You’ve got the snacks ready. The ballot is printed. But then you realize you have no idea when to actually sit down. It happens every single year. For the 98th Academy Awards, the time Oscars begin is officially set for 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
That’s the "new" normal. Honestly, it’s a relief.
For decades, the show started so late that East Coasters were regularly nodding off during the Best Picture announcement at midnight. The Academy finally wised up a few years ago. By shifting the broadcast an hour earlier, they managed to capture a massive jump in ratings—nearly 20 million viewers last time around. It turns out people actually watch the show when they aren't worried about being zombies at work on Monday morning.
When to Tune In: The 2026 Breakdown
If you’re looking for the specifics, here is the basic flow of the night. No fluff. Just the schedule.
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- Official Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.
- The Pre-Show: Starts at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
- The Red Carpet: Usually kicks off in earnest around 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Host: Conan O’Brien is returning to the stage for the second year in a row.
The show is expected to run about three and a half hours. If history is any guide, though, "three and a half" is more of a suggestion than a rule. The 2002 ceremony once dragged on for four hours and twenty-three minutes. We probably won’t see that again because of the strict 45-second limit on acceptance speeches, but live TV is always a gamble.
Why the Time Oscars Begin Keeps Changing
It’s all about the "lead-out." ABC, which has broadcast the show since the 70s, realized that finishing the Oscars earlier allows them to air a prime-time show immediately after. This gives a massive ratings boost to whatever sitcom or drama follows the gold statues.
There's also the "viewer fatigue" factor. Bill Mechanic, a former Oscar organizer, once called long, rambling speeches the "single most hated thing" on the show. By starting at 7:00 p.m. ET, the Academy forces a tighter pace. They want the energy high from the first monologue to the final envelope.
Does it actually start on time?
Yes. Sort of. The broadcast starts exactly on the hour. However, don't expect the first award to be handed out at 7:01 p.m. Conan will almost certainly do a lengthy opening bit—likely involving a self-deprecating video package or a musical number—before the first category, which is usually Best Supporting Actor or Actress, gets called.
How to Watch Without Cable
If you've cut the cord, don't panic. You can still catch the time Oscars begin without a traditional box.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is usually the easiest path.
- YouTubeTV/FuboTV: Both carry local ABC affiliates in most markets.
- The ABC App: You’ll need a login for this, but it works on Roku, Fire Stick, and Apple TV.
- The Antenna: If you’re old school, a $20 digital antenna will pick up ABC for free in high definition.
One big rumor to clear up: The Oscars are not moving exclusively to streaming yet. There was some chatter about 2029 being the year they leave live TV, but for 2026, ABC is still the home of the show.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Red Carpet
The red carpet is not actually part of the "Oscars." It’s a separate broadcast entity. If you tune in at the time Oscars begin, you have already missed the fashion. The real "carpet" happens hours before.
Most major networks start their coverage as early as 4:00 p.m. ET. This is where you see the "who are you wearing" interviews and the inevitable awkward celebrity encounters. If you only care about the trophies, 7:00 p.m. sharp is your target. If you want to see the dresses and the jewelry, you need to be on your couch by late afternoon.
New Rules for 2026
This year is a bit different. The Academy has introduced a new category: Best Achievement in Casting. This is a big deal for the industry, but it also means the show has one more segment to fit into the broadcast. To keep the 7:00 p.m. start time from bleeding into the next morning, expect the producers to be even more aggressive with the "wrap it up" music.
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Also, keep an eye on the calendar. The 98th Oscars are happening on March 15. This is slightly later than some previous years to avoid clashing with the Winter Olympics and other major sporting events.
Actionable Steps for Oscar Night
- Check your local ABC affiliate at least 24 hours before. Sometimes streaming services have disputes with local stations and channels go dark unexpectedly.
- Sync your timezone. If you are watching internationally, 7:00 p.m. ET is 11:00 p.m. GMT. Set your alarms accordingly.
- Download the official ballot. Most major entertainment sites release them in February. Filling one out is basically mandatory if you’re hosting a party.
- Prep your stream. If using Hulu or YouTubeTV, log in ten minutes early to ensure the app doesn't need a surprise update.
The shift to an earlier start is genuinely the best thing the Academy has done for the fans in years. It respects your time, keeps the show moving, and ensures we all know who won Best Picture before our eyes start crossing from exhaustion.