The red carpet is being rolled out, the spotlights are warming up, and anticipation is building among film lovers worldwide. On March 16, 2026, at 7:30 AM Korean time, the 98th Academy Awards—better known as the Oscars—will be broadcast live and exclusively on Disney+, offering fans everywhere a front-row seat to Hollywood’s most prestigious event. According to 스포츠동아 and Cineplay, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be a particularly memorable one, not least because of the high-profile nominees and the star power of its returning host.
For the second consecutive year, the Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, and producer Conan O’Brien will helm the Oscars as master of ceremonies. O’Brien, known for his razor-sharp wit and quick improvisational skills, is expected to bring a lively and entertaining atmosphere to the proceedings. As 스포츠동아 reports, “Conan O’Brien, an Emmy Award-winning TV show host and comedian, who is hosting for the second consecutive year, will add his signature humor to the ceremony.” Fans who enjoyed his performance last year are eager to see what fresh quips and surprises he’ll bring to the stage this time around.
Disney+, the global streaming service that has become synonymous with innovative storytelling and top-tier entertainment, is pulling out all the stops for this year’s broadcast. Not only will the entire ceremony—from the glitzy red carpet arrivals to the final, suspenseful envelope opening—be streamed live in English, but Disney+ is also offering viewers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Oscar history. In honor of its own nominated films, Disney+ has curated a special library featuring previous Oscar-winning titles, allowing fans to revisit modern classics like Zootopia, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of Water in the days leading up to the big event. As Cineplay notes, “Viewers can watch previous Oscar-winning Disney films such as Zootopia, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of Water on Disney+ to build excitement ahead of the ceremony.”
Of course, much of the excitement this year centers on Disney’s own slate of nominees. The company’s creative prowess is on full display with two animated features, Elio and Zootopia 2, both vying for the coveted Best Animated Feature award. Meanwhile, Avatar: The Fire and the Reef is up for Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design, thanks to its groundbreaking artistry and technical wizardry. According to 스포츠동아, “Disney’s content nominated includes ‘Elio’ and ‘Zootopia 2’ for Best Animated Feature, and ‘Avatar: The Fire and the Reef’ nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design.” It’s a testament to Disney’s continued dominance in both animation and visual spectacle, and fans are eager to see how many golden statuettes these titles will take home.
For movie lovers in Korea and around the world, the chance to watch the Oscars live on Disney+ represents more than just another awards show—it’s a celebration of cinematic achievement and a rare opportunity to experience the electric atmosphere of Hollywood’s biggest night from the comfort of their own homes. The broadcast will be in English, ensuring that the global audience can enjoy every joke, heartfelt speech, and gasp-worthy moment without missing a beat. As Cineplay puts it, “Disney+ will broadcast the entire event live, from the red carpet to the award presentations, in English.”
In the lead-up to the ceremony, Disney+ has gone above and beyond to engage its subscribers. By curating a collection of previous Oscar winners and nominees, the streaming giant is encouraging viewers to revisit the stories, characters, and worlds that have captured hearts and imaginations over the years. Whether it’s the bustling metropolis of Zootopia, the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora in Avatar, or the underwater wonders of Avatar: The Way of Water, these films represent the best of what modern filmmaking can achieve. This initiative not only builds excitement for the awards but also showcases Disney’s commitment to celebrating its rich cinematic legacy.
But let’s not forget the live event itself. The Oscars have long been known for their blend of glamour, unpredictability, and genuine emotion. With Conan O’Brien at the helm, viewers can expect a ceremony that’s as entertaining as it is prestigious. O’Brien’s previous stint as host was widely praised for balancing humor with reverence for the art of filmmaking—a tricky feat in a room full of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His return signals a desire to keep the show fresh, engaging, and, yes, a little bit unpredictable. As Cineplay notes, “Conan O’Brien, an Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, and producer, will host the ceremony for the second consecutive year.”
Disney’s strong showing in the nominations has also sparked plenty of speculation among fans and critics alike. Will Elio or Zootopia 2 take home the top animated prize? Can Avatar: The Fire and the Reef repeat the visual effects triumphs of its predecessors? These questions will be answered live, with millions tuning in across the globe to witness the drama unfold in real time. The stakes are high, and the competition fierce, but that’s precisely what makes the Oscars such a compelling spectacle year after year.
For those who cherish the ritual of Oscar night—the fashion, the speeches, the unexpected wins and heartfelt tributes—this year’s live stream on Disney+ promises to deliver all the magic and excitement fans have come to expect. And with the added bonus of a curated film library, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the Oscar spirit before the big day arrives.
So set your alarms, gather your friends, and prepare for a morning (or evening, depending on your time zone) of cinematic celebration. Whether you’re rooting for a particular film, tuning in for the celebrity cameos, or just hoping to catch a few memorable jokes from Conan O’Brien, the 98th Academy Awards on Disney+ is shaping up to be an unmissable event. As the world’s eyes turn to Hollywood, Disney+ is making sure that no fan, no matter where they are, misses out on the magic.
With the spotlight shining on both new contenders and beloved classics, this year’s Oscars are set to remind us all why we love the movies—and why, for one night every year, the world comes together to celebrate them.