The glitz, glamour, and global anticipation surrounding the Academy Awards are unparalleled. As film enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados mark their calendars, one crucial question invariably arises: "What is the exact Oscars Start Time?" For the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, we have all the essential details to ensure you don't miss a single moment of Hollywood's biggest night, from the dazzling red carpet entrances to the highly anticipated Best Picture announcement.
This comprehensive guide will navigate you through every crucial timing, provide details on where to watch live on ABC and Hulu, and offer insights into what makes this year's ceremony particularly special. Get ready to celebrate cinematic excellence and plan your perfect Oscar-watching party!
When Do the 98th Academy Awards Kick Off?
Mark your calendars and set your reminders! The Oscars Start Time for the main ceremony of the 98th Academy Awards is scheduled for 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 4:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This year's prestigious event will unfold live from its iconic home, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles – a venue that has hosted the Oscars since 2002, seating approximately 3,400 guests and offering that quintessential grand staircase imagery.
Returning to host the show for the second consecutive year is the beloved comedian Conan O'Brien. After a widely praised debut performance, O'Brien is set to bring his unique blend of wit and charm back to the Oscar stage. Guiding the entire production for their third year are experienced showrunners Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, promising a seamless and entertaining broadcast.
Your Local Oscars Start Time Across the U.S.
To make sure you're tuned in precisely when the show begins, here's a breakdown of the Oscars Start Time across various U.S. time zones:
- Eastern Time (ET): 7:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): 6:00 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 5:00 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 4:00 PM
- Alaska Time (AKT): 3:00 PM
- Hawaii Time (HST): 1:00 PM
Planning your Oscar night is simple with these precise timings. Whether you're on the East Coast settling in for an evening of entertainment or on the West Coast kicking off your Sunday afternoon with cinematic glory, you'll know exactly when to tune in.
Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the Oscars Live on ABC & Hulu
Accessing the 98th Academy Awards live has never been easier, with multiple options available to ensure you don't miss a second of the action. The primary broadcast will be carried by ABC, with comprehensive streaming options available through Hulu and Disney+.
Watching on ABC: Traditional Broadcast
For viewers with traditional cable television, satellite, or even an over-the-air antenna, ABC is your go-to channel. The ceremony will be broadcast live across all ABC local affiliate stations nationwide at the designated Oscars Start Time for your region. Simply tune into your local ABC channel, and you're all set.
If you subscribe to a live TV streaming service such as YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, or Hulu + Live TV, you'll also find ABC included in your package, allowing you to stream the live broadcast through their platforms.
Streaming Live on Hulu & Disney+
For cord-cutters and streaming enthusiasts, Hulu offers a convenient way to watch the 98th Academy Awards live. All Hulu subscribers can stream the ceremony live at no extra cost, simultaneously with the ABC broadcast. Just log into your Hulu account when the show begins, and navigate to the live TV section.
Additionally, for the first time, Disney+ subscribers will also have the option to stream the ceremony live, aligning with the efforts to make Hollywood's biggest night more accessible to a broader audience. This integrated approach ensures that a wider range of viewers can experience the magic of the Oscars as it unfolds.
Tips for Seamless Live Streaming:
- Check Your Subscription: Ensure your Hulu or Disney+ subscription is active and up-to-date.
- Internet Speed: A stable, high-speed internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted live streaming. Test your connection beforehand.
- Log In Early: To avoid any last-minute technical glitches, log into your streaming service account well before the Oscars Start Time.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure your streaming device (smart TV, computer, tablet, phone) is compatible and updated for the best viewing experience.
For more detailed information on all viewing options, including international broadcasts and specific streaming platforms, you can refer to our full guide: Mark Your Calendar: 2026 Oscars Date, Start Time & Conan O'Brien Hosts.
Red Carpet Extravaganza: Your Pre-Show Viewing Schedule
The Academy Awards isn't just about the golden statues; it's also a runway for the world's most celebrated stars. The red carpet arrivals are a show in themselves, offering hours of fashion critiques, celebrity interviews, and a glimpse into the glamour before the main event. Here’s how to catch all the pre-show excitement:
E! Live From the Red Carpet
For dedicated fashion coverage and in-depth interviews, E! Entertainment Television is your ultimate destination. Their iconic "Live From the Red Carpet" broadcast typically kicks off a full two hours before the main ceremony, meaning coverage will start at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT. This is your best option for extensive celebrity arrivals, fashion commentary, and early buzz. E! is widely available on cable, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. However, it's important to note that FuboTV subscribers will not be able to watch E!, as FuboTV dropped NBCUniversal channels in late 2025.
ABC's Exclusive Pre-Show & Red Carpet
ABC holds exclusive rights to live red carpet footage for one hour leading up to the main ceremony. This means from 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT to 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT, only ABC (and its live streaming partners like Hulu) can air live coverage of stars arriving. ABC's official 30-minute red carpet pre-show specifically begins at 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT. This segment offers a more official look at nominee arrivals, a curated selection of fashion highlights, and quick interviews as stars make their way into the Dolby Theatre.
Complete Red Carpet & Pre-Show Schedule:
- 5:00 PM ET: E! "Live From the Red Carpet" begins (extensive fashion and interviews).
- 6:00 PM ET: ABC's exclusive live red carpet coverage begins (no other network can air live arrivals).
- 6:30 PM ET: ABC's official 30-minute red carpet pre-show begins (on ABC & Hulu).
- 7:00 PM ET: The 98th Academy Awards main ceremony begins (the official Oscars Start Time!).
What to Expect During the 98th Academy Awards Ceremony & End Time
Once the Oscars Start Time hits and the red carpet is rolled away, the real magic begins. Conan O'Brien will take the stage, likely kicking off the night with a memorable opening monologue that sets the tone for the evening. The 98th Academy Awards will honor cinematic achievements across 24 competitive categories, including the exciting new addition of the Best Casting award, recognizing the crucial talent that brings characters to life.
Viewers can also anticipate dazzling musical performances. Two Best Original Song nominees have already been confirmed to perform live: "Golden" from the highly anticipated film KPop Demon Hunters and "I Lied to You" from the drama Sinners. These performances often provide some of the night's most memorable moments.
When Will the Oscars End?
The Academy Awards ceremony typically runs for about three to three and a half hours. Based on previous years, you can expect the 98th Academy Awards to wrap up sometime between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM ET. The final and most prestigious award of the night, Best Picture, is traditionally presented last, building suspense right up to the very end. Immediately following the ceremony, nominees and presenters will gather for the exclusive Governors Ball inside the venue, continuing the night's celebrations.
International Viewing Considerations
While most of North America will watch the ceremony live on Sunday evening, international viewers might have different schedules. Brazil and Mexico are among the few major international markets that will catch the show on Sunday evening local time. However, most other international viewers outside of North America will find themselves tuning in on Monday morning due to the significant time zone differences. This makes planning ahead even more crucial for global fans.
For a detailed breakdown of the entire schedule, from red carpet to ceremony end time, explore our comprehensive guide: 98th Academy Awards: Full Schedule, Red Carpet & Ceremony End Time.
With all these details, you're now fully equipped to enjoy the 98th Academy Awards without missing a beat. From knowing the precise Oscars Start Time for your location to understanding your viewing options and what to expect throughout the night, you can confidently plan your evening. Prepare for an unforgettable celebration of film, fashion, and talent on Sunday, March 15, 2026!