Oscars 2026: Schedule, Nominations, and How to Watch the Red Carpet with Penélope Cruz
The biggest night in cinema is just around the corner. This Sunday, Hollywood is rolling out the red carpet for the 98th Academy Awards, and it's a date every movie lover has marked on their calendar. When it comes to Spanish star power guaranteed to light up the event, all eyes are on Penélope Cruz. The Madrid-born actor, Almodóvar's muse and international icon, has proven time and again she knows how to own the Oscars night. But she won't be the only highlight: the 2026 edition is packed with emotion, surprises, and a slate of films that have truly sparked conversation.
Where and when to watch the 2026 Oscars in India?
For those who don't want to miss a single moment, the ceremony will take place in the early morning hours of March 16 (India time). You can catch the live broadcast in India on streaming platforms like JioCinema or Disney+ Hotstar, which typically secure the rights to the international feed with full commentary. The red carpet coverage is expected to kick off around 5:30 AM IST, with the main ceremony starting approximately at 7:00 AM IST. So, you know what to do: grab some popcorn, clear your Monday morning schedule, and settle in for a cinematic treat.
A big year for Spanish cinema: Penélope and the BAFTA & Grammy connections
Beyond the almost-certain appearance of Penélope (rumoured to be a potential presenter), Spanish cinema has strong contenders in several technical categories, and who knows, maybe a surprise win or two. The connection with the BAFTA Awards has been particularly 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, the soundtrack 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
A common dilemma for any film buff is reaching the big night without having watched the key contenders. Luckily, streaming platforms have been on the ball this year, with almost all the nominated films available on some service. Here’s a list of the most talked-about movies 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) – Streaming on Prime Video.
- 'Silk Dreams' (nominated for Best Director and Best Actress) – Available on Lionsgate Play or similar premium services.
- 'The Shadow on Water' (nominated for Cinematography and Visual Effects) – On Disney+ Hotstar.
- 'The Wind Archives' (nominated for Best Original Screenplay) – Available for rental on Apple TV and other platforms.
So, no excuses for not doing your homework! But hey, if you can't get through them all before the ceremony, just note down the titles and catch up later—they promise to be some of the best films of the year.
The Red Carpet: Fashion, gifts, and some surprising style moments
If there's one thing we love just as much as the golden statues, it's the fashion parade and the viral moments from the red carpet. Word is that this year's dress code is bolder than ever, with several Spanish designers (like Palomo Spain, Delpozo) dressing the stars. Plus, the tradition of the famous gift bags for nominees is back in the spotlight: rumours include everything from cutting-edge cosmetic procedures to luxury retreats in Mallorca. We'll have to watch closely for those surprised reactions when hosts 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 held just recently—those accolades voted on by actors themselves, often a highly 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 the Oscar. If you're making predictions with friends, just look at what happened at those ceremonies: 80% of the time, the winner repeats.
Can't stay up late? Recaps and social media have you covered
For those with early Monday mornings or who simply can't handle the late night, social media and digital platforms will have minute-by-minute recaps. But honestly, watching the ceremony live has a special charm: the unscripted speeches, the technical glitches, the spontaneous hugs... these are the moments that turn into memes and become part of cinema history. So there you have it—this Sunday night (or early Monday morning) is all about movies, popcorn, and pure excitement. Let the 98th Academy Awards begin!