How to watch Oscar nominations 2026 is the question film fans across the United States are asking as Hollywood prepares for one of its biggest mornings of the year. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the 2026 Oscar nominations on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California.
This annual announcement marks the official start of Oscar season, where movie lovers, filmmakers, and studios learn which films will compete for the most coveted awards in cinema. The event will be available to watch live across several official platforms, making it easy for audiences nationwide to tune in and celebrate the best in film.
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When and Where to Watch the 2026 Oscar Nominations
The 2026 Oscar nominations will be revealed on Tuesday, January 28, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (5:30 a.m. Pacific Time). The Academy confirmed that the announcement will be broadcast live on ABC, as well as streamed online for free.
Here’s a quick look at how and where to catch the nominations live:
| Platform | Access Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ABC (Broadcast TV) | Free (with cable, satellite, or antenna) | Live national broadcast of the full nomination event |
| Oscar.com | Free streaming | Official Academy livestream |
| YouTube (The Academy Channel) | Free streaming | Live video feed of the nominations |
| Good Morning America (GMA) | Free on ABC and Hulu Live | Coverage and commentary before and after the announcement |
| Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV | Paid subscription | Live broadcast access to ABC through streaming platforms |
Whether you’re watching on a traditional television or through a streaming service, the coverage will begin shortly before the announcement with hosts previewing the top categories.
Who Will Announce the Oscar Nominations in 2026
Each year, the Academy selects well-known actors or filmmakers to read the nominations live on air. While the Academy has not officially released the names of the 2026 presenters as of January 22, 2026, the announcement typically includes two industry figures chosen for their current success and wide audience appeal.
In previous years, stars like Riz Ahmed, Allison Williams, and Tracee Ellis Ross have taken on hosting duties. The presenters reveal nominees across all major categories, from Best Picture and Best Actor to Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature.
Viewers can expect the presentation to last about 30 minutes, with a mix of live readings, category graphics, and commentary from Academy members and media hosts.
How to Watch Oscar Nominations 2026 Online
For those who prefer to stream, there are several free and legal options to watch the 2026 Oscar nominations live.
1. The Academy’s Official YouTube Channel
The Academy’s YouTube page will stream the nominations live in high-definition. This option is ideal for mobile users or viewers who want instant access without cable.
Simply visit YouTube.com/Oscars or search for “Oscars 2026 nominations livestream” on the morning of January 28. The stream typically goes live around 8:25 a.m. Eastern Time.
2. Oscar.com and Oscars.org
The Academy’s official website, Oscar.com, will also feature a live video stream, as well as real-time updates of each category as nominations are announced. For film journalists, this platform provides the most accurate and immediate results.
3. ABC and the ABC App
For viewers who want to watch on television or through connected devices, ABC will air the event live. The ABC app also offers a live simulcast for users who log in with their TV provider credentials.
4. Good Morning America
Following the announcement, Good Morning America will air an extended segment with reactions from critics, nominees, and entertainment reporters. For fans who want early analysis and live interviews, this is a reliable follow-up broadcast.
How to Watch if You Miss the Live Stream
If you’re unable to tune in live, there are several ways to catch up:
- YouTube Replay: The full announcement will remain available on the Academy’s YouTube channel shortly after the livestream ends.
- Oscar.com Replay: The Academy’s website will upload an archived version along with the full list of nominees.
- ABC News and GMA Highlights: ABC’s social channels will share clips and summaries throughout the day.
- Streaming Services: Platforms like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV often make the full segment available for on-demand viewing within a few hours.
These options allow fans to relive the moment and hear the official list even after the live event has concluded.
Expected Highlights and Categories
The Oscar nominations morning covers more than 20 competitive categories, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor and Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor and Actress
- Best Original Screenplay and Adapted Screenplay
- Best Animated Feature
- Best International Feature Film
- Best Original Song
- Best Visual Effects
Each category is read aloud live, and the list immediately appears online. This year’s field is expected to include a mix of major studio films and independent productions that gained traction during the fall festival season.
While the Academy has not yet announced which films have advanced to the final round of voting, the nominations event remains the moment when predictions end and reality begins.
When the Full List of Nominations Will Be Available
Shortly after the live broadcast, the Academy will publish the complete list of nominees across all categories on its official website. Entertainment outlets such as ABC News, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter will also post verified copies.
