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The 98th Academy Awards returns this Sunday with Conan O’Brien hosting for the second year. The March 15 ceremony promises surprises, stunning fashion, and an unpredictable Best Picture race. What you need to know before the Oscars begin.
🔥 Quick Facts
- When: Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT
- Where: Live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles
- Host: Conan O’Brien returns after successful 97th Oscars debut
- Watch: ABC television and Hulu streaming services
Conan Returns with Wit and Humor for Second Year
Conan O’Brien confirmed his return after impressing audiences at last year’s ceremony. The late-night superstar brings decades of comedy writing expertise and crowd-pleasing humor. He previously joked that he was returning “just to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”
Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan reunite with Conan for the 98th Academy Awards. Big-name presenters confirmed include Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, and Kieran Culkin, all bringing star power.
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Ten Best Picture Contenders Competing for Hollywood’s Biggest Prize
The Best Picture field features ten diverse and acclaimed nominees. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, leads early predictions with Michael B. Jordan in the lead role. One Battle After Another from Paul Thomas Anderson also garners significant buzz and industry support.
The Secret Agent has emerged as a contender, alongside Hamnet (directed by Chloé Zhao), Frankenstein, F1, Bugonia, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value. Each film brings unique storytelling and technical achievement to the race.
Race Breakdown and Category Leaders
| Category | Leading Contenders |
| Best Picture | Sinners, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent |
| Best Director | Ryan Coogler, Paul Thomas Anderson, Chloé Zhao |
| Best Actor | Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio |
| Air Time | 7 p.m. ET on ABC, Hulu Stream Available |
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, and Katy for the 98th Oscars,” according to Academy leadership, highlighting the organization’s confidence in returning leadership.
— Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Official Statement
What to Expect from the Ceremony’s Surprises
Industry analysts predict tight races across major categories, particularly in Best Picture and Acting categories. Adrien Brody’s return as presenter signals the Academy’s commitment to bringing back beloved previous winners for memorable moments. The ceremony runs approximately three hours, beginning at 4 p.m. PT for West Coast viewers.
Red carpet coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET ahead of the live broadcast. Fashion moments, celebrity arrivals, and behind-the-scenes surprises all precede the main event on ABC. Streaming viewers can enjoy full access via Hulu for the first time with expanded coverage.
How Will This Year’s Oscars Surprise Us?
The Academy Awards 2026 promises unpredictable winners, emotional acceptance speeches, and Conan’s signature comedy segments. Will Sinners claim Best Picture, or will another film upset the predictions? The ceremony traditionally delivers unexpected moments that dominate headlines for months.
With 10 Best Picture nominees and competitive acting races, viewers should expect genuine suspense during each envelope opening. Conan will likely inject humor throughout, balancing reverence for cinema with entertainment value that keeps audiences engaged across all three hours.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – Official Academy Awards coverage, host announcements, and predictions
- Variety – 2026 Oscars predictions in all categories with analyst commentary
- USA Today – Academy Awards date, time, air channel, and streaming information
