The numbers
The 98th Academy Awards took place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking a significant event in the film industry calendar. The ceremony started at 4pm PT, 7pm ET, and 11pm UK time, with Conan O’Brien hosting for the second time, bringing his unique flair to the prestigious event.
The awards were broadcast live and free in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX, allowing audiences to engage with the ceremony from the comfort of their homes. “The 2026 Oscars will air live and for free exclusively on ITV1 and the streaming platform ITVX in the UK tonight,” a spokesperson confirmed prior to the event. The ceremony lasted around three hours, concluding with the much-anticipated awards presentations.
This year, the film “Sinners” made headlines by receiving a record-breaking 16 total nominations, while “One Battle After Another” followed closely with 13 nominations. The introduction of the first-ever Casting category added a new dimension to the awards, highlighting the importance of casting directors in the filmmaking process. The excitement surrounding these nominations set the stage for a memorable evening.
Among the notable winners, Amy Madigan took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Weapons,” while the animated feature film “KPop Demon Hunters” captured the award for Best Animated Feature Film. Additionally, the live-action short film category saw a tie for the winner, showcasing the competitive nature of this year’s selections.
As the ceremony progressed, viewers were treated to a variety of performances and speeches, reflecting the diverse talent within the industry. “You’ll be able to start watching the live coverage on ITV starting at 10:15pm where Jonathan Ross will be hosting alongside a panel of guests,” the spokesperson added, indicating the extensive coverage planned for the event.
The Oscars Highlights show aired at 10:45pm on March 16, 2026, allowing audiences to revisit the most memorable moments from the ceremony. The anticipation for this year’s Oscars was heightened by the previous year’s successes and the evolving landscape of the film industry.
As observers reflect on the outcomes of the night, the significance of the awards in recognizing outstanding achievements in film remains clear. The Oscars continue to be a benchmark for excellence in the industry, and the 2026 ceremony was no exception. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the impact of this year’s winners on future projects and collaborations within Hollywood.
