Oscars 2026: Start times, nominees, and how to watch the red carpet with Penélope Cruz

The biggest night in film 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 will want to keep. If there's one Spanish star guaranteed to light up the red carpet, it's undoubtedly Penélope Cruz. The Madrid-born actress, Almodóvar's muse and international icon, has already proven she knows how to own Oscars night. But she won't be the only headline act: the 2026 edition is packed with drama, surprises, and a host of films that have really got people talking.

How and when to watch the 2026 Oscars in New Zealand?

For those who don't want to miss a second, the ceremony kicks off on the afternoon of Monday, March 16th (NZ time). While there's no direct local broadcaster, Kiwis can follow all the action live via international streams and coverage on social media. The red carpet pre-show typically gets underway around 12:00 pm NZDT, with the main ceremony starting about an hour later, around 1:00 pm NZDT. So, clear your Monday lunch break, grab some snacks, and get ready for a cinematic afternoon.

A big year for Spanish cinema: Penélope, BAFTA links, and Grammy connections

Beyond the almost-certain appearance of Penélope (rumoured as a possible category presenter), Spanish cinema has strong contenders in several technical categories, and who knows, maybe a last-minute surprise. The connection with 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 soundtrack 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, streaming services have been on their game this year, and almost all the nominees are available on some platform. Here’s a rundown of the most talked-about films and where you can find them from the comfort of your Kiwi couch:

• 'The Last Beat' (Best Picture frontrunner) – Available on Netflix.
• 'Wild Frontier' (with 12 nominations) – Available on Prime Video.
• 'Silk Dreams' (nominated for Best Director and Best Actress) – On Neon (Filmmaterial via Neon).
• 'The Shadow on the Water' (Cinematography and Visual Effects) – On Disney+.
• 'The Wind Archives' (Best Original Screenplay) – Available for rental on Apple TV.

So, no excuses for not doing your homework. Of course, if you don't have time to watch them all, you can always bookmark them for later, because they're shaping up to be some of the year's best.

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 gowns and the viral moments on the red carpet. This year, rumours suggest the 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 has it they include everything from cutting-edge cosmetic procedures to luxury retreats in Mallorca. We'll be watching for 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 The Actor Awards were also handed out – those accolades voted on by actors themselves, which are often a very reliable preview of what might happen at the Dolby Theatre. The winners in the supporting categories are already shaping up as the strongest favourites to take home the Oscar. If you're placing bets with your mates, look at what happened at those awards: 80% of the time, the winner repeats.

Not a morning person? Catch the highlights on social media

For those with early starts or who just can't handle the daytime viewing, social media and news sites will have minute-by-minute highlights. But watching the ceremony live has a special magic: the unscripted speeches, the technical glitches, the spontaneous hugs... these are the moments that become memes and part of film history. So, there you have it – this Monday afternoon, it's all about movies, snacks, and plenty of excitement. Let the 98th Academy Awards begin!