Your Complete Guide to Watching the 2026 Oscars in the United Kingdom
The 98th Academy Awards, one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment calendar, is set to unfold tonight, promising a glamorous showdown between Hollywood veterans and emerging talents. With stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet vying for top honours, film enthusiasts across the UK are eager to tune in. Here is everything you need to know to catch the ceremony live and stay updated on all the action.
Where to Watch the Oscars Broadcast in the UK
For the third consecutive year, ITV has secured the rights to broadcast the Oscars in the UK. Viewers can watch the entire event for free on ITV1, STV, and their respective streaming platforms, ITVX and STV Player. Jonathan Ross will host the UK coverage, providing commentary and insights throughout the night. Additionally, fans can access Oscars: All Access on ITVX, a special series featuring highlights and memorable moments from past Academy Awards ceremonies.
Start Time and Schedule for UK Audiences
The Oscars ceremony in the United States begins at 7pm Eastern Time (4pm Pacific Time) on Sunday, March 15, 2026, which corresponds to 11pm in the UK. However, ITV's broadcast will commence earlier at 10.15pm, starting with exclusive red carpet coverage. The main ceremony is scheduled to kick off at 11pm, following the pre-show. The event is expected to run for approximately three hours, concluding around 2.35am, though it may extend beyond this timeframe depending on the proceedings.
Key Nominees to Watch at the 98th Academy Awards
As the countdown to the awards intensifies, many are rushing to watch the nominated films. The major categories feature a mix of established actors and fresh faces, with notable contenders including:
- Best Picture: Bugonia, Frankenstein, F1, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, and Train Dreams.
- Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent.
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone for Bugonia.
- Best Supporting Actress: Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value, Amy Madigan for Weapons, Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another.
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio del Toro for One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, Delroy Lindo for Sinners, Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, and Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value.
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Ryan Coogler for Sinners, Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, and Chloé Zhao for Hamnet.
The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien in California, with musical performances from Miles Caton and the girl group Huntr/x. Don't miss the broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX tonight at 10.15pm for all the glitz, glamour, and award announcements.
