Oscars 2026: How to Watch and Key Nominees Revealed

The film industry prepares for its most prestigious night as the 98th Academy Awards are set to take place on March 2, 2025. Hollywood’s elite will gather at the Dolby Theatre to celebrate achievements in filmmaking over the past year. This year’s standout nominee is the American horror film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, which has received a record-breaking 16 nominations.

Following closely behind, the film One Battle After Another garnered 13 nominations, while Sentimental Value, Frankenstein, and Marty Supreme each received 9 nominations. Other contenders in the coveted Best Picture category include Hamnet with 8 nominations, along with films like Bugonia, Train Dreams, and The Secret Agent.

In the UK, audiences can watch the Oscars live and free, continuing a trend established in previous years. Coverage will begin on ITV1 and the streaming service ITVX at 22:15 GMT, allowing viewers to enjoy the arrivals of celebrities on the red carpet, hosted by Ross King. The main ceremony is scheduled to begin at 00:00 GMT (19:00 Eastern Time) and is expected to run until approximately 02:35 GMT.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by veteran comedian Conan O’Brien, who promises an engaging and entertaining show. In a recent interview, O’Brien hinted at some surprises, stating, “We have a lot of possibilities… there’ll be a lot of magic.” He expressed excitement about introducing new elements to the Oscars, including spectacular visuals and special effects.

The competition for the Best Actor award is fierce, with Michael B. Jordan being a strong candidate for his role in Sinners. Other nominees in this category include Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme and Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another. In the Best Actress category, Jessie Buckley is a frontrunner for her role in Hamnet, alongside Emma Stone in Bugonia.

The complete list of nominations for the 2026 Oscars showcases a diverse range of talent and storytelling, from established filmmakers to emerging voices. As the countdown to the ceremony continues, anticipation builds for which films and performances will take home the coveted awards.

The Oscars are not only a celebration of film but also an opportunity to highlight the creativity and innovation within the industry. As the event draws near, fans around the world are eager to witness the glamour, excitement, and competition that define this iconic night in cinema.