2026 Oscars: Time, Nominees & How to Watch the Red Carpet with Penélope Cruz

Hollywood's biggest night is just around the corner. This Sunday, the film industry's finest will don their glamorous best to celebrate the 98th Academy Awards, and it's a can't-miss event for movie lovers everywhere. 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 already proven she knows how to own Oscars night. But she won't be the only highlight: the 2026 ceremony is packed with excitement, surprises, and a host of films that have everyone talking.

How and when to watch the 2026 Oscars in the U.S.?

For those who don't want to miss a single moment, the ceremony will take place on the night of Sunday, March 15. In the U.S., you can catch all the action live on ABC, with the official broadcast starting at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT. The red carpet pre-show kicks off a couple of hours earlier, around 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT. So, grab your popcorn, clear your schedule for Monday morning, and get ready for a spectacular show.

A big year for Spanish cinema: Penélope and connections to the BAFTAs and Grammys

Beyond the almost guaranteed appearance of Penélope (who's been rumored as a possible presenter), Spanish cinema has strong prospects in several technical categories, and who knows, maybe a last-minute surprise or two. The connection to the BAFTA Awards has been especially 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 story, the score for one of the nominated films (composed by Spain's Alberto Iglesias) took home the gramophone in February, so expectations are sky-high.

Nominees: The frontrunners and where to stream them

Every film buff's biggest headache is getting to ceremony night without having seen the key movies. Luckily, the streaming platforms have been on point this year, and almost all the nominated films are available on some service. Here's a list of the most talked-about films and where you can find them from the comfort of your couch:

• 'The Last Beat' (frontrunner for Best Picture) – Streaming on Netflix.
• 'Wild Frontier' (with 12 nominations) – Available on Prime Video.
• 'Silk Dreams' (nominated for Best Director and Best Actress) – On Hulu.
• 'The Shadow on Water' (cinematography and visual effects) – On Disney+.
• 'The Wind Archives' (Best Original Screenplay) – Available for rent on Apple TV and other platforms.

So, no excuses for not doing your homework! But if you don't have time to watch them all, you can always jot down the titles and catch up later—they're shaping up to be some of the best of the year.

The red carpet: Fashion, gifts, and some aesthetic surprises

If there's one thing we love as much as the statues themselves, it's the parade of gowns and the viral moments on the red carpet. This year, rumors 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 cosmetic procedures to luxury retreats in Mallorca. We'll have to watch for the surprised looks on the presenters' faces when they crack a joke about it.

From the Oscars to The Actor Awards: The performers' podium

We can't forget that the The Actor Awards, voted on by actors themselves, were handed out in recent weeks. 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 as the top favorites to take home the Oscar. If you're placing bets with friends, look at what happened at those awards: 80% of the time, the winner repeats.

Not staying up late? Catch the highlights on social media

For those with early Monday mornings or who simply can't handle the late night, social media and digital outlets will have minute-by-minute recaps. But watching the ceremony live has a special magic: the improvised speeches, the technical glitches, the spontaneous hugs... moments that become memes and become part of film history. So, mark your calendars: Sunday night is movie night, with popcorn and lots and lots of excitement. Let the curtain rise on the 98th Academy Awards!