The 98th Academy Awards are here, and Conan O’Brien is the man at the helm. Whether you’re planning a viewing party or just planning to camp out on the couch with some munchies, we’ve got the lowdown on what you need to know to catch all the action tonight!
When and where will the Oscars 2026 happen?
The Oscars ceremony runs from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Viewers will want to be settled in before 4 p.m. to catch the full show. The red carpet typically gets going a couple of hours before the ceremony, so tuning in early is worth it to see who shows up in what.
ABC is the place to be on TV. It’s where the Oscars have aired for years, and tonight is no different. Cable subscribers are all set with no extra steps needed.
For those who have cut the cord, Hulu with Live TV and DirecTV Stream both carry ABC and will stream the ceremony live. The ABC app also offers a live stream, though a cable provider login may be required depending on the service plan. Fubo TV is another solid option that carries ABC for live streaming.
The Academy Museum is hosting an official watch party starting at 3 p.m., with additional parties running in New York City and London for those who want to watch with a crowd. The Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Party at West Hollywood Park kicks off at 2:30 p.m., featuring a live performance by Lola Young, with a packed guest list expected throughout the evening.
For anyone following the pre-show buzz, the WIF Oscars Nominees Celebration runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with nominees including Kate Hudson, Elle Fanning, and Tig Notaro among the expected guests.
Once the final award drops, the night is far from over. The Governors Ball starts immediately after the ceremony at the Ray Dolby Ballroom, which is the first stop for most winners. Netflix throws its after-party right after, Vanity Fair heads to LACMA for its legendary annual gathering, and Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s Gold Party runs until the early hours at Chateau Marmont.
The ceremony kicks off at 4 p.m. sharp, so set a reminder, print out a ballot sheet, and have those predictions locked in before Conan takes the stage.
What to Expect
- The Host: Conan O’Brien returns for his second consecutive year after his highly praised 2025 debut.
- The Frontrunner: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners enters the night with a record-breaking 16 nominations, the most for any film in history. It faces stiff competition from Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another (13 nominations).
- Performances:
- Barbra Streisand is confirmed for a special tribute to the late Robert Redford during the In Memoriam segment.
- KPop Demon Hunters cast members (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami) will perform “Golden.”
- Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq will perform “I Lied to You” from Sinners, accompanied by Misty Copeland and Buddy Guy.
- Reunions: Look out for a 15th-anniversary Bridesmaids reunion featuring Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, plus a Marvel superhero gathering on stage.
You May Also Like:
Warner Bros celebrates “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” ahead of Oscars
