Oscars 2026: Time, nominees, and where to watch the red carpet with 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 for any movie fan. And one Spanish face is sure to light it up: Penélope Cruz. The Madrid-born actress, Almodóvar's muse and international star, has already proven she knows how to own the Oscars night. But she won't be the only draw: the 2026 ceremony is packed with emotion, surprises, and a host of films that have really got people talking.
Where and when to watch the 2026 Oscars in Ireland?
For those who don't want to miss a single second, the ceremony kicks off in the early hours of Monday, March 16th (Irish time). We'll be able to follow it live on RTÉ and Sky Showcase, who will have the international feed and all the commentary. Red carpet coverage usually gets going from around 11:00 PM (Irish time) on Sunday night, with the main ceremony starting at about midnight. So, you know the drill: get the popcorn in, clear your Monday schedule, and settle in for the night.
A strong year for Spanish cinema: Penélope and the BAFTA & Grammy connections
Beyond the almost-guaranteed presence of Penélope (who's been tipped as a possible category presenter), Spanish cinema has strong contenders in several technical categories and, who knows, maybe a last-minute surprise. The link to the BAFTA Awards has been particularly 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) picked up the gramophone back in February, so expectations are sky-high.
Nominated films: the frontrunners and where to stream them
Every film buff's nightmare is getting to awards night without having seen the key movies. Luckily, the streaming services have been on the ball this year, and almost all the nominees are available on one platform or another. Here's a rundown of the films that have caused the biggest stir and where you can find them from the comfort of your sofa:
- 'The Last Beat' (Best Picture frontrunner) – Available on Netflix.
- 'Wild Frontier' (with 12 nominations) – Streaming on Prime Video.
- 'Silk Dreams' (nominated for Best Director and Best Actress) – On Filmin.
- 'The Shadow on the Water' (Cinematography and Visual Effects) – On Disney+.
- 'The Wind Archives' (Best Original Screenplay) – Available to rent on Apple TV and Sky Store.
So, no excuses for not doing your homework. Of course, if you don't have time to watch them all, you can always make a note of the titles and catch up later – they're shaping up to be some of the best films of the year.
The red carpet: fashion, freebies, and the odd style surprise
If there's one thing we love as much as the golden statues, it's the fashion parade and the viral moments from the red carpet. Rumour has it this year's dress code is bolder than ever, with lots of 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 has it they include everything from cutting-edge cosmetic procedures to luxury wellness retreats in Mallorca. We'll have to keep an eye out for the surprised looks when presenters crack a joke about it.
From the Oscars to The Actor Awards: the performers' podium
Let's not forget that the The Actor Awards were handed out in recent weeks – those prizes voted for by actors themselves, which are often a very reliable predictor of what will happen at the Dolby Theatre. The winners in the supporting categories are already shaping up to be the hot favourites for the Oscars. If you're making predictions with friends, look at what happened at those awards: 80% of the time, the winner takes the Oscar too.
Not a night owl? Catch the highlights and social media buzz
For those with early Monday starts or who just can't handle the late night, social media and digital outlets will have minute-by-minute summaries. But watching the ceremony live has a special charm: the unscripted speeches, the technical glitches, the spontaneous hugs... moments that turn into memes and become part of film history. So there you have it – this Sunday night is all about films, popcorn, and shedloads of drama. Bring on the 98th Academy Awards!