Oscars 2026: Showtimes, Nominees & Where 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 all movie lovers won't want to miss. One Spanish star who is sure to shine bright on the red carpet is, without a doubt, Penélope Cruz. The Madrid-born actress, Almodóvar's muse and international icon, has proven time and again she knows how to own Oscar night. But she won't be the only highlight: the 2026 edition is packed with excitement, surprises, and a slew of films that have everyone talking.
Where and when to catch the 2026 Oscars in Singapore?
For those who want to catch every moment, the ceremony takes place on the morning of Monday, 16 March (Singapore time). In Singapore, you can watch it live on meWATCH (or specify a local broadcaster/streaming service if known, otherwise keep general) or follow along on various platforms offering the international broadcast. The red carpet pre-show is expected to kick off around 7:00 AM SGT, with the main ceremony starting approximately 8:00 AM SGT. So, you know the drill: prep some breakfast snacks, clear your Monday morning schedule, and get ready for a cinematic feast.
A big year for Spanish cinema: Penélope and connections to the BAFTAs and Grammys
Beyond Penélope's almost certain appearance (rumoured as a possible presenter), Spanish cinema has strong contenders in several technical categories, and who knows, maybe a last-minute surprise. The connection to the BAFTA Awards has been particularly strong this year: several European co-productions with a Spanish touch made waves in London, which is often a reliable indicator for the Oscars. And while the Grammy Awards are a different scene, 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 headache for any film buff is arriving at ceremony night without having seen the key movies. Luckily, streaming platforms have been on the ball this year, and almost all the nominees are available on some service here. Here's a list of the most talked-about films and where you can find them from the comfort of your couch in Singapore:
- '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) – Available on Mubi (or local equivalent like Filmin, adapt if needed).
- 'The Shadow on Water' (Cinematography and Visual Effects) – Available on Disney+.
- 'The Wind Archives' (Best Original Screenplay) – Available for rental on Apple TV and Singtel TV (or local cable equivalent).
So, no excuses for not doing your homework. But hey, if you don't have time to watch them all, just bookmark the titles and catch them later – they're shaping up to be some of the best films of the year.
The red carpet: fashion, freebies, and some surprising style moments
If there's one thing we love as much as the statuettes, it's the runway of designer 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, 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 aesthetic procedures to luxury retreats in Mallorca. We'll have to watch out for the surprised looks when hosts crack a joke about them.
From the Oscars to The Actor Awards: the performers' podium
Let's not forget that the The Actor Awards were also handed out in recent weeks. Voted on by actors themselves, they're often a very reliable preview of what might happen at the Dolby Theatre. The winners in the supporting categories are already shaping up to be the heavy favourites for Oscars. If you're making predictions with friends, look at what happened at those awards: 80% of the time, the winner repeats here.
Can't stay up? Catch the highlights on social media
For those with early Monday starts or who simply can't handle the early morning, social media and digital news sites will have minute-by-minute highlights. But watching the ceremony live has a special charm: the unscripted speeches, the technical glitches, the spontaneous hugs... moments that become memes and part of cinema history. So there you have it – this Monday morning, it's all about movies, snacks, and plenty of excitement. Let the 98th Academy Awards begin!