The 2026 Oscars: What to Expect

Everything you need to know about Hollywood's biggest night, from the hosts to the performers.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:00am

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The 98th Academy Awards are set to air this Sunday, March 15, live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O'Brien for the second consecutive year, and the presenter lineup includes stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, and Nicole Kidman. Musical performances will feature K-pop group Demon Hunters and R&B artist Raphael Saadiq. Viewers can tune in on ABC, stream on Hulu, or watch the red carpet coverage on E! starting at 4 p.m. ET.

Why it matters

The Oscars remain one of the most watched and anticipated awards shows, celebrating the best in film from the previous year. This year's ceremony will showcase the industry's top talent and provide a glimpse into the current state of Hollywood.

The details

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Pre-show coverage will begin earlier, with ABC's red carpet broadcast starting at 3:30 p.m. ET and E!'s extended red carpet show beginning at 4 p.m. ET. Conan O'Brien returns as host for the second year in a row, and the presenter lineup includes several A-list celebrities. Musical performances will feature K-pop group Demon Hunters and R&B artist Raphael Saadiq.

  • The Oscars ceremony begins at 8 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on Sunday, March 15.
  • ABC's official red carpet coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET.
  • E!'s extended red carpet broadcast begins at 4 p.m. ET.
  • ABC's pre-show transitions into ceremony coverage at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Conan O'Brien

The host of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, returning for his second consecutive year.

Gwyneth Paltrow

One of the presenters at the 2026 Oscars ceremony.

Demon Hunters

A K-pop group performing at the Oscars ceremony.

Raphael Saadiq

An R&B artist performing at the Oscars ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“The 98th Academy Awards will air Sunday, March 15. Here's everything to know.”

— Julia Cancilla, Engagement Editor

The takeaway

The 2026 Oscars ceremony will bring together Hollywood's biggest stars to celebrate the year's best films, with a mix of veteran and up-and-coming talent taking the stage as hosts, presenters, and performers.