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The 98th Academy Awards airs live on ABC tonight at 7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT. Hosted by Conan O’Brien for his second consecutive year, the ceremony takes place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Red carpet arrivals are underway with stars everywhere.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Channel: Broadcast live on ABC, streaming on Hulu and ABC.com
- Time: Ceremony begins 7 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Pacific on March 15
- Host: Conan O’Brien returns for his second year hosting duties
- Location: Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California
Where to Watch the 98th Academy Awards
ABC has exclusive broadcast rights to the 2026 Oscars. Tune in tonight on your local ABC channel for the complete ceremony from 7 to 10 p.m. ET. Cable subscribers can stream live through the ABC app or abc.com. Hulu also offers live streaming for all subscribers, making the show more accessible than ever.
Multiple streaming options ensure you won’t miss a single award announcement or red carpet moment. Services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream carry live ABC feeds. International audiences can watch on designated networks in their countries during the ceremony’s global broadcast window.
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What channel is the oscars on? 98th Academy Awards airs on ABC tonight at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
Conan O’Brien Returns as Host for Historic Second Year
Conan O’Brien brings his signature humor and charisma back to the Academy Awards tonight, marking his second consecutive year in the prestigious role. The veteran late-night comedian has proven his ability to keep audiences entertained while maintaining the ceremony’s prestige and tradition. O’Brien’s return demonstrates the Academy’s confidence in his hosting abilities after last year’s acclaimed performance.
His experience with live television and celebrity interactions makes him perfectly suited for managing Hollywood’s biggest night. Expect sharp jokes, surprising moments, and unexpected presenter pairings throughout the evening. O’Brien brings a perfect balance of entertainment and respect for cinema’s highest honors.
Epic Best Picture Race and Major Categories
Tonight’s competition features intense battles across all major categories. “One Battle After Another” emerges as the overwhelming Best Picture frontrunner, with over 75 percent of prediction markets favoring Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed drama. The film leads with multiple nominations across acting, directing, and technical categories.
| Award Category | Top Contender | Notable Nominees |
| Best Picture | One Battle After Another | Sinners, Frankenstein, Anora |
| Best Director | Paul Thomas Anderson | Ryan Coogler, Guillermo del Toro |
| Best Actor | Leonardo DiCaprio | Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke |
| Best Actress | Jessie Buckley | Mikey Madison, Didi Conn |
Supporting cast categories showcase exceptional talent, with Delroy Lindo and Zoe Saldaña among the favorites. The technical and craft awards promise recognition for outstanding cinematography, editing, and production design across this year’s nominees.
“The 2026 Oscars represent cinema at its finest, celebrating storytellers and artists who’ve captivated global audiences this past year. Tonight, we honor excellence across every craft and category.”
— Academy Awards Officials
Building Excitement Before the Ceremony Starts
The red carpet is already underway with celebrities arriving in stunning gowns and sharp tuxedos. Attendees include nominees, industry legends, and special guests ready to celebrate cinema’s biggest night. Early reports show fashion highlights and memorable moments as stars walk the iconic carpet.
Official ABC preshow coverage started at 3:30 p.m. ET with hosts Tamron Hall and Jesse Palmer guiding viewers through arrivals. E! Entertainment also provides exclusive red carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes access. The anticipation builds as viewers prepare for one of television’s most-watched annual events.
Will Tonight’s Winners Surprise Everyone or Meet Expectations?
Every Oscar ceremony brings unpredictable moments alongside expected victories. While “One Battle After Another” appears positioned for major wins, the Academy has a history of surprising audiences with unexpected choices. Prediction markets favor certain frontrunners, but individual voters sometimes choose differently when casting their ballots.
Technical awards often deliver surprises, and supporting categories frequently produce stunning upsets. Watch for emotional acceptance speeches, unexpected thank you moments, and memorable musical performances throughout the evening. The Oscars consistently deliver moments that trending topics will cover for weeks afterward.
Sources
- ABC News – Complete broadcast coverage and channel information
- Variety – 2026 Oscar predictions and nominees across all categories
- Los Angeles Times – Live ceremony updates and winner announcements
