The countdown has begun to one of the most-watched live entertainment events of the year. Closures of pedestrian crosswalks, sidewalks and restricted access on streets that end at or intersect Hollywood Boulevard have already begun.
This year’s show will honor an incredible slate of nominees – from blockbusters to independent films with Oscar statuettes, the most recognized award in the world.
Over 3,000 statuettes have presented since the first initial awards banquet on May 16, 1929 in Hollywood’s Roosevelt Hotel just a stone throw from the Dolby Theatre where it is now held annually.
A ceremony that is televised in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide, here’s what to know about Oscar Sunday.
Who is the host?
Conan O’Brien returns as host of the Oscars. The comedian, and writer, best known for hosting late-night talk shows like “Late Night” and “The Tonight Show” is looking forward to returning after hosting the 97th Oscars in 2025 and says it will be vastly different from last year, which were impacted by LA wildfires.
Who is presenting?
Adrien Brody, Javier Bardem, Chase Infiniti, Demi Moore, Maya Rudolph and Zoe Saldaña, Rose Byrne, Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Ewan McGregor, Pedro Pascal, Bill Pullman, Channing Tatum and Sigourney Weaver are just of the actors who will be onstage presenting awards.
Who is performing?
Music performances are inspired by two films: “Sinners,” the most nominated film in Oscars history, and ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ which has become a global pop culture sensation. The “KPop Demon Hunters” moment will begin with a fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance and Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, the singing voices behind Huntr/x will perform the Oscar-nominated original song “Golden” from the film. Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq will perform the Oscar-nominated original song “I Lied To You,” and they will be joined by Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey and Alice Smith in an homage to the film’s singular visual style.
What to know:
With 16 nominations, Sinners set the record for most nominations for a film. The previous record of 14 was shared by “All about Eve” in 1950, “Titanic” in “1997 and “La La Land” in 2016.
Sinners / Photo by Dave Benett
Who is nominated for the major Academy Awards?
In the acting categories, 11 individuals are first-time nominees including Michael B. Jordan ( twin brothers Smoke and Stack in Sinners, Delroy Lindo, (“Delta Slim” in Sinners), Wunmi Mosaku (“Annie” in Sinners), Teyana Taylor (“Perfidia” in One Battle after Another). This is the second Best Picture nomination for “Sinners” director Ryan Coogler. He was nominated for Judas and the Black Messiah in 2021.
The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC, streamed live on Hulu and airs live in more than 200 territories worldwide.
