On Sunday night, Hollywood will gather for the highly anticipated Academy Awards, taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Expectations are high for either Paul Thomas Anderson or Ryan Coogler to claim victory, with both filmmakers being strong contenders for their respective works. Anderson's film, "One Battle After Another," is favored, while Coogler’s "Sinners" leads with a historic 16 nominations, signaling a promising night for both directors who are poised to secure their first Oscar.
The Oscars will kick off with a red carpet preshow on ABC and Hulu at 6:30 p.m. EDT, while E! starts its coverage at 4 p.m. The ceremony itself will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu, beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern. The Associated Press will provide a livestream of fashion arrivals on APNews.com and YouTube from noon to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
This year’s show sees the return of host Conan O’Brien, who vows to bring entertainment akin to past hosts like Bob Hope and Johnny Carson amidst heightened security due to the current war in Iran. O'Brien expressed his intent to focus on fun during the ceremony despite the political climate, with the support of both the FBI and LAPD for safety measures.
Musical performances will spotlight two of the best song nominees: “I Lied to You,” from "Sinners," featuring Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, and “Golden” from "KPop Demon Hunters." In a film industry increasingly leaning towards streaming, theatrical releases like "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another," both produced by Warner Bros., remain strong contenders for best picture, continuing a trend against streaming successes.
Notably, the "In Memoriam" segment of the ceremony is anticipated to be emotional, honoring legends such as Robert Redford and Diane Keaton. O’Brien has promised a heartfelt tribute. This year also introduces a new best casting category, along with a mandate that Academy members must view all nominees before voting. This new rule that requires voters to confirm they watched each nominee raises expectations for how closely contested categories will unfold.
The acting categories, particularly best actor, are seeing close competition. Timothée Chalamet has been considered a frontrunner for "Marty Supreme," but Michael B. Jordan is gaining visibility through a strong campaign that drew attention for its playful nature concerning ballet. Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley is expected to win best actress for her role in "Hamnet," marking a significant achievement for Irish performers.
In the supporting categories, competition remains fierce. Teyana Taylor (for "One Battle After Another") and Wunmi Mosaku (for "Sinners") are both strong competitors for best supporting actress against slight favorite Amy Madigan from "Weapons." In best supporting actor, Penn is viewed as the favorite, although actors like Stellan Skarsgård (for "Sentimental Value") and Delroy Lindo (for "Sinners") could also take the award.
This year’s nominations reflect a contemporary political resonance, with films like "One Battle After Another," which critically addresses issues such as immigration, taking center stage. Additionally, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's work, nominated for best international feature, highlights the challenges faced by artists in oppressive environments, underlining the profound intersection of art and activism present within this year’s nominees.
The backdrop of the event recalls the 2003 Oscars held just days before the commencement of the Iraq War, which incited substantial protests from Hollywood. As the 2026 Oscars approach, anticipation builds for a night filled with not just celebration but also poignant recognition of the artistic voice in turbulent times.
