If you’re wondering what time do the Oscars start, the 2026 Academy Awards begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, March 15, 2026 in the United States. The ceremony airs live on ABC and streams simultaneously on Hulu, bringing millions of viewers together for Hollywood’s biggest night.
The Oscars remain the most prestigious awards event in the film industry. Each year, audiences tune in to watch stars arrive on the red carpet, celebrate outstanding filmmaking, and see which movies and actors take home the top honors.
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Exact Start Time for the 2026 Oscars
For viewers asking what time do the Oscars start, the official broadcast schedule for the 98th Academy Awards is:
| Event | Time (U.S. Eastern Time) |
|---|---|
| Red carpet pre-show begins | 6:30 p.m. ET |
| Main Oscars ceremony | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Expected end time | Around 10:00–10:30 p.m. ET |
This earlier start time is slightly different from past years, when the ceremony usually began at 8 p.m. ET. The change allows the broadcast to end earlier for viewers on the East Coast.
Where the Oscars Are Held
The 98th Academy Awards take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The venue has hosted the Oscars for many years and remains the primary home of the ceremony.
The event celebrates the best films released in 2025 and honors achievements across acting, directing, writing, production design, and other filmmaking categories.
How to Watch the Oscars in the United States
If you searched online for what time do the Oscars start because you plan to watch live, there are several viewing options available for U.S. audiences.
TV Broadcast
- ABC is the official television broadcaster.
- Viewers can watch the ceremony live on local ABC stations across the United States.
Streaming Options
The Oscars also stream live through several services, including:
- Hulu
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- FuboTV
- DirecTV Stream
These platforms allow viewers to watch the ceremony on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Red Carpet Coverage Schedule
The red carpet is one of the most anticipated parts of Oscars night. Celebrities arrive before the ceremony begins, showcasing fashion and speaking with reporters.
Typical coverage includes:
- Afternoon: Early entertainment coverage of arrivals
- 6:30 p.m. ET: Official Oscars red carpet broadcast
- 7:00 p.m. ET: Main Academy Awards ceremony begins
Fans often watch the red carpet to see designers, interviews, and first reactions from nominees.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 Oscars
The 2026 ceremony is hosted by Conan O’Brien, marking his return as Oscars host.
The comedian and television personality is known for his quick humor and improvisational style. His hosting duties include opening the show with a monologue, introducing presenters, and guiding the audience through the evening’s awards.
Hosting the Oscars is considered one of the most prominent roles in entertainment television.
Why the Oscars Start Earlier in 2026
One reason many viewers search what time do the Oscars start this year is because the start time shifted slightly.
The earlier schedule was introduced to:
- Improve viewing convenience for East Coast audiences
- Reduce late-night overruns
- Encourage more viewers to watch the show live
Starting at 7 p.m. ET allows the ceremony to end closer to 10 p.m., making it easier for viewers across the country to watch the entire broadcast.
What Happens During the Oscars Broadcast
The Oscars ceremony typically runs about three hours and includes several major segments.
Award Presentations
Awards are presented in numerous categories, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Screenwriting awards
- Technical filmmaking categories
Musical Performances
The ceremony often features live performances from nominees in the Best Original Song category.
In Memoriam Tribute
Each year, the Academy honors filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals who passed away during the previous year.
Comedy and Entertainment Segments
The host delivers monologues and comedic moments that often become some of the most talked-about parts of the show.
Why the Oscars Continue to Draw Large Audiences
Despite major changes in how people watch entertainment, the Oscars remain one of the most watched live events each year.
Several factors help maintain the ceremony’s popularity:
- Appearances from Hollywood’s biggest stars
- Major film awards announced live
- Memorable speeches and emotional moments
- Fashion highlights from the red carpet
The show also generates huge online conversations as viewers share reactions across social media platforms.
Oscars 2026 Key Details at a Glance
Here is a quick overview for anyone still wondering what time do the Oscars start:
- Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
- Location: Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, Los Angeles
- Host: Conan O’Brien
- Network: ABC
- Streaming: Hulu and live TV streaming services
The ceremony honors the best films released in 2025 and continues a tradition that has defined Hollywood for nearly a century.
Why Millions Search the Start Time Every Year
Search interest for what time do the Oscars start rises dramatically on the day of the ceremony. Many viewers want to tune in before major awards like Best Actor or Best Picture are announced.
Knowing the exact start time helps fans plan their evening so they don’t miss key moments from Hollywood’s most important awards show.
What Viewers Can Expect This Year
The 2026 Oscars promise another night filled with star power, emotional speeches, and major movie moments. With an earlier start time and a returning host, the ceremony aims to deliver a smooth and entertaining broadcast for audiences across the United States.
Are you planning to watch the Oscars live tonight? Share your predictions for the winners and join the conversation as Hollywood celebrates another year of filmmaking.
