The 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) nominations will be officially announced on January 22, 2026. This highly anticipated event will kick off at 8:30 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time), which translates to 7:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time). For viewers in India, the live stream of the announcement will begin at 9:45 PM IST. This timing allows film enthusiasts across India to follow the excitement as the names of the nominees are revealed, marking the official start of the awards season.

The Oscars 2026 nominations will be available to stream live through several platforms. The official Academy Award websites—Oscar.com and Oscar.org—will host the live stream, ensuring that fans can watch directly from the Academy’s official channels. Additionally, viewers can tune in to the live broadcast via the Academy's social media accounts, including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, which will be broadcasting the event in real time. For those who prefer streaming services, major platforms like ABC News Live, Good Morning America, Hulu, and Disney+ will also provide access to the nominations, giving a variety of options for audiences worldwide.

The 2026 Oscars race is expected to be competitive, with several standout films leading the pack. Among the top contenders are films such as "One Battle After Another" and "Hamnet", both of which have garnered critical acclaim and are considered safe bets for Academy nominations. Another strong contender is "Sinners", starring Michael B. Jordan. Despite missing out on a nomination at the Golden Globes, this film is still a powerful player in the Oscar race. "Marty Supreme", produced by A24 and featuring a standout performance by Timothee Chalamet, has also emerged as a significant contender due to its captivating narrative and high-budget production. These films, alongside others, are expected to make waves when the nominations are announced.

The Oscars 2026 nominations announcement will be hosted by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, who will present the full list of nominees for the evening. Conan O'Brien will return to host the Academy Awards Ceremony on March 15, 2026, marking his second consecutive year at the helm of the prestigious event. O'Brien's comedic style is expected to add an entertaining flair to the ceremony, keeping audiences engaged and excited throughout the evening.

Among the films likely to be included in the Oscar 2026 nominee shortlist are "Frankenstein", "Bugonia", "The Secret Agent", and "Sentimental Value". These films have received significant attention and are gaining momentum in the awards season. Other notable contenders include "Train Dreams" and "Weapons", which have both made waves in the industry. These films, though not as widely discussed as some others, have earned praise from critics and are expected to feature in the mix when the nominations are revealed.

However, despite their commercial success, some sequels like "Avatar: Fire and Ash" and "Wicked: For Good" may miss out on the nominations for Oscars 2026. While these films were expected to be top contenders, they have received criticism for not living up to the success or acclaim of their predecessors. As a result, they are unlikely to make the cut for this year’s nominations, which may surprise some fans given their commercial popularity.

The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, and promises to be an exciting event. With "Marty Supreme", "One Battle After Another", and "Sinners" leading the race, the upcoming awards ceremony is expected to celebrate a mix of fresh talent and established stars. The nominees’ list, once announced, will set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling awards season.