The Academy typically updates its site within 10 minutes of the conclusion of the live event, making it the first and most reliable source for official results.
How the Nominations Are Decided
Before the big announcement, thousands of voting members of the Academy cast ballots across various categories. Ballots closed earlier this month, and independent auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) verified the results.
The process follows strict confidentiality, meaning that no individual outside the Academy’s leadership or auditors has access to the final nomination results before they are announced live.
This is what gives the Oscar nominations morning its signature suspense—each name read on stage is being heard by the world for the first time.
Broadcast Coverage Beyond the Announcement
Following the live reveal, ABC and several entertainment networks will air special segments breaking down the results. These programs include reactions from actors, directors, and critics, as well as predictions for who might take home Oscars on the big night.
Many streaming platforms will also highlight nominated films with curated watchlists, giving audiences a chance to catch up on contenders before the ceremony. Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video typically feature Oscar collections in the days following the nomination announcement.
How to Prepare for Oscar Nominations Morning
For film enthusiasts, nomination morning is like a national holiday. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t miss a second of the excitement:
- Set an alarm early – The broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m. ET, so plan to tune in a few minutes before.
- Check your connection – If streaming, ensure your internet connection is stable for live video.
- Follow social media accounts – The Academy’s official pages on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook will post each category live.
- Join the conversation – Use hashtags like #Oscars2026 or #OscarNominations to see reactions in real time.
For viewers in the Pacific Time Zone, remember that the broadcast starts very early—5:30 a.m.—so prepare coffee and breakfast in advance if you’re tuning in live.
The Importance of the Oscar Nominations
The nominations are more than a list—they shape how audiences, critics, and studios view the year in film. A nomination can elevate smaller movies to global recognition and generate renewed box office and streaming interest.
For the Academy itself, the nominations set the tone for the awards ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The live telecast will air on ABC, continuing the network’s decades-long partnership with the Oscars.
Until then, the nomination morning remains the single most anticipated event leading up to the ceremony.
Where to Find Updates Throughout the Day
Once the live announcement of the 2026 Oscar nominations wraps up, the conversation continues across multiple platforms throughout the day. Fans, journalists, and industry professionals all tune in to post-event coverage for analysis, reactions, and behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you watched the nominations live or want to catch up later, there are plenty of reliable ways to stay informed and experience every highlight.
ABC News and Good Morning America
After the nomination event concludes, ABC News and Good Morning America (GMA) lead the official post-broadcast coverage. These programs offer in-depth interviews with newly announced nominees, entertainment reporters, and Academy representatives. Viewers can expect exclusive commentary, expert analysis, and reactions from stars who just found out their names were read that morning.
Throughout the day, ABC will air segments breaking down major surprises and trends—such as first-time nominees, record-setting achievements, or returning Oscar veterans. GMA’s morning coverage often transitions into afternoon updates, providing ongoing insights for audiences who missed the early morning announcement.
For those who prefer digital viewing, ABC News Live, the network’s 24-hour streaming channel, will also replay key moments from the nomination broadcast and feature live interviews from Los Angeles.
Oscars.com and Oscars.org
The official Academy platforms, Oscar.com and Oscars.org, serve as the central hub for verified nomination details. These sites publish the full, category-by-category nominee list within minutes of the live reveal.
In addition to the list, the Academy’s websites typically offer:
- High-quality nominee photos taken at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
- Short video recaps of each category as it was announced.
- Behind-the-scenes footage from inside the theater, capturing the atmosphere as names are revealed.
- Exclusive Academy commentary on this year’s voting trends and diversity of nominees.
For journalists and movie enthusiasts, this is the most reliable resource to confirm every nomination accurately. The Academy updates these pages throughout the day as more interviews, quotes, and production stills become available.
The Academy’s Social Media Channels
The Academy’s official accounts on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok are among the fastest ways to track updates in real time. During and after the live event, these channels post:
- Individual nominee cards featuring each category’s results.
- Short video clips of presenters reading nominees live on stage.
- Red carpet setup footage and reaction clips from filmmakers.
- Interactive polls asking fans to share which nominees they’re cheering for.
Instagram Stories and TikTok reels often provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Academy’s production team, giving fans a glimpse of what it’s like to coordinate one of the entertainment industry’s biggest mornings.
