Oscars 2026: Live streaming date and time of 98th Academy Awards in India, venue, host and what’s inside the $350,000 nominees’ gift bag

It's that time of the year again, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th edition of the Academy Awards will take place on March 15. The prestigious ceremony will once again be held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Due to the time difference, viewers in India will be able to watch the ceremony early in the morning on March 16. Each year, the Oscars recognise excellence across various categories, including acting, directing, writing and technical achievements that shape the art of filmmaking.

When and where to watch Oscars 2026 in India?

For audiences in India, the ceremony will be available both on television and streaming platforms. The live broadcast will begin at 4:30 AM IST on March 16, while the glamorous red carpet coverage will start an hour earlier at 3:30 AM IST. The event will be telecast on channels such as Star Movies, Star Movies Select and Colors Infinity. Those who prefer watching online can stream the ceremony on JioHotstar. For viewers unable to tune in early in the morning, a repeat telecast will also air later the same day at 9 PM IST on the same channels and platform.



The ceremony will once again be hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O'Brien. Known for his wit and distinctive humour, O’Brien is expected to bring his signature style to the stage.

In the United States, the awards will be broadcast on the ABC network. International audiences can also stream the ceremony through services such as Hulu, YouTube TV and Fubo, making the event accessible to viewers across different regions.

Presenters and $350k gift bag Oscars 2026

In addition to this, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to appear as one of the presenters at this year’s ceremony. She will share the stage with several well-known Hollywood stars who are also scheduled to present awards during the night. Among them are Michael B. Jordan, Paul Mescal, Robert Downey Jr. and Anne Hathaway.

Apart from the awards and celebrity appearances, another aspect of the Oscars that always attracts attention is the luxurious nominees’ gift bag. According to reports by The Nod magazine, this year’s bag is estimated to be worth around $350,000, making it one of the most extravagant goodie bags associated with the ceremony.


Every year, the value of the bag continues to climb into six figures and often sparks curiosity and discussion among fans and industry watchers. The items inside are known for their luxury and exclusivity, ranging from lavish travel experiences to high-end wellness treatments.

This year’s gift bag reportedly includes luxury vacation packages such as private villa stays in Costa Rica and Finland’s Lapland region, as well as wellness retreats in Sri Lanka and southern California. In addition, several premium beauty and health treatments are part of the collection, including cosmetic procedures like facial rejuvenation treatments and body-sculpting options.

The bag also features a number of unusual items. Among the more surprising inclusions is a luxury cannabis gift set, which reportedly comes with accessories and premium cannabis products. Another unexpected addition is a customised prenuptial agreement designed by celebrity divorce attorney James Sexton.

While the lavish gift bag may grab headlines each year, the true focus of the evening remains the celebration of cinematic excellence. As filmmakers, actors and industry professionals gather under one roof, the 98th Academy Awards promises another memorable night filled with emotional speeches, historic wins and unforgettable moments for movie lovers around the world. Stay tuned!