Next Oscars Date and Ceremony Basics
The next Oscars ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The event is produced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and broadcast in the United States by ABC. The telecast typically begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with a pre-show starting earlier on the red carpet. The Academy, led by its president and board of governors, sets the annual calendar, confirms the venue, and coordinates with the broadcast network and production team. For the most current official details, see the Academy's main page at https://www.oscars.org.
The 98th Academy Awards will honor films released in the previous calendar year, with eligibility determined by theatrical release windows and distributor submissions. The ceremony follows a structured format that includes opening remarks, performances, and multiple award segments. The show is overseen by an executive producer and a team of directors, writers, and designers who shape the runtime and pacing. Historically, the Oscars have run between three and four hours, depending on the number of competitive categories and musical numbers.
Nominations Timeline and Voting Process
Nominations for the next Oscars are expected to be announced in early 2026, with voting by Academy members taking place shortly afterward. The Academy's branches, including actors, directors, writers, and technical crafts, receive screeners and ballots to select nominees in their respective categories. The final voting round determines the winners across all competitive categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Animated Feature. The entire process is managed by the Academy's accounting firm and overseen by an independent auditing team to ensure transparency. More details on the timeline are available at https://www.oscars.org/ceremonies.
To be eligible for nomination, a film must meet specific theatrical release requirements in Los Angeles County and run for a minimum number of consecutive days. The Academy's Board of Governors reviews rule changes each year, adjusting eligibility windows and submission deadlines. Members receive nomination ballots by mail and electronic platforms, with results tabulated by a third-party auditing firm. The final voting phase uses a ranked-choice or preferential ballot system for certain categories, including Best Picture.
Where to Watch the Next Oscars Ceremony
The next Oscars ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC in the United States, with streaming options available through Hulu and the ABC app. International audiences can watch the Oscars through local broadcasters and official streaming partners in their regions. The Academy also streams red carpet coverage and pre-show content on its official website and social media channels. Viewers can access highlights, clips, and behind-the-scenes content on the Academy's digital platforms after the ceremony. For the official broadcast schedule, see the ABC network page at https://abc.com.
Red carpet coverage typically begins 90 minutes before the main telecast, with hosts interviewing nominees and presenters. The ceremony features performances by nominated song artists and musical guests selected by the producers. After the show, the Academy posts winner announcements, acceptance speeches, and ceremony highlights on its official channels. The full list of nominees and winners is published on the Academy's website and distributed to accredited media outlets worldwide.