The Road to the 98th Academy Awards: Everything You Need to Know
Hollywood’s Biggest Night Approaches
The journey to the 2026 Oscars is officially in full swing, and excitement is building throughout Hollywood as the film industry prepares to celebrate another remarkable year of cinematic achievement. The 98th Academy Awards promises to honor the finest films from the past year, including standout productions like “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “Sinners,” and numerous other compelling projects that have captivated audiences and critics alike. As is tradition, Oscar nominees gathered at the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on February 10th for the annual Oscars luncheon—a cherished event that brings together the year’s most talented filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals. This gathering serves not only as an opportunity for nominees to take their official class photo but also as a chance for these creative minds to connect, congratulate one another, and truly absorb the significance of their achievements. The atmosphere at these luncheons is always electric, filled with genuine emotion as artists reunite, share stories from their productions, and celebrate the collective accomplishment of being recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 15, 2026, when the 98th Oscars will unfold at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will kick off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time (4 p.m. Pacific Time), giving film enthusiasts across the country the perfect Sunday evening entertainment. For those planning to watch from home, the ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and will also be available for streaming on Hulu, ensuring that viewers have multiple options for tuning in to Hollywood’s most glamorous night. The Dolby Theatre, which has become synonymous with the Oscars in recent years, provides a stunning backdrop for the ceremony with its state-of-the-art facilities and elegant design that perfectly captures the prestige of the event. Whether you’re planning an Oscar party with friends, settling in for a quiet night of film appreciation, or simply curious to see who takes home the gold, the accessibility of the broadcast on both traditional television and streaming platforms means no one has to miss out on the excitement, drama, and surprise moments that the Oscars invariably deliver.
Your Host for the Evening and Special Presenters
Comedy legend Conan O’Brien returns to the Oscars stage for his second consecutive year as host, bringing his unique brand of humor and quick wit to the ceremony once again. In a January interview with “Good Morning America,” O’Brien offered a tantalizing preview of what viewers might expect, hinting at “a lot of possibilities” for the upcoming show. The veteran entertainer explained his creative process, noting that much of the show’s content depends on which films ultimately receive nominations and what’s currently capturing the public’s imagination. “Early on, you just generate possibilities for the show: ‘What might we do?’ You have to wait and see which movies are nominated, what’s in the zeitgeist, so there’ll be a lot of ideas that come in late. Sometimes those are the best ideas,” he shared, suggesting that audiences can expect fresh, topical humor that reflects the current moment in cinema. Adding to the star power of the evening, the Academy announced on February 19th that last year’s Oscar winners will return to the stage as presenters. Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor in a Leading Role for “The Brutalist,” Kieran Culkin, who took home Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “A Real Pain,” Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Anora,” and Zoe Saldaña, who earned Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Emilia Pérez,” will all grace the stage once more. This tradition of having previous winners present awards creates a beautiful continuity in the Oscar ceremony and adds an extra layer of prestige to the evening. The producers have promised to announce additional presenters in the coming weeks, keeping audiences guessing about which beloved stars might make an appearance.
Record-Breaking Nominations and Standout Films
This year’s Oscar nominations, announced in January, made history in spectacular fashion. “Sinners” dominated the field by breaking the long-standing record for the most Oscar nominations ever received by a single film. With an impressive haul of nominations, it surpassed the previous record held jointly by “Titanic,” “La La Land,” and “All About Eve,” which each earned 14 nominations. This achievement underscores the film’s exceptional quality across multiple aspects of filmmaking, from performance and direction to technical achievements in cinematography, sound, and production design. Not far behind “Sinners” in the nominations race is “One Battle After Another,” which garnered 13 nominations, demonstrating its own considerable artistic merit. Several other films also emerged as major contenders, with “Marty Supreme,” “Frankenstein,” and “Sentimental Value” each receiving nine nominations, while “Hamnet” earned eight nods from the Academy. These nominations represent a diverse array of storytelling approaches and genres, from period dramas to contemporary narratives, showcasing the breadth and depth of cinematic talent working in the industry today. The recognition these films have received reflects not only the vision of their directors and the performances of their casts but also the dedication of countless crew members whose work behind the scenes brings these stories to life on the big screen.
Notable Snubs and the New Casting Category
As with every Oscar season, the nominations announcement sparked considerable discussion about who was recognized and who was overlooked. ABC News’ Chris Connelly and Kelley Carter analyzed the biggest snubs and surprises following the January 22nd announcement, identifying several high-profile omissions that surprised industry observers and fans alike. Among the most talked-about exclusions were Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both of whom delivered acclaimed performances in “Wicked: For Good” but failed to secure nominations. Similarly, Adam Sandler’s work in “Jay Kelly” opposite George Clooney went unrecognized, despite expectations that both actors might earn nominations for their performances. These snubs serve as a reminder that the Oscar nomination process, while rigorous and thoughtful, can’t recognize every worthy performance and achievement, and the conversations they generate often highlight the subjective nature of artistic appreciation. On a more positive note, this year’s ceremony will make history by introducing a brand-new category: achievement in casting. Announced in 2024 with films from 2025 being eligible, this category finally gives recognition to the casting directors whose crucial work in assembling the right talent can make or break a film. The inaugural nominees in this category include Nina Gold for “Hamnet,” Jennifer Venditti for “Marty Supreme,” Cassandra Kulukundis for “One Battle After Another,” Gabriel Domingues for “The Secret Agent,” and Francine Maisler for “Sinners.” This addition acknowledges the artistic vision and industry expertise required to match actors with roles perfectly, a skill that often goes unrecognized despite its fundamental importance to filmmaking.
Looking Back at Last Year’s Winners
The 97th Academy Awards, held in 2025, was a triumph for “Anora,” which captured the coveted Best Picture trophy along with four other awards. The film’s success represented a significant achievement for director Sean Baker, who won Best Director, and star Mikey Madison, who took home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The sweep demonstrated the Academy’s appreciation for the film’s unique vision and powerful performances, cementing its place in Oscar history. These wins from last year’s ceremony now set the stage for this year’s competition, as new films and talent compete for their moment in the spotlight. As the industry gathers again this March, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation about which films will emerge victorious and which moments will become part of Oscar lore. The ceremony continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission: celebrating the art of cinema and the talented individuals who dedicate themselves to bringing stories to life on screen. With less than a month until the big night, film lovers everywhere are preparing for an evening filled with glamour, emotion, surprise, and the timeless magic that only the movies can provide.
