The glitz and glamour of Hollywood are set to shine brighter than ever as the 98th Academy Awards take center stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026. With anticipation mounting, all eyes are on this year’s Oscars, promising not only a celebration of the year’s finest achievements in film but also a night packed with surprises, reunions, and a few history-making possibilities.
Conan O’Brien, the beloved comedian and late-night host, returns to the Oscars stage for his second consecutive year as master of ceremonies. Speaking to ABC News’ Lara Spencer just days before the big event, O’Brien described the lead-up as "a running battle up until the moment the Oscars begins." He added, "I'm chill, because we've been working really hard. We have a lot of fun ideas. It doesn't mean a million things won't go wrong or sideways between now and the actual show, but that can be a challenge too."
O’Brien’s preparation has been anything but ordinary. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, he’s been spotted popping into comedy clubs—some as unconventional as a bowling alley and a car rental place—to test out material for his opening monologue. "The crowds really like it, because I'm a surprise, so they don't know that I'm gonna show up," O'Brien told ABC News. "And some of these are very far-flung comedy clubs. They're also a bowling alley. They're also a car rental place. You have a decent chance of getting a [laugh]—or punched, but either way, it's entertainment."
Teasing what’s in store, O’Brien hinted at some singing and dancing performances, promising, "I think America demands to see Conan's body in motion. You just have to tune in." Fans of last year’s show will remember his quip about Timothée Chalamet’s butter-yellow suit—"Love that suit. You will not get hit on your bike tonight."—a moment O’Brien fondly recalled as capturing the essence of hosting: "All this is, is finding those little moments and stringing them together." On rating his first Oscars hosting gig, he said, "a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10."
The 98th Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific, ensuring that millions can join the festivities from home. The ceremony features 24 award categories, with five nominees each, except for the coveted Best Picture award, which boasts ten competitors. Among the films vying for top honors are "Sinners," "One Battle After Another," "Marty Supreme," "Bugonia," and "Hamnet."
This year marks a significant milestone with the introduction of a new category: Achievement in Casting. Announced in 2024, this award recognizes the often-overlooked art of casting, with nominees including Nina Gold for "Hamnet," Jennifer Venditti for "Marty Supreme," Cassandra Kulukundis for "One Battle After Another," Gabriel Domingues for "The Secret Agent," and Francine Maisler for "Sinners." The addition signals the Academy’s acknowledgment of the pivotal role casting directors play in shaping cinematic storytelling.
Of course, the Oscars wouldn’t be complete without star power. Last year’s Oscar winners—Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña—will return as presenters, joined by an impressive roster that includes Rose Byrne, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Ewan McGregor, Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, Channing Tatum, and Sigourney Weaver. The list doesn’t stop there: Will Arnett, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Chase Infiniti, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, and Maya Rudolph are all slated to grace the stage.
The show’s announcer, Matt Berry, will lend his distinctive voice to the proceedings, and the entertainment lineup promises to dazzle. Performers include Josh Groban, Misty Copeland, Miles Caton, Raphael Saadiq, and "Golden" singers Kim Eun-jae (EJAE), Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. With such a diverse array of talent, viewers can expect a night that blends music, dance, and cinematic celebration.
In terms of nominees, "Sinners" has already made history by securing 14 nominations—more than any film before, surpassing the likes of "Titanic," "La La Land," and "All About Eve." Hot on its heels is "One Battle After Another" with 13 nominations, while "Marty Supreme," "Frankenstein," and "Sentimental Value" each garnered nine. "Hamnet" rounds out the top contenders with eight nods. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high, as industry insiders speculate whether "Sinners" could break the record for most wins by a single film.
Some potential firsts are also within reach. According to ABC News, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer for "Sinners," could become the first woman to win Best Cinematography. Meanwhile, Ruth E. Carter stands poised to make history as the first Black three-time Oscar winner if she takes home the award for costume design.
But not everyone is celebrating. The annual announcement of nominees always brings its share of snubs and surprises. As ABC News’ Chris Connelly and Kelley Carter noted, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were notably left out for their roles in "Wicked: For Good." Adam Sandler and George Clooney, for their work in "Jay Kelly," were also absent from the nominations list, sparking debate among fans and critics alike.
This year’s Oscars theme, "humanity," promises a ceremony inspired by "human touch, human connection, and actual intelligence, not artificial intelligence," as music director Michael Bearden explained. Executive producer Raj Kapoor emphasized that "everything is inspired by human touch," setting the tone for a show that aims to honor the personal and collective bonds forged through cinema.
Audiences can also look forward to several on-stage reunions, including a gathering of the "Bridesmaids" cast, a Marvel reunion, and what producers are teasing as an "extraterrestrial" surprise. These moments are sure to add a layer of nostalgia and excitement to the proceedings, reminding viewers of the enduring power of shared stories and experiences.
Looking back at last year, "Anora" took home Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards, also winning Best Director for Sean Baker and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. As the curtain rises on the 98th Oscars, the industry—and the world—waits to see which films and artists will claim their place in Hollywood history.
With a blend of tradition and innovation, star-studded performances, and the promise of a few surprises, this year’s Academy Awards is shaping up to be a night to remember for movie lovers everywhere.