Countdown to Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien Returns as Host, Sinners Leads Nominations
Hollywood is abuzz as the countdown begins for the 98th Academy Awards. The Oscars 2026 will honour the most outstanding films of the past year, including Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and leading contender Sinners.
When and Where: The ceremony will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Viewers can catch the broadcast on ABC or stream live via Hulu.
Host & Presenters: Comedian Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year, promising surprises and culturally timely moments. Presenters include last year’s acting winners Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldaña, along with Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, and Maya Rudolph.
Nominations & Snubs: Sinners leads with 14 nominations, tying the record with films like Titanic and La La Land. Close contenders include One Battle After Another (13 noms), Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, and Sentimental Value (9 each), and Hamnet (8). Notable snubs include Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Adam Sandler, and George Clooney.
New Category: The Academy introduces Achievement in Casting, recognising films released in 2025. Nominees include Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme), Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another), Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent), and Francine Maisler (Sinners).
Last Year’s Winners: At the 97th Oscars in 2025, Anora won Best Picture and five awards in total, including Best Director for Sean Baker and Best Actress for Mikey Madison.

