Today is the day the 2026 Oscar nominations start, so buckle up-the fever is about to get real as Hollywood is ready, along with flocks of fans worldwide, for the big reveal. This moment kicks off the final stretch toward the 98th Academy Awards, spotlighting the films and talents that defined the past year.

2026 Oscar Nominations: Announcement date and time

Set for Thursday, January 22, 2026, the nominations drop at 8:30 a.m. EST, or 5:30 a.m. PST, for Indian audiences, which translates to 6:30 p.m. IST, a prime evening time slot. Danielle Brooks of The Color Purple fame and Lewis Pullman from the upcoming Spaceballs 2 take the stage to unveil picks across 24 categories. This includes the exciting new Best Casting category, a nod to the craft behind assembling stellar ensembles.

Spotlight on presenters

Danielle Brooks shines from her Oscar-nominated role as Sofia in ‘The Color Purple,’ a performance that earned her widespread acclaim and a Tony nod on Broadway. She recently wrapped the holiday film ‘Oh. What. Fun.’ alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and picked up a Critics Choice nomination for her work in the HBO Max series Peacemaker.Lewis Pullman rounds out the duo with credits in major hits like ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts.’ He scored an Emmy nod in 2024 for ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ opposite Brie Larson, and his latest turn came in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee with Amanda Seyfried.’ Known for his grounded intensity, Pullman also connects with the ‘Spaceballs 2’ buzz.

2026 Oscar Nominations: Where to watch

Catch the action live on ABC’s Good Morning America, the traditional home for these announcements. Streaming fans have plenty of choices: Hulu, Disney+, and ABC News Live offer seamless access. For free options, head to Oscar.com, Oscar.org, or the Academy’s vibrant social feeds on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. No matter your setup, the event streams globally, making it easy to join the conversation.

2026 Oscar: Award night date

Mark your calendars for the main event on March 15, 2026. Conan O’Brien returns as host, bringing his sharp wit for a second straight year after last year’s hit turn. Predictions swirl around heavy hitters like Marty Supreme, who has built serious momentum. Other buzzed titles include Bugonia, It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, and Weapons, per Los Angeles Times insights. These could shake up Best Picture, acting nods, or technical fields.

Buzz and fan stakes

The awards season survives, and even succeeds, because of the anticipation that turns watercooler talk into global debates. From indie films to blockbuster releases, the nomination process recognizes creativity in storytelling and authenticity in performances. The Indian audience, where the Indi-Bollywood meets the US-Hollywood cult, will be watching the nomination process either in the OTT media or in social media clips, dissecting the snubs and locks. Whether one likes to predict the sweepers or the dark horses, today’s announcement kicks off the golden path.