Oscars 2026 date and time: How to watch the 98th Academy Awards for free in USA, UK, and UAE

Oscars 2026 Live Streaming: Watch the 98th Academy Awards Free in USA, UK, and UAE - The excitement surrounding the 98th Academy Awards is steadily growing as the biggest night in cinema approaches. Oscars 2026 is going to be huge, as many films created history last year. One of those movies is Sinners, which has been nominated across 16 major categories, including Best Picture and Best Visual Effects.

This achievement is especially notable because horror films have historically secured limited recognition at the Oscars. With its record‑breaking nominations, Sinners has carved out a historic moment for the genre at the 98th Academy Awards. But the competition does not stop there. Several other highly anticipated movies have secured major nominations as well, including Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another. With such strong contenders in the race, the ceremony promises both anticipated wins and surprising results.


Below, we break down the date, time, streaming platforms, and how viewers around the world including the USA, UK, and UAE can watch Oscars 2026 live.

Oscars 2026 Date and Venue

The 98th Academy Awards will happen on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the legendary Dolby Theatre, situated within Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will celebrate the finest movies released in 2025, recognizing achievements in acting, directing, visual effects, music, and more. Every year, the Academy Awards offer memorable speeches, emotional victories, and sometimes surprising results and 2026 is anticipated to be no different.

Oscars 2026 Time and Broadcast Details

The ceremony will be aired live in the United States on ABC and streamed online via Hulu.

Official Start Time:

• 7:00 p.m. ET
• 4:00 p.m. PT

Fans who enjoy the glamorous red carpet arrivals should tune in earlier, as pre-show coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT. The main event is expected to last roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes, featuring award announcements, performances, and celebrity appearances.

Oscars 2026 Release Time in Different Countries

Because the ceremony is aired from the United States, viewers in other places will witness it at varied local times.

Global schedule for Oscars 2026:

• Brazil: 9:00 PM BRT (March 15)
• United Kingdom: 12:00 AM GMT (March 16)
• UAE: 4:00 AM GST (March 16)
• India: 4:30 AM IST (March 16)
• Australia: 11:00 AM (March 16)

Audiences in the United Arab Emirates will therefore be required to tune in early Monday morning to watch the ceremony live.

How to Watch the Oscars 2026 in the USA

Viewers in the United States can watch the program on ABC, which remains the official broadcast partner for the Academy Awards. Additionally, the ceremony will stream live on Hulu, marking one of the major digital streaming choices for audiences.

Other live TV streaming platforms include:

• Hulu + Live TV
• YouTube TV
• Fubo
• DirecTV

Most of these services provide free trials for new users, enabling fans to watch the Oscars without paying if they sign up in the trial period.

How to Watch the Oscars 2026 for Free in the UK

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the ceremony live on ITV1 and stream it online through ITVX.

The broadcast starts at midnight GMT, with the red carpet coverage beginning at 11:30 p.m. Both services are free for UK TV licence holders, making ITVX one of the simplest ways to watch the ceremony without paying for a subscription.

How to Watch the Oscars 2026 in UAE

For the audiences in the United Arab Emirates, the Oscars will begin at 4:00 AM GST on March 16, 2026. Although the official broadcast partners are based in other areas, viewers in the UAE can still stream the event using international platforms such as:

• ITVX (UK)
• 7Plus (Australia)
• RTÉ Player (Ireland)

Since these services are region‑restricted, some audiences use VPN services to access them while traveling or living outside those countries.

Conan O’Brien Returns as Oscars Host

A major highlight of the evening is the return of Conan O’Brien as host. The comedian and TV personality is celebrated for his quick wit and engaging presence. With nearly three decades of hosting experience, he combines humor and professionalism perfectly for the Academy Awards.

In a recent interview, O’Brien revealed that the Oscars excite him so much that he has prepared for months to look his best for the big night.

Biggest Oscar Nominations of 2026

Leading this year’s nominations is Sinners, which has achieved 16 nominations, making it one of the most talked about movies of the season.

Other major nominees are:

• One Battle After Another – 13 nominations
• Marty Supreme – 9 nominations
• Hamnet – 7 nominations

FAQs:

Q1. When are the Oscars 2026 taking place?
The 98th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony honors the best films released in 2025.

Q2. Who is hosting the Oscars 2026?
Conan O’Brien will return as host for the 2026 Oscars, bringing his signature humor and experience. Fans can expect a lively and entertaining ceremony.