Your Guide to Watching the 2026 Oscars: Don't Miss a Moment!

Mark Your Calendars: Oscars 2026

The excitement for the 98th Annual Academy Awards is palpable, and it's just around the corner! Set for Sunday, March 15, 2026, this year's celebration promises to showcase a dazzling array of performances, fashion, and heartfelt speeches.

Join viewers in the U.S. as the ceremony airs at 7 PM Eastern and 4 PM Pacific—that's midnight in the UK. If you're anything like me, you won't want to miss a single moment of this vibrant night!

How to Watch the Ceremony

The Oscars will be available to watch live across various platforms this year, which makes it easier than ever to tune in:

• If you have Hulu, you can catch the ceremony there—no live TV subscription necessary!
• Alternatively, local ABC stations will show the event live. This includes viewers with traditional cable or those watching over-the-air.
• If streaming is more your speed, consider packages like YouTube TV, DirecTV, or Fubo.

Global Viewing Options

For international fans, the Oscars won't be out of reach. Multiple global partners will carry ABC's livestream. To find your local broadcaster, refer to the official list of international partners. If you're situated in a geo-blocked area, using a VPN may be necessary to access streams from other regions.

What Time to Tune In

Fashion enthusiasts, take note: a red carpet pre-show will air 30 minutes before the event starts, kicking off at 6:30 PM EDT. Be ready to see designers showcasing their creations on celebrities as they arrive at the venue. From couture to thrift finds, it's bound to be entertaining!

Prepare for Laughter

Conan O'Brien takes the helm as host once again, a decision that fans widely welcome. He's already engaging with the public—catch his recent appearances on Michelle Obama's IMO podcast and The New Yorker Radio Hour. Conan's wit promises to make this ceremony a memorable one.

The spotlight isn't just on the awards; it's on the hosts, with discussions on The New Yorker about the ghosts of Oscars past—so don't miss a special episode on Oscars hosts that meticulously analyses the highs and lows of the role throughout its television history starting in 1953.

Join the Conversation!

Looking to chime in during the ceremony? Engage with other fans in real-time on platforms like r/Oscars on Reddit or find a dedicated feed on Bluesky.

Looking Ahead: The Nominees

This year has brought forth a staggeringly competitive slate of nominees. From glittering Hollywood gems to cherished indie flicks, the anticipation is building. Critics from The Ringer have dubbed the excitement of early 2026 as "the craziest awards season in years." This reflects the palpable buzz and the diverse films vying for recognition. Each nominee shares a story worth celebrating.

Be prepared for unexpected twists and memorable acceptance speeches. In essence, immerse yourself in an atmosphere where creativity flourishes. With all these remarkable stories aligning for an unforgettable evening, the Oscars surely will not disappoint.