The excitement surrounding the 98th Academy Awards is steadily building as film enthusiasts worldwide await the official announcement of the Oscars 2026 nominations. The prestigious ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, celebrating excellence in global cinema from the past year. As anticipation grows, audiences in India are also keen to know when and where the nominations can be watched live.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is expected to announce the nominations through its official digital platforms, including live streams on its website and social media channels. Indian viewers will be able to watch the nominations live via international broadcast partners and online streaming services that carry Academy Awards coverage. Exact timings for India will be announced closer to the event, considering the time difference.
Adding to the excitement, popular comedian and television host Conan O’Brien will return as the Oscars host for the second consecutive year. His previous outing as host received widespread praise for blending sharp humor with a respectful tribute to cinema and filmmakers. The Academy’s decision to bring him back reflects confidence in his ability to engage global audiences while maintaining the ceremony’s prestige.
Even before the nominations are revealed, several films have emerged as strong contenders across key categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards. Among the films generating early Oscar buzz are Marty Supreme, Bugonia, It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, and Weapons. These projects have gained attention for their storytelling, performances, and critical reception at international film festivals.
Indian cinema has also made a notable mark in the Oscars 2026 race. Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound, starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, has already been shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category. The film’s inclusion highlights the growing global recognition of Indian storytelling and performances.
In addition, the Academy has released its reminder list of 201 films that are eligible for consideration in the Best Picture category. Four Indian productions have met the Academy’s strict eligibility criteria. These films are Kantara Chapter 1, Tanvi The Great, Mahavatar Narsimha, and Tourist Family. While inclusion on the reminder list does not guarantee a nomination, it represents a significant milestone for Indian filmmakers.
The presence of multiple Indian films in the eligibility pool reflects the expanding reach of Indian cinema on the global stage. Over the past decade, Indian films have increasingly gained attention at international festivals and award platforms, strengthening expectations for future nominations.
As the nomination announcement date approaches, film lovers in India and across the world will be closely watching which films and artists make it to the final list. With a mix of international contenders, returning hosts, and strong Indian representation, the Oscars 2026 season promises to be one of the most closely followed in recent years.
