From red carpet glamour to historic wins, the Oscars are here!

The excitement around the Academy Awards is back, and film lovers across the world are eagerly waiting for Oscars 2026. Known as Hollywood’s biggest night, the awards celebrate the finest achievements in cinema, from powerful performances to groundbreaking filmmaking.

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, at the iconic Dolby Theatre. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the event will honour the best films released in 2025.

For Indian audiences who love global cinema, the Oscars are more than just an awards ceremony, they are a celebration of storytelling that connects cultures across the world.

Here’s a complete guide to where you can watch the event and the most important nominees this year.

When and Where to Watch the Oscars in India

Due to the time difference between the United States and India, the Oscars usually air early in the morning for Indian viewers.

The ceremony is expected to begin around 5:30 AM IST, with the red carpet coverage starting earlier.

Indian audiences can typically watch the ceremony via international entertainment networks and streaming services like Disney+ Hotstar, which has previously streamed the Oscars live.

Fans can also follow real-time updates and highlights from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on its official digital platforms.

Major Nominees to Watch at Oscars 2026

While the Academy Awards include dozens of categories, a few major awards generate the most excitement worldwide.

Here are the key nominees in important categories.

Best Picture

The race for the biggest award of the night includes several critically acclaimed films:

Bugonia

F1

Frankenstein

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

The Secret Agent

Sentimental Value

Sinners

Train Dreams

Among these, Sinners has already made headlines for earning a record 16 Oscar nominations, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Best Actor

The competition for Best Actor is packed with powerful performances:

Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme

Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another

Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon

Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent

Industry experts say the race could come down to Chalamet or Jordan, making it one of the most competitive categories this year.

Best Actress

The Best Actress category features several standout performances:

Jessie Buckley – Hamnet

Emma Stone – Bugonia

Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value

Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue

Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Critics believe Jessie Buckley’s emotional performance in Hamnet has made her an early favourite.

Best Director

The nominees for Best Director include some of the most respected filmmakers in the industry:

Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

Ryan Coogler – Sinners

Chloé Zhao – Hamnet

Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value

Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme

This category highlights a diverse group of storytellers whose films have dominated awards season.

Why the Oscars Still Matter

Even in the age of streaming platforms, the Oscars remain the most prestigious recognition in global cinema. Winning an Academy Award can transform a film’s legacy and introduce it to audiences worldwide.

For Indian movie lovers, the ceremony is also a chance to discover international films, celebrate cinematic excellence, and witness unforgettable moments from the world’s biggest stars.

The Countdown to Hollywood’s Biggest Night

As the countdown to Oscars 2026 begins, anticipation continues to grow around who will take home the golden statuette.

From the intense Best Picture race to the star-studded red carpet, the Academy Awards promise a night filled with drama, celebration, and cinematic history.

For movie lovers everywhere, it’s the ultimate reminder that great storytelling has the power to unite audiences across the globe.