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The 98th Academy Awards kicks off tonight at 4 p.m. PT, marking another grand evening of Hollywood’s biggest celebration. Conan O’Brien returns to host for the second year, bringing comedy and prestige to the ceremony. “Sinners” leads with a record-breaking 16 nominations, making tonight’s show unmissable for film fans everywhere.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Start Time: 4 p.m. PT, 7 p.m. ET, 11 p.m. GMT
- Venue: Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with red carpet starting at 3:30 p.m. PT
- Host: Conan O’Brien returns for his second consecutive year hosting the ceremony
- Broadcasting: ABC and Hulu for the second consecutive year streaming the event live
What Time Do the Oscars Start Tonight
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, March 15, 2026. For viewers on the East Coast, the show kicks off at 7 p.m. Eastern. The official red carpet coverage launches 30 minutes earlier at 3:30 p.m. PT, giving fans a chance to see Hollywood’s biggest stars arriving in their finest attire. The ceremony takes place at the Dolby Theatre, the venue that has hosted the Oscars for years, maintaining its prestige and glamour.
This year marks a new earlier start time for the Academy Awards, aiming to capture audiences who might have tuned in late in previous years. The shift brings the ceremony to prime viewing hours across North America, with ABC and Hulu both providing live coverage simultaneously for the first time as part of the continuation of streaming options.
What time do the Oscars start tonight? 98th Academy Awards begin at 4 p.m. PT
Oscars start tonight at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, here’s what to know
How to Watch the Oscars from Home
Viewers have multiple options to catch the 98th Academy Awards tonight. The ceremony broadcasts live on ABC, available through your local station or cable provider. For cord-cutters, Hulu streams the full ceremony live, marking the second year the streaming platform carries the event. Additionally, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and other streaming services carrying ABC will air the entire broadcast.
The red carpet special airs exclusively on ABC and Hulu starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, giving viewers behind-the-scenes access. E! Entertainment also provides its own red carpet coverage beginning earlier in the afternoon. All you need is an internet connection and a Hulu subscription or over-the-air ABC access to enjoy Hollywood’s biggest night from your couch.
The 98th Oscars Key Details and Top Nominations
Tonight’s ceremony brings Conan O’Brien back as host for the second consecutive year, promising comedy, surprises, and unforgettable moments. The evening celebrates the year’s most acclaimed films across 10 Best Picture categories, with “Sinners” dominating with a historic 16 nominations that break the previous record. Other leading contenders include “One Battle After Another,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” and “F1.”
| Category | Key Information |
| Start Time | 4 p.m. PT, 7 p.m. ET, 11 p.m. GMT |
| Red Carpet | 3:30 p.m. PT, 6:30 p.m. ET |
| Duration | Approximately 3 hours (may run longer) |
| Total Nominations | “Sinners” leads with 16 nominations |
“Things could go right, they could go left, they could go sideways and you gotta be ready.”
— Conan O’Brien, Host of the 98th Academy Awards
Why You Should Tune In Tonight
The 98th Academy Awards promises an evening filled with memorable performances, surprises, and historic wins. “Sinners” could make history as the most-awarded film ever, with Michael B. Jordan emerging as a surprise Best Actor winner over early favorite Timothée Chalamet. The ceremony celebrates achievements in cinematography, directing, acting, and technical excellence across 23 major categories.
This year also introduces new moments and presentations, with Nicole Kidman, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, and Chris Evans among the presenters. The early start time ensures viewers across time zones can watch together, making it a shared cultural moment. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite film or simply looking for entertainment, tonight delivers drama, laughs, and Oscar magic as the industry’s finest gather to celebrate cinema.
Will Tonight’s Oscars Deliver Unexpected Winners and Heartfelt Speeches
Predictions suggest close races in major categories, with potential for surprising outcomes in Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards. The show’s strength lies in its unpredictability, as voting members often choose films that resonate emotionally. Tonight could see underdogs triumph, longtime nominees finally win, and acceptance speeches that inspire viewers worldwide.
Conan O’Brien’s hosting style promises witty banter, unexpected comedic moments, and smooth transitions between awards. The Dolby Theatre’s energy, combined with live performances and in-memoriam tributes, creates an atmosphere unlike any other awards show. Will “Sinners” dominate the night with multiple major wins, or will challengers upset the frontrunner status? Tune in at 4 p.m. PT to find out as the evening unfolds.
Sources
- Oscars.org – Official Academy Awards ceremony and broadcast information
- The Walt Disney Company – Complete 98th Oscars FAQ and broadcast details
- ABC News – Live streaming options and red carpet schedule updates
