On Sunday, March 9, 2026, Hollywood’s brightest stars will gather at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 98th Academy Awards, a ceremony steeped in tradition but unfolding against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and industry upheaval. With the U.S. still engaged in conflict with Iran, security will be heightened, and the awards will honor films that grapple with contemporary issues—from immigration to political repression. As the race tightens between Best Picture frontrunners 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another,' viewers can expect a night of surprises, tributes, and high-stakes performances.
How to Watch and Stream the 2026 Oscars
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with streaming available on Hulu. The telecast will include red carpet coverage, award presentations, and a post-show special, 'On the Red Carpet: After the Awards,' offering glimpses into the most exclusive after-parties. For international viewers, ABC’s international channels and local partners will provide coverage, though exact broadcast times vary by region.
Post-Awards Coverage and After-Parties
Following the main ceremony, ABC will air 'On the Red Carpet: After the Awards,' a behind-the-scenes look at the star-studded celebrations. The next morning, 'Live With Kelly and Mark: After the Oscars' will broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre stage, featuring interviews with winners and attendees.
Security and Geopolitical Context for the 2026 Oscars
The 2026 Oscars take place just two weeks after the U.S. launched military operations in Iran, a conflict that has heightened security concerns for the event. The FBI and LAPD are collaborating closely with the Academy to ensure safety, with measures including increased surveillance and restricted access to the Dolby Theatre. 'We monitor global events closely, and this year requires extra vigilance,' said Raj Kapoor, executive producer of the show.
Historical Precedent: Oscars During War
The 2003 Oscars, held just days before the U.S. invasion of Iraq, also faced heightened security. That year, 'Chicago' won Best Picture amid protests against the war. The 2026 ceremony may similarly reflect Hollywood’s response to current events, with films like 'One Battle After Another' and 'It Was Just an Accident' addressing political turmoil.
Best Picture Race: Theatrical vs. Streaming
The Best Picture race is shaping up as a battle between two Warner Bros. theatrical releases: 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another.' Despite the dominance of streaming platforms, neither film is a Netflix or Disney+ release, signaling a potential victory for traditional cinema. 'KPop Demon Hunters,' Netflix’s most-streamed film ever with 325 million views, remains a long shot for Best Picture, as only Apple’s 'CODA' has won the top prize among streaming titles.
The Future of Hollywood: Mergers and Legacy Studios
Warner Bros.’ pending $111 billion merger with Paramount Skydance reflects Hollywood’s consolidation trend, following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM and Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox. The Oscars may serve as a final hurrah for legacy studios before further industry restructuring.
Acting Categories: Surprises and Front-Runners
The acting races are unusually competitive. Best Actor is a toss-up between Timothée Chalamet ('Marty Supreme') and Paul Dano ('The Last Duel'), while Jessie Buckley ('Hamnet') is favored for Best Actress. In supporting categories, Sean Penn ('The Last Duel') leads, but Stellan Skarsgård ('Sentimental Value') and Delroy Lindo ('Sinners') are strong contenders.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Oscars
- The 98th Academy Awards air March 9, 2026, on ABC and Hulu, with heightened security due to the U.S.-Iran conflict.
- Best Picture is a battle between 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another,' both Warner Bros. theatrical releases.
- New rules require Academy members to watch all nominees before voting, and a Best Casting category debuts.
- The 'In Memoriam' segment will honor Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where are the 2026 Oscars?
- The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 9, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony airs live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and streams on Hulu.
- Who is hosting the 2026 Oscars?
- Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year, promising a lighthearted show despite geopolitical tensions.
- What films are nominated for Best Picture?
- The top contenders are 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another,' both Warner Bros. theatrical releases. 'KPop Demon Hunters' (Netflix) is also nominated but is considered a long shot.
