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Tonight marks the moment cinephiles have been waiting for: the 98th Academy Awards begins at 4 p.m. PT on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Conan O’Brien returns as host for his second consecutive year at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. With Sinners breaking an all-time record with 16 nominations and One Battle After Another dominating precursor awards, tonight promises historic moments and shocking upsets you won’t want to miss.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Start Time: Tonight at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu
- Record Nominations: Sinners earned the most nominations ever with 16, surpassing previous records
- Host: Conan O’Brien returns for his second year as host of the ceremony
- Venue: The ceremony takes place at the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood
What Time Do the Oscars Start on the West Coast?
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m. PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) tonight. That’s 7 p.m. EDT for East Coast viewers and 11 p.m. GMT for international audiences. The red carpet coverage started earlier at 3:30 p.m. PT, with celebrities arriving for the glittering photocalls. You can watch live on ABC or stream on Hulu with any subscription tier. No Live TV package required.
The red carpet show provided exclusive interviews and fashion coverage leading into tonight’s main event. Viewers tuning in tonight should expect the ceremony to run approximately three to three-and-a-half hours, packed with award presentations, musical performances, and memorable moments.
What time did the Oscars start tonight? 98th Academy Awards begins at 4 p.m. PT
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Two Epic Films Battle for Best Picture Honor
One Battle After Another has dominated awards season with an unprecedented string of victories across the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, BAFTA, and PGA Awards. However, Sinners created major momentum when it pulled off an upset win at the Actor Awards just days ago, sparking speculation of a true two-way race. Both films are Warner Bros. releases competing in the tightest Best Picture contest in years. Industry insiders suggest either could take home the trophy, thanks to the Academy’s preferential ballot system.
Beyond these frontrunners, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and other nominees have passionate supporters. Frankenstein has emerged as a strong contender in craft categories. The unpredictability of this year’s race has kept awards enthusiasts on the edge of their seats throughout the entire season.
Where to Watch the Oscars Tonight
| Viewing Option | Details |
| Television | ABC network with cable access |
| Streaming | Hulu (any subscription tier available) |
| 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 (ABC coverage) |
This year’s live streaming access on Hulu remains available for subscribers even without Live TV tiers, making the ceremony more accessible than ever. The broadcast will be available live, and recordings will be available on-demand starting Monday for Hulu subscribers who cannot watch in real time.
“After pulling together our Oscars 2026 predictions, the answer still isn’t clear. It’s easy enough to make a case for either of this year’s frontrunners, Sinners and One Battle After Another, which is unusual because by this point in awards season, certain films have typically picked up every precursor along the way.”
— Vanity Fair, Awards Staff
Why Tonight’s Ceremony Matters for Film History
The 98th Academy Awards marks a significant milestone for Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony. Sinners‘ record-breaking 16 nominations represents the most any single film has ever received in the Academy’s history. Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson, the legendary filmmaker behind One Battle After Another, is a 14-time Oscar nominee who has never won in his competitive categories, making tonight potentially his evening of vindication. Several actors are in their first nominations, while veterans are chasing their first wins in major categories.
Additionally, this year introduces Best Casting as a brand-new Academy Award category, honoring the craft of casting directors for the first time in Oscar history. Francine Maisler, legendary for her work across television and film, leads early predictions for this inaugural award.
Will You Be Watching the Oscars Tonight at 4 PM PT?
Set your reminders now for tonight’s 4 p.m. PT start time as the Academy honors cinematic excellence across 24 competitive categories plus the newly added Best Casting award. Whether you’re rooting for One Battle After Another’s artistic triumph or Sinners’ unprecedented momentum, the evening promises unforgettable speeches, emotional wins, and red-carpet glamour. Plan your viewing party, stock your snacks, and prepare for hours of celebrating cinema’s biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards await.
Sources
- Vanity Fair – 2026 Oscars winner predictions and analysis
- Deadline Hollywood – Oscar predictions by category with voting insights
- The Official Oscars Website – Ceremony details and broadcast information
