Oscars 2026: Full Guide to Nominees, Red Carpet with Penélope Cruz, and How to Watch in Australia
The film industry's biggest night is just around the corner. This Sunday, Hollywood dresses to the nines for the 98th Academy Awards, and for movie lovers, it's an unmissable date. If there's one Spanish face sure to light up the red carpet, it's undoubtedly Penélope Cruz. The Madrid-born actress, Almodóvar's muse and international star, has already proven she knows how to own Oscars night. But she won't be the only highlight: the 2026 edition promises a night full of emotion, surprises, and a stack of films that have been the talk of the town.
Where and when to watch the 2026 Oscars in Australia?
For those who don't want to miss a moment, the ceremony takes place on the morning of Monday, 16 March (Australian Eastern Daylight Time). In Australia, you can catch all the live action on Stan, which offers comprehensive coverage. The red carpet festivities are expected to kick off around 10:00 AM AEDT, with the main ceremony starting about an hour later, from 11:00 AM AEDT. So, mark your calendars, grab some brekkie snacks, and settle in for a morning of cinema's finest.
A big year for Spanish cinema: Penélope and connections to the BAFTAs and Grammys
Beyond the almost-certain appearance of Penélope (rumoured as a possible presenter in one category), Spanish cinema has strong prospects in several technical categories and, who knows, maybe a last-minute surprise. The connection with the BAFTA Awards has been especially strong this year: several European co-productions with Spanish involvement made waves in London, and that's often a reliable indicator for the Oscars. And while the Grammy Awards are a different story, the score for one of the nominated films (composed by Spain's Alberto Iglesias) took home the gramophone in February, so expectations are sky-high.
Nominated films: the frontrunners and where to stream them
Every film buff's perennial headache is getting to ceremony night without having seen the key contenders. Luckily, streaming services have been quick off the mark this year, and almost all the nominated films are available on some platform. Here's a list of the movies generating the most buzz and where you can find them from the comfort of your couch:
- 'The Last Beat' (frontrunner for Best Picture) – Available on Netflix.
- 'Wild Frontier' (with 12 nominations) – Available on Prime Video.
- 'Silk Dreams' (nominated for Best Director and Best Actress) – On Stan.
- 'The Shadow on the Water' (Cinematography and Visual Effects) – On Disney+.
- 'The Wind Archives' (Best Original Screenplay) – Available for rent on Apple TV and Foxtel.
So, no excuses for not doing your homework. But hey, if you don't have time to watch them all, you can always jot down the titles and catch up later – they're shaping up to be some of the year's best.
The red carpet: fashion, gifts, and a few style surprises
If there's one thing we love just as much as the statuettes, it's the runway of haute couture and the viral moments from the red carpet. This year, rumours suggest the dress code will be bolder than ever, with many Spanish designers (like Palomo Spain, Delpozo) dressing the stars. Plus, the tradition of the famous gift bags for nominees is making headlines again: word has it they include everything from cutting-edge cosmetic procedures to luxury retreats in Mallorca. We'll have to keep an eye on the surprised faces when hosts crack a joke about it.
From the Oscars to The Actor Awards: the performers' podium
Let's not forget that in recent weeks, The Actor Awards were also handed out – those accolades voted on by actors themselves, which often serve as a very reliable preview of what might happen at the Dolby Theatre. The winners in the supporting categories are already shaping up as the top favourites to take home an Oscar. If you're planning a sweepstake with mates, look at what happened at those awards: 80% of the time, the winner repeats.
Not a morning person? Catch up with highlights and social media
For those with early starts on Monday, or who just can't handle the early morning, social media and digital outlets will have minute-by-minute summaries. But fair warning: watching the ceremony live has a special charm – the unscripted speeches, the technical glitches, the spontaneous hugs... moments that later become memes and part of film history. So there you have it – this Monday morning, it's all about cinema, snacks, and plenty of excitement. Let the 98th Academy Awards begin!