a distinguished collection of past winners, esteemed nominees, and celebrated former hosts, promising a night filled with memorable moments and heartfelt acknowledgments.
Among those gracing the stage will be last year’s acting award recipients: Mikey Madison, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, and Zoë Saldaña. Their presence not only honors their recent achievements but also signifies the passing of the torch to the next generation of acting luminaries.
Further enhancing the evening’s glamour are confirmed presenters including Will Arnett, Javier Bardem, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anne Hathaway, Chase Infiniti, Paul Mescal, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Ewan McGregor, Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, Channing Tatum, and Sigourney Weaver. This diverse group represents a broad spectrum of cinematic talent, from seasoned veterans to rising stars, ensuring a dynamic and engaging presentation of awards.
Adding a special touch of nostalgia and comedic brilliance, the ceremony will feature a highly anticipated Bridesmaids reunion. This beloved ensemble, including current Oscar nominee Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy, is set to take the stage together, promising a moment of shared joy and laughter for fans of the iconic comedy.
In a further nod to beloved cinematic universes, the Oscars will also host a significant Marvel reunion, with Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans set to present. This pairing is expected to evoke considerable excitement among fans, celebrating their indelible contributions to the superhero genre. Katy Mullan, executive producer of the telecast alongside Raj Kapoor, teased the significance of these reunions at a recent press conference. "We’re going to have superstar superheroes, and there is also going to be an extraterrestrial on the stage," she remarked, hinting at further surprises and a commitment to celebrating the breadth of cinematic impact.
Musical Performances: A Curated Showcase of Original Song
In a notable shift from the previous year, the 98th Academy Awards will feature live performances of two of the five nominated songs in the Best Original Song category. This decision marks a return to a more traditional format, aiming to highlight the musical artistry that underpins many of this year’s cinematic achievements.
The nominated songs set to be performed live are "Golden" from K-Pop Demon Hunters and "I Lied to You" from Sinners. The producers have indicated that this selection was made based on the songs’ "defining role in their global cultural impact and audience connection this year." This approach acknowledges the significant influence of music in shaping a film’s reception and resonance with the public.
The performance of "Golden" will be brought to life by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, enhanced by a captivating fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance, promising a visually and sonically rich presentation. The rendition of "I Lied to You" will feature Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, accompanied by a star-studded ensemble including Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith. This performance is envisioned as an homage to the film’s distinctive visual style, further integrating the musical number with its cinematic context.
The remaining three nominated songs – Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner’s "Train Dreams" from Train Dreams, Diane Warren’s "Dear Me" from Diane Warren: Relentless, and "Sweet Dreams of Joy" by Nicholas Pike from Viva Verdi! – will be introduced through specially produced segments. These segments will feature curated film clips and behind-the-scenes footage, with support extended across social media platforms to ensure these deserving musical works receive broad recognition. This multi-faceted approach aims to honor all nominees while strategically focusing live performance resources.
The producers’ decision to select specific songs for live performance, as outlined in a letter to nominees, was driven by a desire to maintain the show’s pacing and conclude within its allotted time. This strategic programming underscores the ongoing effort to balance artistic presentation with the logistical demands of a live, globally broadcast event.
Adding to the evening’s musical tapestry, the ceremony will also include appearances by Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, further enriching the sonic landscape of the night.
Honoring a Luminary Year: Tributes to Departed Icons
The past year has been marked by a profound sense of loss within the film industry, with the passing of numerous iconic figures who shaped the art form. The Academy Awards telecast producers are diligently crafting tributes to ensure these indelible contributions are recognized and remembered.
A poignant reunion will see When Harry Met Sally… stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan take the stage to honor Rob Reiner, the acclaimed director of their beloved film. This pairing promises a touching moment, evoking nostalgia for a classic cinematic collaboration. Furthermore, it has been reported that Barbra Streisand will deliver a musical tribute to Robert Redford, her cherished co-star in The Way We Were, offering a deeply personal and artistic acknowledgment of his legacy.
Executive producer Katy Mullan acknowledged the profound impact of the year’s losses. "It has been a really, really tough year this year, so the In Memoriam has been something we’ve been talking about for many, many months," she stated to reporters. "We’ve lost a huge amount of people this year who are so meaningful to so many in the film community. We take it really, really seriously. We have been having many, many discussions. … It continues to change right up until rehearsal, because we want to get the strike, the balance, just right and make sure that it feels like the right moment in the show for the moment in time." Mullan expressed hope that the tribute will be deeply moving and do justice to the remarkable individuals who have been lost. This underscores the careful consideration and emotional weight being invested in this segment of the ceremony.
Record-Breaking Nominations and a New Category Emerge
This year’s Academy Award nominations are already making history, with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners leading the pack with a remarkable and record-breaking 16 nods. The film’s extensive nominations span major categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, signaling its significant impact on the cinematic landscape. Following closely behind, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has garnered an impressive 13 nominations, highlighting its critical acclaim and widespread recognition. The sheer number of nominations for these films underscores the quality and diversity of cinematic storytelling in the past year.
In a significant development, the 98th Academy Awards will introduce a new, 24th category: Best Casting. This addition recognizes the crucial role casting directors play in shaping the success of a film, from assembling ensemble casts to finding the perfect actors for lead roles. The inaugural nominees for this prestigious award are Nina Gold for Hamnet, Jennifer Venditti for Marty Supreme, Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another, Gabriel Domingues for The Secret Agent, and Francine Maisler for Sinners. The establishment of this category reflects a growing appreciation for the intricate and often unsung work involved in bringing characters to life on screen.
For those seeking to anticipate the night’s outcomes, The Hollywood Reporter‘s awards expert Scott Feinberg has released his predictions for who is likely to win, while chief film critic David Rooney offers his curated picks for who should win. These insightful analyses provide valuable context and spark further discussion as the ceremony approaches.
The Post-Awards Celebration: A Night of Parties and Revelry
As the final Oscar is awarded and the credits roll, the official end of the awards season will be marked by a constellation of exclusive parties and celebrations across Hollywood. These events provide an opportunity for winners to be feted, for nominees to reflect on their achievements, and for the industry to come together in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration. A comprehensive guide to the most sought-after parties and events of the night has been compiled, offering a glimpse into the glamorous conclusion to this year’s awards season.
The 98th Academy Awards promises to be a night of cinematic excellence, heartfelt tributes, and historic moments. From the return of a beloved host to the introduction of a new award category and a stellar lineup of presenters and performers, the evening is poised to captivate audiences worldwide and reaffirm the enduring power and artistry of filmmaking.
