The wider picture
The Oscars honor the best cinematic achievements of the previous year. As the film industry gears up for the 2026 Academy Awards, significant changes to the award presentation order have been announced. This year’s ceremony is set to begin on March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, hosted by Conan O’Brien, and will be broadcast live on ABC and Hulu.
In a notable shift, the 2026 Oscars will commence with the Best Supporting Actress award, a departure from traditional practices. Following this, the Best Supporting Actor award will be presented after several other categories, marking a new approach to how awards are sequenced during the ceremony. The final four categories presented will be Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and ultimately, Best Picture, which will close the event.
This year’s nominations are particularly competitive, with Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners leading the pack with a record-breaking 16 nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another follows closely with 13 nominations. Other notable films include Marty Supreme and Sentimental Value, each receiving 9 nominations, and Hamnet, which garnered 8 nominations.
The Best Animated Feature award will be presented early in the ceremony, indicating a strategic decision to engage viewers with diverse categories throughout the night. The ceremony will also feature performances from various artists, adding to the entertainment value of Hollywood’s biggest night.
As the event approaches, organizers have emphasized that the order of awards is subject to change prior to the live show. “The final lineup is subject to change prior to the live show on Sunday,” an official stated, highlighting the dynamic nature of the event planning.
In addition to the changes in award order, the ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair. “Hollywood’s biggest night wouldn’t be complete without a few A-listers to share in the spotlight,” remarked a spokesperson, hinting at the high-profile attendees expected to grace the event.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 Oscars, fans and industry insiders alike are encouraged to plan their viewing and snack breaks accordingly, as the ceremony will feature a mix of awards and performances. With the new Oscar award order, the excitement surrounding this year’s event is palpable, and many are eager to see how the changes will impact the overall experience.
