When are the Oscars 2026? Mark your calendar for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The 98th Academy Awards will honor the year’s best films with live coverage on ABC and streaming on Hulu. This historic ceremony introduces a groundbreaking new category that changes everything about how Hollywood celebrates casting talent.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Ceremony Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT
- Location: Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles
- Host: Conan O’Brien returns for his second consecutive year hosting
- New Award: Best Casting category debuts for the first competitive award in 25 years
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The 98th Academy Awards lands on Sunday, March 15, 2026, a date that’s quickly becoming Hollywood’s most anticipated evening. The ceremony kicks off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and 4 p.m. Pacific Time from the iconic Dolby Theatre in the heart of Hollywood. This is your chance to watch film’s most prestigious event unfold live.
The Dolby Theatre has been the Oscars home since 2002, hosting countless unforgettable moments. Location matters for the big night, and this venue remains Hollywood’s premier awards destination. Save the date because the ceremony typically runs about three and a half hours.
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Cord-cutters and traditionalists both have options. The ceremony broadcasts live on ABC for free over-the-air television in the United States. For the first time in Oscar history, Hulu subscribers can stream the entire event live, making the Oscars more accessible than ever.
ABC.com and the ABC app also provide streaming options for verified cable subscribers. Multiple platforms mean nobody misses the action when March 15 arrives. Whether you’re watching with family or hosting an Oscar party, you’ve got flexible viewing options.
A Historic Moment: The New Best Casting Category Debut
Something revolutionary happens on March 15. The Academy introduces the Award for Achievement in Casting, marking the first new competitive category in over 25 years. This isn’t just an awards change, it’s recognition that casting makes or breaks every film.
| Detail | Information |
| Event | 98th Academy Awards |
| Date | March 15, 2026 |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT |
| Venue | Dolby Theatre, Hollywood |
| Watch Online | ABC, Hulu, ABC.com |
The five Best Casting nominees announced on January 22, 2026 are Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another. These films showcase exceptional ensemble and individual performances.
“The new category and award allow the Oscars to recognize exceptional casting achievements in filmmaking.”
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Official Statement
Conan O’Brien Returns as Host for Second Straight Year
Late-night king Conan O’Brien takes the helm again after successfully hosting the 2025 Oscars ceremony. His return signals the Academy’s confidence in sustaining a comedic, engaging show. O’Brien brings star power and humor that keeps viewers engaged throughout the March 15 broadcast.
Besides O’Brien, Amelia Dimoldenberg returns as the red carpet reporter for the third consecutive year. Her social media coverage brings behind-the-scenes moments straight to fans watching on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Are You Ready for the 2026 Awards Season Finale?
With nominees announced on January 22 and the ceremony set for March 15, Hollywood is in full awards season mode. One Battle After Another leads with multiple nominations, creating compelling storylines heading into the big night. Will the new casting category reshape how films win awards?
Start planning your Oscar night now. Invite friends, stock snacks, and mark March 15, 2026 on every calendar. From 7 p.m. ET onward, Hollywood’s finest gather at the Dolby Theatre to celebrate cinema’s greatest achievements and crown new winners.
Sources
- Oscars.org – Official Academy Awards ceremony information and livestream details
- Hollywood Reporter – Comprehensive 2026 nominations coverage and category updates
- Deadline – Host announcement and ceremony news for the 98th Academy Awards
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.