A Night for Hollywood: The 2026 Oscars Preview

Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here as the film industry prepares for the 98th Academy Awards, celebrating the best movies and performances of the past year.

The ceremony will take place Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, airing live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern / 6 p.m. Central. The broadcast will also be available for streaming on Hulu. Comedian and television host Conan O'Brien will return to host the ceremony.

As always, the Academy Awards will honor achievements across 24 categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards for leading and supporting roles. This year’s ceremony will also feature the debut of a new category recognizing excellence in casting.

Among the most talked-about films of the year is Sinners, which leads the field with 16 nominations, making it the most nominated film heading into the ceremony. The film is expected to be a major contender for Best Picture and several acting awards.

Other nominees for Best Picture include Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and Train Dreams, creating a diverse lineup of historical dramas, literary adaptations, and original stories.

The Best Actor race is also drawing attention this year, with nominees including Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent.

In the directing category, nominees include Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Ryan Coogler for Sinners, Chloé Zhao for Hamnet, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme.

The Academy Awards remain one of the most watched entertainment events of the year, combining the glamour of the red carpet with recognition for the year’s most acclaimed films and performances.

With several closely watched races and a record-setting nominee leading the pack, film fans will be watching closely to see which movies and stars take home Hollywood’s most prestigious honors. 🏆🎬