OSCARS 2026: The 98th Academy Awards will honour the best films of 2025. Here’s when and where Indian viewers can watch the Oscars 2026 live.
The iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood will host the 98th Academy Awards ceremony in March 2026 (Photo: X)
Oscars 2026: The Academy Awards 98th countdown is underway and the entire film fraternity in the world is gearing up to one of the most awaited nights in the world of movies. The Oscars are presented by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences every year and are awarded to the best works in movie production.
The 2026 awards celebrate the films released in 2025 in 24 categories that celebrate performances, narrative and technical genius. Awards have been made already this year and are already creating a buzz in Hollywood and other parts of the world thanks to record-breaking nominations and other new milestones in the industry. The excitement to the Indian audiences is accompanied by an early morning viewing schedule, but the red carpet glamor and the rush of announcements makes it worth waking up early.
The 98th Academy Award will be conducted on March 15, 2026 at the iconic Dolby Theatre which has long been the venue of the event because of the time difference between the United States and India, viewers in India will get to see the event in the early morning of the 16th of March 2026.
The red carpet segment traditionally attracts millions of viewers worldwide, offering a first look at celebrity fashion and interviews before the awards presentation begins.
Indian viewers have both television and streaming options to follow the ceremony live.
Both platforms will air complete coverage including:
The event will celebrate movie successes in films that will have been released in 2025. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives awards in different fields which include acting and directing to editing, music and visual effects.
The film Sinners is one of the most discussed aspects of this year and it was nominated in 16 categories, the most nominations in the history of the Oscars. This is more than the former record of 14 nominations that were possessed by Titanic, All About Eve and La La Land. The nominations also draw more diversity in the world of cinema and there are several historic firsts in acting, directing and technical categories.
Comedian and television personality Conan O'Brien will once again be the host of the ceremony. His comeback is after a successful hosting act last year. Some of the most memorable hosts to have been on the Oscars over the decades include Billy Crystal, Jimmy Kimmel and Ellen DeGeneres. O’Brien is likely to repeats his trademark humour and easy style on the stage.
A wide range of global stars will present awards during the ceremony. Indian actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas is among the presenters this year.
Other presenters include:
1. When will the Oscars 2026 air in India?
The ceremony will be broadcast early morning on March 16, 2026 starting at 4:30 AM IST.
2. Where can viewers watch the Oscars live in India?
It will stream on JioHotstar and air on Star Movies.
3. Who is hosting the Oscars this year?
Comedian Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony for the second consecutive year.
4. Which film has the most nominations?
The film Sinners leads with 16 nominations, a new record.
5. Will an Indian celebrity appear at the ceremony?
Yes, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is part of the presenter lineup.
