Oscars 2026 UK Viewing Guide: Start Time, Broadcast Details, and Key Nominees
The most glamorous night in global cinema is almost here, with the 98th Academy Awards set to captivate audiences worldwide. For UK viewers, the ceremony offers a free-to-air spectacle, hosted locally by the iconic Jonathan Ross. Hollywood's elite, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, are among the top contenders vying for golden statuettes at the Dolby Theatre in California.
How to Watch the 2026 Oscars in the United Kingdom
For the third year running, ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player hold the exclusive UK broadcasting rights to the Oscars. Comedian and television presenter Jonathan Ross will helm the UK coverage, providing commentary and insights throughout the evening. The entire ceremony is available to watch at no additional cost, though a valid TV licence is required for live viewing on ITV1 or STV.
Additionally, ITVX will stream Oscars: All Access, a special compilation featuring memorable clips and highlights from past Academy Awards ceremonies. This supplementary content allows fans to revisit iconic moments while awaiting the main event.
Oscars 2026 UK Start Time and Schedule
The 98th Academy Awards commence at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Pacific Time) on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This translates to 11:00 PM in the United Kingdom. ITV's comprehensive coverage begins earlier, at 10:15 PM, with live broadcasts from the star-studded red carpet arrivals.
The main ceremony is scheduled to start at 11:00 PM, following the 45-minute red carpet preview. The event is projected to run for approximately three hours, concluding around 2:35 AM on Monday, March 16. However, as with previous years, the show may overrun its allotted time depending on acceptance speeches and production elements.
Leading Contenders and Major Nominees for the 2026 Oscars
Film enthusiasts across the UK have been racing to watch all nominated pictures before the ceremony. The competition is fierce across all major categories. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key nominees for the 98th Academy Awards.
Best Picture
- Bugonia
- Frankenstein
- F1
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
Best Actor
- Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
- Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent
Best Actress
- Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
- Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
- Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
- Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
- Emma Stone – Bugonia
Best Supporting Actress
- Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value
- Amy Madigan – Weapons
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
- Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another
Best Supporting Actor
- Benicio del Toro – One Battle After Another
- Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
- Delroy Lindo – Sinners
- Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
- Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value
Best Director
- Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
- Ryan Coogler – Sinners
- Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme
- Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
- Chloé Zhao – Hamnet
The ceremony in Los Angeles will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien, featuring musical performances from Sinners star Miles Caton and the K-pop girl group Huntr/x from KPop Demon Hunters. Presenters include Irish actor Paul Mescal, who did not receive a nomination for his role in Hamnet.
