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When do the Oscars start tonight? The 98th Academy Awards kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, bringing Hollywood’s biggest night to millions of viewers. Join host Conan O’Brien as Sinners dominates with a historic 16 nominations in the race for cinema’s top prizes.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT on March 15, 2026
- Where to Watch: ABC, Hulu, and streaming services like YouTube TV
- Red Carpet: Official coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with pre-show arrivals
- Location: Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with Conan O’Brien as host
What Time Do the Oscars Start Tonight on ABC
The 98th Academy Awards airs live at 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT on ABC this evening. The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosts the ceremony, promising three hours of award presentations, performances, and red carpet glamour.
Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year, bringing his signature humor to the proceedings. The ABC broadcast reaches millions across the nation while streaming simultaneously on Hulu and ABC.com with cable login.
Oscars start tonight at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, here’s what to know
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Early arrivals begin with official red carpet coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, while E! Entertainment and other outlets offer their own pre-show access as celebrities arrive from 3:30 p.m. ET.
Record-Breaking Nominations and Top Contenders
This year’s ceremony features Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, shockingly leading the field with 16 nominations, shattering the previous record of 14. The film competes in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and multiple technical categories.
Other strong contenders include Hamnet directed by Chloé Zhao with 8 nominations, One Battle After Another by Paul Thomas Anderson with 13 nods, and Marty Supreme from director Josh Safdie. The 10 nominated films represent diverse stories and artistic visions competing for cinema’s highest honor.
Best Actress nominees include Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne, and others bringing intense talent. Best Actor competition features Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio, and additional contenders in what promises to be a thrilling night.
How to Watch the 2026 Oscars Ceremony
| Viewing Option | Details |
| Broadcast | ABC local stations |
| Streaming | Hulu, ABC.com (with cable login) |
| Live TV Services | YouTube TV, FuboTV, DirecTV |
| Time Tonight | 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT |
“ABC will broadcast a live telecast of the ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. ET, with viewers able to stream the event simultaneously on Hulu and ABC.com.”
According to The Walt Disney Company, official broadcast partner
Must-Know Details for Oscars 2026 Tonight
For viewers in Pacific time zones, set your reminders for 4 p.m. PT when the main ceremony begins. The Mountain and Central time zone broadcasts air at 5 p.m. MT and 6 p.m. CT respectively.
International viewers can find broadcast partners in their country, including ITVX in the UK and other networks worldwide. 19.69 million viewers tuned in for last year’s ceremony, marking a five-year high.
Conan O’Brien‘s return as host brings continuity and comedic flair, having successfully hosted the 97th Academy Awards last year. The ceremony typically runs three to four hours, so plan accordingly for the full experience of acceptance speeches, musical performances, and surprise moments.
Why You Should Tune In for the 2026 Oscars Tonight
Tonight’s ceremony promises historic moments as Sinners pursues record-breaking wins beyond its 16 nominations. The Best Picture race remains unpredictable with 10 strong contenders competing, making outcomes genuinely uncertain until the envelope opens.
Beyond the major awards, expect musical performances celebrating nominated Original Songs, tributes to legendary filmmakers, and celebrity presenters including Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Fallon, and Rose Byrne. Amelia Dimoldenberg returns as social media ambassador for the third consecutive year, bringing behind-the-scenes content to TikTok and Instagram.
Whether you care about predicting winners or simply enjoying Hollywood’s glamorous celebration of cinema, when the Oscars start tonight at 7 p.m. ET, film fans worldwide will be watching ABC for unforgettable moments, shocking upsets, and the magic of movies.
