Hollywood’s biggest night has arrived. The 98th Academy Awards are taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for the second year in a row. From red carpet glamour to the unveiling of new categories, here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the Oscars live.
When Are the Oscars?
The 2026 Oscars are happening on Sunday, March 15. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with red carpet coverage airing throughout the afternoon.
O’Brien, who first hosted in 2025, is back to lead the show. “It’s a really fun gig, and I had a lot of fun, and I just wanted to do it again,” he told Extra. With blockbuster nominees like Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Frankenstein, the night promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Red Carpet Coverage
The Oscars red carpet is always a highlight, showcasing fashion and candid interviews with nominees. Coverage begins hours before the ceremony:
- ABC: On the Red Carpet at the Oscars starts at 3:30 p.m. ET, followed by the official live red carpet show at 6:30 p.m. ET.
- E!: Live From E!: Oscars 2026 begins at 4 p.m. ET, airing on cable and streaming on Peacock.
How to Watch on TV
The Oscars will air live on ABC, available through local affiliates across the U.S. This remains the primary broadcast option for millions of viewers.
How to Stream Online
For those without cable, the ceremony will stream live on multiple platforms:
- Hulu (standard and Hulu + Live TV)
- YouTube TV
- AT&T TV
- FuboTV
This marks the second year the Oscars are available on Hulu, making it easier than ever for cord-cutters to join in.
What’s New in 2026
The 98th Academy Awards introduces a brand-new category: Best Casting, honoring excellence in the art of casting. The ceremony will also feature an extended “In Memoriam” segment, including a special tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner. Showrunner Raj Kapoor teased surprises, saying Conan O’Brien’s creativity “has been unleashed to a new level.” Expect comedy, heartfelt tributes, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
Why This Year Matters
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners leads with a record-breaking 16 nominations, while Marty Supreme, Hamnet, and Train Dreams are also in contention. With fierce competition across categories, the 2026 Oscars are set to deliver drama, emotion, and history-making wins.
