The 98th Academy Awards: Your Ultimate Guide to Schedule, Red Carpet & Ceremony End Time
The biggest night in Hollywood is almost here! Movie lovers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide are counting down to the 98th Academy Awards. Taking place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, this year's ceremony promises an unforgettable evening of cinematic celebration, dazzling red carpet moments, and plenty of unexpected thrills. From the moment the first star steps onto the red carpet to the announcement of the coveted Best Picture award, we've got all the essential timing details you need to plan your perfect Oscar night.
Understanding the precise Oscars start time for both the pre-show festivities and the main ceremony is crucial, whether you're hosting a watch party or simply tuning in from your couch. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every segment, including exact timings for various U.S. time zones and international viewers, how to watch, and when to expect the grand finale. Get ready to mark your calendars and prepare for a night filled with Hollywood's finest!
When Do the 2026 Oscars Officially Start?
The main ceremony of the 98th Academy Awards kicks off promptly at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 4:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This earlier start time, a trend solidified in recent years, aims to make the show more accessible and potentially wrap up at a more reasonable hour for East Coast viewers. For those across the United States, here's a breakdown of the ceremony's official start time:
- 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
The entire show will be broadcast live nationwide on ABC. For those who prefer to stream, Hulu subscribers can catch every moment live at no extra cost. This synchronized live broadcast ensures that no matter where you are in the U.S., you're experiencing the magic of the Oscars exactly as it unfolds. For more detailed insights on watching live on ABC and Hulu, check out our guide: Oscars Start Time: Your Guide to Watching Live on ABC & Hulu.
Navigating the Red Carpet Extravaganza
Before the awards are handed out, the red carpet serves as Hollywood's most glamorous runway, offering a thrilling prelude to the main event. It's where fashion statements are made, nervous excitement is palpable, and initial predictions begin to fly. Here’s your guide to catching all the pre-show action:
E!'s "Live From the Red Carpet"
For dedicated fashion commentary and extensive celebrity interviews, E! is your go-to source. They typically begin their "Live From the Red Carpet" coverage two full hours before the main ceremony, starting at approximately 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT. This is often considered the most comprehensive fashion-focused pre-show, providing detailed looks at designer gowns, suits, and accessories, along with candid chats with nominees and presenters. E! is widely available through cable providers, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV.
Important Note for FuboTV Subscribers: As of November 2025, FuboTV dropped NBCUniversal channels, including E!. This means FuboTV subscribers will not be able to watch E!'s red carpet coverage live through their service.
ABC's Exclusive Red Carpet Pre-Show
As the ceremony draws closer, ABC takes over with its exclusive red carpet coverage. From 6:00 PM ET to 7:00 PM ET, ABC holds an exclusive window, meaning no other network can air live red carpet footage during this crucial hour. This segment typically focuses on the biggest stars as they make their grand entrance, offering a more intimate look at the final moments before the show begins.
ABC's official 30-minute pre-show begins at 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT. This segment, available directly on ABC or streaming live on Hulu, features nominee arrivals, high-profile fashion coverage, and quick, last-minute interviews with the stars as they head inside the Dolby Theatre. It's an excellent option for a focused, official lead-up to the ceremony, free from extraneous commentary.
For the ultimate fan, toggling between E! for the initial deep-dive fashion analysis and then switching to ABC for the final, exclusive star-studded arrivals is often the best strategy to capture every moment of this glittering prelude.
How to Watch: Live Broadcasts & Streaming Options
Accessing the 98th Academy Awards has never been easier, with multiple platforms ensuring you won't miss a single moment:
- ABC Network: The primary home for the Oscars, ABC will broadcast the ceremony live across all its local affiliate stations throughout the United States. Simply tune into your local ABC channel at the designated start time for your region.
- Hulu: For cord-cutters and streamers, Hulu is your go-to platform. All Hulu subscribers can stream the entire ceremony live, synchronized with the ABC broadcast, at no additional charge. This provides a convenient way to watch on various devices, from smart TVs to tablets and phones.
- Disney+: The reference context also indicates that Disney+ will stream the ceremony live at the same time as ABC and Hulu. This offers an additional streaming option for subscribers to the Disney bundle or standalone Disney+ service.
- Live TV Streaming Services: If you're subscribed to services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, you can access the ABC live broadcast directly through their platforms. Remember the FuboTV caveat for E! red carpet coverage.
Practical Tip: Ensure your streaming subscriptions are active and your internet connection is stable well before the Oscars start time to avoid any last-minute technical glitches. A quick test of your streaming app or TV connection an hour before the show can save you a lot of frustration!
What to Expect from the 98th Academy Awards Ceremony
The 98th Academy Awards returns to its iconic home, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, a venue synonymous with Oscar night since 2002. Approximately 3,400 guests will fill its seats, ready to witness cinematic history unfold.
Host with the Most: Conan O'Brien Returns
Making a much-anticipated return, the beloved comedian Conan O’Brien will host the 98th Academy Awards for his second consecutive year. His debut hosting last year was met with widespread acclaim, with audiences and critics praising his sharp wit, engaging presence, and ability to balance humor with the gravitas of the event. Viewers can expect an opening monologue that's both clever and respectful, setting a fantastic tone for the evening. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan are back as producers for their third year, ensuring a meticulously crafted and entertaining show. To learn more about Conan's return and other key details, read: Mark Your Calendar: 2026 Oscars Date, Start Time & Conan O'Brien Hosts.
Awards, Performances, and a New Category
Throughout the night, all 24 competitive categories will be awarded, honoring the best in film from the past year. This year marks a significant addition with the introduction of the brand new Best Casting award, finally recognizing the vital role casting directors play in bringing cinematic visions to life. This new category highlights the Academy's ongoing efforts to acknowledge all crafts within the film industry.
Musical highlights are also a perennial favorite. This year, two Best Original Song nominees are confirmed to perform live: "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters and "I Lied to You" from Sinners. These performances often provide some of the most memorable and emotionally charged moments of the evening.
When Does the Oscars Ceremony End?
One of the most frequently asked questions about the Academy Awards is its duration. While the show is a grand spectacle, producers strive to keep it engaging and timely. The 98th Academy Awards is expected to run for approximately three to three and a half hours. Based on recent ceremonies, viewers can anticipate the show wrapping up between 10:30 PM ET and 11:00 PM ET. The 2025 ceremony, for instance, concluded at 10:50 PM ET.
The night culminates with the presentation of the highly anticipated Best Picture award, always the final accolade of the evening. Following this grand announcement and the traditional acceptance speeches, the immediate post-show festivities begin with the Governors Ball, where nominees, presenters, and industry elites celebrate their achievements inside the venue. For those planning to stay up late, be prepared for a potentially extended evening, especially if there are numerous heartfelt (or lengthy) acceptance speeches!
International Viewing
For international audiences, the Oscars start time will vary significantly due to time zone differences. While North American viewers (and countries like Brazil and Mexico) will catch the show on Sunday evening local time, most other international viewers will experience the ceremony live on Monday morning, March 16, 2026. Be sure to check your local listings and broadcasting schedules to determine the exact watch time in your region.
Prepare for a Night of Cinematic Grandeur
The 98th Academy Awards promises to be an extraordinary celebration of film, bringing together the industry's brightest stars and honoring the year's most outstanding achievements. With Conan O'Brien at the helm, a new competitive category, and a packed schedule of red carpet glamour and captivating performances, it's an event you won't want to miss. By keeping this detailed schedule handy, you'll be perfectly prepared to enjoy every moment, from the first dazzling arrival to the final, triumphant Best Picture announcement. Settle in, grab your snacks, and get ready for Hollywood's biggest night!