Oscars 2026: All You Need to Know About Hollywood’s Biggest Night
The 98th Academy Awards are on the horizon, poised to celebrate the pinnacle of cinematic achievement from the past year. This year’s ceremony promises to be a dazzling affair, brimming with record-breaking nominations, the presence of Hollywood’s elite, and a strong contingent of talented Australians vying for coveted golden statuettes. As anticipation builds, here’s your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the 2026 Oscars.
When and Where to Tune In
Mark your calendars, film buffs! The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will unfold on Monday morning, Australian time. For those keen to catch every moment, coverage will commence at 9:30 am AEDT, with the main event kicking off at 10:00 am AEDT.
As is the cherished tradition, the glamorous proceedings will take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, a venue that has served as the hallowed ground for the Academy Awards for many years.
How Australians Can Watch the Magic Unfold
For viewers Down Under, catching the drama and glamour of the Oscars is straightforward. The entire ceremony will be broadcast live on Channel 7. Additionally, for those who prefer to stream on the go or catch up later, the event will also be available on 7Plus.
The Host with the Most: Conan O’Brien Takes the Stage
Guiding us through Hollywood’s most prestigious night will be none other than the charismatic comedian and seasoned late-night host, Conan O’Brien. His return to the hosting duties is sure to bring his signature wit and charm to the proceedings.
The Races for Best Actor and Best Actress
The competition for the lead acting honours is fierce this year, featuring a stellar lineup of talent:
Best Actor Nominees:
- Michael B. Jordan
- Timothée Chalamet
- Leonardo DiCaprio
- Ethan Hawke
- Wagner Moura
Best Actress Nominees:
- Jessie Buckley
- Emma Stone
- Kate Hudson
- Renate Reinsve
- Rose Byrne (Australia’s own!)
A notable achievement this year sees Timothée Chalamet making history. He has become the youngest actor to secure three Best Actor nominations, a feat not seen since Marlon Brando in 1954.
The Contenders for Best Picture
Ten films are locked in a battle for the night’s most prestigious award, Best Picture. The nominated features are:
- Bugonia
- F1
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
Among these distinguished films, Sinners has already etched its name in Oscar history, securing an astonishing 16 nominations. This makes it the most nominated film in the Academy Awards’ storied past.
Australian Excellence on the Global Stage
This year, Australia is proudly represented by three talented individuals who have earned nominations:
Rose Byrne is nominated for Best Actress for her captivating performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. This marks a significant milestone as her very first Oscar nomination.
Jacob Elordi also receives his inaugural Oscar nomination, competing in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Frankenstein.
In the realm of music, the dynamic duo Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner are nominated for Best Original Song for their work on Train Dreams, with the poignant lyrics penned by Nick Cave himself.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Presenters and Performers
The Oscars stage will be graced by a constellation of stars. Confirmed presenters include:
- Chris Evans
- Javier Bardem
- Maya Rudolph
- Chase Infiniti
- Demi Moore
- Kumail Nanjiani
Adding to the star power, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Paul Mescal, Will Arnett, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Gwyneth Paltrow have also been recently announced as presenters, promising an evening filled with A-list glamour.
The musical performances are set to be a highlight, with two of the nominated songs slated for live renditions:
- “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters will be brought to life by Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna.
- Miles Caton will perform “I Lied to You” from the critically acclaimed film Sinners.
The producers noted that these specific songs were chosen for their “defining role in their global cultural impact and audience connection this year,” underscoring their significance beyond the silver screen.