The Academy’s posts also serve as a gathering point for online discussion. Fans, industry professionals, and nominees themselves often repost or comment within minutes, creating a live, social conversation that continues all day.
Entertainment Channels and Digital Media Outlets
Several entertainment-focused networks and YouTube channels dedicate the entire day to Oscar coverage. E! News, Access Hollywood, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Entertainment Tonight all release quick video summaries, press interviews, and expert commentary once the nominations are made public.
For younger audiences and mobile viewers, platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok feature condensed, engaging clips that highlight the biggest moments — from emotional nominee reactions to discussions of surprise inclusions and omissions. These short-form updates allow fans to stay in the loop even if they can’t watch long broadcasts.
Many outlets also host live chats and digital panels, where critics discuss how the nominations might influence box office performance and which films are most likely to dominate the awards season.
Streaming Platform Highlights
Major streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+ typically respond quickly after nominations are announced. Within hours, they update their platforms to highlight nominated films available for viewing.
These collections, often titled “Oscar Nominees 2026” or “Award Season Favorites,” allow users to easily find and watch the recognized titles. Many viewers use this opportunity to create personal watchlists and catch up before the Oscars ceremony in March.
For audiences who prefer convenience, this is one of the easiest ways to engage with the nominations throughout the day—by watching the films themselves.
Social Media Reactions from Nominees
In the hours following the announcement, nominees and film studios typically take to social media to share their excitement and gratitude. Official film accounts often post celebration graphics, while actors and directors post personal messages to thank fans, collaborators, and the Academy.
These authentic, immediate reactions are part of what makes nomination day so memorable. Many go viral quickly, adding to the overall buzz of the event. By following actors, filmmakers, and official film pages, fans can experience this celebration in real time.
Entertainment Podcasts and Live Spaces
As the day unfolds, several entertainment podcasts and live streaming spaces host discussions and audience Q&A sessions about the nominations. Platforms such as Spotify Live, YouTube Live, and X Spaces feature real-time commentary from critics, fans, and film experts analyzing which nominees stand out and which categories are most competitive.
These discussions provide deeper insights into the meaning behind each nomination—why certain performances resonated, how emerging directors broke through, and what trends define this year’s list.
End-of-Day Summaries
By the evening of January 28, most major entertainment news outlets will publish comprehensive wrap-ups of the day’s coverage. These summaries often include:
- Complete nominee lists for all 23 categories.
- Notable achievements, such as first-time nominees or record-breaking diversity statistics.
- Initial industry reactions and quotes from filmmakers.
- A look ahead at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026.
For readers who want a quick, reliable overview of everything that happened, these evening reports provide a concise snapshot of nomination day highlights.
Why Following All-Day Coverage Matters
For movie enthusiasts, Oscar nomination morning is only the beginning of the excitement. The hours following the announcement set the tone for the rest of the awards season. Early reactions, industry analyses, and nominee interviews often influence public perception and even shape the conversation leading up to the ceremony.
By following updates throughout the day, audiences can stay informed, participate in discussions, and gain a richer understanding of how the nominations reflect the year in film.
From televised broadcasts to digital updates, every platform contributes to the shared experience of celebrating cinematic achievement. The event may last only thirty minutes, but the conversation lasts all day — keeping the Oscars at the center of entertainment news long after the cameras stop rolling.
What to Expect After the Nominations
The period between the nomination announcement and the ceremony is filled with screenings, interviews, and industry celebrations. Nominees will attend special events like the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, where they receive their official certificates.
Streaming platforms and studios will also begin “For Your Consideration” campaigns to highlight their contenders. Audiences will see new marketing materials showcasing films as “Oscar-nominated,” which often leads to an increase in viewership and renewed critical discussion.
This phase builds momentum toward the Academy Awards ceremony, but it all starts with the moment fans are waiting for—the morning when the nominations are revealed.
In summary, if you’re wondering how to watch Oscar nominations 2026, the process is simple: tune in to ABC or the official Academy livestream on January 28 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. You can watch for free on TV or online, and full results will be posted moments later on Oscar.com and the Academy’s social channels.
Get ready for a morning of surprises and celebration—who will make this year’s Oscar race? Share your predictions in the comments below.
