The 98th Academy Awards: A New Era of Accessibility

As the film industry prepares for its most prestigious night, the 2026 Academy Awards—officially the 98th Oscars—are set to redefine how audiences engage with cinema. For the first time in the history of the Academy, the ceremony will be available to stream live on Hulu for all subscribers, marking a significant shift in how we consume live cultural events. Whether you are a dedicated cinephile tracking every nomination or a casual viewer tuning in for the red carpet, this year’s broadcast promises an unprecedented level of accessibility.

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We understand that navigating the modern streaming landscape can be frustrating. If you are still looking for comprehensive details on the broadcast schedule or alternative ways to tune in, our How to Watch the 2026 Oscars: Streaming and Broadcast Guide provides a deep dive into every available option. The 98th ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, and is expected to clock in at approximately three hours.

Conan O’Brien Returns to the Oscars Stage

The Academy has officially confirmed that Conan O’Brien will return to host the 98th Academy Awards. Having successfully helmed the Emmy Awards in the past, O’Brien brings a sharp, self-deprecating wit that the Academy hopes will resonate with a younger, streaming-first demographic. This marks his second consecutive year in the role, signaling a desire for stability in an industry currently navigating massive structural changes.

"Hosting the Academy Awards is a monumental task that requires a delicate balance of reverence and irreverence," says a spokesperson for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "Conan understands the rhythm of live television better than almost anyone in the business."

Content courtesy of The Academy via Instagram:

Content courtesy of The Academy via Instagram.

The Race for Best Picture and Acting Honors

This year’s nominations reflect a diverse array of storytelling, ranging from the surrealism of Bugonia to the historical weight of Frankenstein. The competition for Best Picture is arguably the most intense in recent memory, with films like Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another leading the conversation among critics and betting markets alike.

In the individual acting categories, the field is equally stacked. The nominees for Best Actor in a Leading Role include Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent. Meanwhile, the Best Actress category features powerhouse performances from Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Emma Stone (Bugonia).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I stream the 2026 Oscars for free?

While the ceremony is available on Hulu for subscribers, you may be able to access the event via free trials if you are a new user, though standard subscription terms apply for the live broadcast.

What time does the ceremony end?

The event is projected to conclude at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, keeping to a strict three-hour window to maintain viewer engagement throughout the night.

Who is the host for the 98th Academy Awards?

Comedian and veteran host Conan O’Brien is returning for his second year to lead the proceedings.

Reflecting on the Cultural Impact of the 98th Oscars

Beyond the gold statues and the glitz, the 2026 Oscars serve as a barometer for our collective cultural priorities. As we move away from traditional cable toward the flexibility of streaming services like Hulu, the Academy is proving that it recognizes the need for modernization. We are witnessing a transition period where the prestige of the silver screen must coexist with the convenience of on-demand digital access.

As we prepare for the 98th Academy Awards, the stakes feel higher than ever for the industry. Streaming the Oscars 2026 live is more than just a logistical update; it is an acknowledgment that cinema, in all its forms, must meet the audience where they are. Does the move to streaming services like Hulu ultimately help or hurt the legacy and prestige of the Oscars in the long run?