Key Points
- Record-Breaking Contender: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has shattered the all, time Oscar record with 16 nominations, surpassing classics like Titanic and La La Land.
- Hosting Veteran: Comedian Conan O’Brien returns for his second consecutive year to lead the ceremony from the iconic Dolby Theatre.
- Indian Presence: Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas will represent India on stage as a celebrity presenter alongside Hollywood A-listers.
- Viewing in India: Fans can catch the live broadcast on Monday, March 16, at 4:30 AM IST on Star Movies and JioHotstar.
The 98th edition of the Oscars, Hollywood’s most prestigious awards show, is set to take place this year on March 15, 2026, at the renowned Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. For film enthusiasts worldwide, this awards ceremony is nothing short of a grand celebration, marking the culmination of a year of exceptional storytelling. At this highly anticipated event, the biggest stars, filmmakers, and artists from the international film industry will gather on a single stage. As is the tradition every year, the red carpet will once again witness a spectacular blend of glamour and star power.
The Oscar Awards are regarded as a tribute to outstanding achievements in global cinema, which is precisely why this award is considered exceptionally special and prestigious within the film fraternity. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by the celebrated comedian and TV host, Conan O’Brien, who returns for his second year in a row after a highly praised turn in 2025. The event will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM EDT, featuring a theme of “human touch” as a subtle nod to the enduring importance of human creativity.
Which Films Dominate the 2026 Nominations?
The race for the Oscars is considered to be particularly intriguing this year, with two major epics leading the pack. Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners has set an incredible new record by securing 16 nominations, the most for any single film in the Academy’s history. The film is competing in major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another follows closely with 13 nominations. The film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor, has been hailed by critics as a “posthumous masterpiece” for producer Adam Somner. Other major Best Picture contenders include Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and Frankenstein, making this one of the most competitive years for auteur cinema in recent memory.
Global Presence and Tributes
A special highlight for Indian audiences is that global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas will appear as a presenter at the awards ceremony this year, joining a lineup of Hollywood stars including Robert Downey Jr. and Anne Hathaway. This marks another significant global moment for Indian talent on the Academy stage.
The 2026 ceremony will also feature a deeply emotional “In Memoriam” segment, which producers have noted will be longer than usual to honor the notable losses the industry has faced. A significant portion of the evening will be dedicated to a special tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner, who passed away in late 2025.
When and Where to Watch in India
Due to the time difference, the live telecast of the 2026 Oscars for Indian viewers will begin on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 4:30 AM IST. Meanwhile, the red carpet ceremony is scheduled to commence around 3:30 AM IST. For viewers unable to wake up early to catch the live broadcast, a repeat telecast of the event will also be available on Monday at 9:00 PM.
Viewers in India can watch this awards show via live streaming on JioHotstar. Additionally, the event will be broadcast on television across Star Movies and Star Movies Select, ensuring fans don’t miss a single moment of the glamour, fashion, and historic wins.
