Oscar Awards 2026: Time, Nominees, and Where to Watch the Red Carpet Featuring Penélope Cruz
The film industry's biggest night is just around the corner. This Sunday, Hollywood is rolling out the red carpet for the 98th Academy Awards, and it's a must-watch event for every movie lover. One Spanish star guaranteed to light up the red carpet is, without a doubt, Penélope Cruz. The Madrid-born actress, Almodóvar's muse and international icon, has proven time and again that she knows how to own Oscar night. But she won't be the only highlight: the 2026 ceremony promises to be packed with emotion, surprises, and a slate of films that have everyone talking.
When and where to watch the 2026 Oscars in Canada?
For those who don't want to miss a moment, the ceremony takes place on the night of Sunday, March 15 into Monday, March 16. In Canada, you can catch all the live action on CTV or stream it on Crave, which will be carrying the international feed with full commentary. The red carpet pre-show typically kicks off around 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT, with the main ceremony starting about an hour later. So, get your popcorn ready, clear your Monday morning schedule, and settle in for a night of cinematic celebration.
A big year for Spanish cinema: Penélope and connections to the BAFTAs and Grammys
Beyond the almost-certain appearance of Penélope (who's been rumoured as a possible presenter), Spanish cinema has a strong showing in several technical categories this year—and who knows, maybe a late surprise or two. The connection to the BAFTA Awards has been especially strong this year: several European co-productions with Spanish involvement made waves in London, which often serves as a reliable indicator for the Oscars. And while the Grammy Awards are a different story entirely, the score for one of the nominated films (composed by Spain's Alberto Iglesias) took home the gramophone back in February, so expectations are sky-high.
Nominated Films: The frontrunners and where to stream them
Every film buff's biggest headache is getting to ceremony night without having seen the key contenders. Luckily, the streaming services have been on their game this year, and almost all the nominated films are available to watch from the comfort of your couch. Here's a rundown of the most talked-about movies and where you can find them in Canada:
- 'The Last Beat' (frontrunner for Best Picture) – Available on Netflix.
- 'Wild Frontier' (with 12 nominations) – Streaming on Prime Video.
- 'Silk Dreams' (nominated for Best Director and Best Actress) – Available on Apple TV+.
- 'The Shadow on the Water' (nominated for Cinematography and Visual Effects) – On Disney+.
- 'The Wind Archives' (nominated for Best Original Screenplay) – Available for rental on Apple TV and Crave.
So, no excuses for not doing your homework! And if you can't get through them all before Sunday, just make a note of the titles to catch up on later—they're shaping up to be some of the best films of the year.
The Red Carpet: Fashion, gift bags, and a few style surprises
If there's one thing we love just as much as the golden statues, it's the parade of gorgeous gowns and the viral moments on the red carpet. Rumour has it that this year's dress code is bolder than ever, with many Spanish designers (like Palomo Spain and Delpozo) dressing the stars. Plus, the tradition of the famous gift bags for nominees is back in the spotlight: word on the street is that this year's swag includes everything from cutting-edge cosmetic procedures to luxury wellness retreats in Mallorca. We'll be watching closely for those surprised reactions when hosts inevitably crack a joke about it.
From the Oscars to The Actor Awards: The performers' podium
It's also worth noting that The Actor Awards were handed out just a few weeks ago. Voted on by actors themselves, they're famously a reliable predictor of what might happen at the Dolby Theatre. The winners in the supporting categories are already shaping up to be the heavy favourites for Oscar gold. If you're making predictions with friends, pay close attention to what happened at that ceremony: about 80% of the time, the winner takes both.
Can't stay up late? Recaps and social media have you covered
For those with early Monday starts or who just can't handle the late night, social media and digital news sites will have minute-by-minute highlights. But watching the ceremony live has a special kind of magic: the off-the-cuff speeches, the technical glitches, the spontaneous hugs—these are the moments that become memes and part of Oscar history. So, mark your calendars for a Sunday night of movies, popcorn, and plenty of drama. Let's get ready for the 98th Academy Awards!