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Oscars 2026: Everything we already know about the ceremony
The 98th edition of the Academy Awards are just around the corner and the first news are starting to come out: date, venue, host, new features and films in competition. Scheduled for March 2026, the Oscars could mark a historic turning point with the introduction of a brand-new award. Here’s a detailed overview based on the latest information released by the Anglo-Saxon press.
par The Editorial Team.
Oscars 2026: A fresh take on the annual ceremony
The Academy Awards remain first and foremost a Hollywood ritual. The next edition, set for March 15th, 2026, will once again take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Conan O’Brien, who had previously hosted the event in 2025, was once again chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to host the ceremony.
As Vanity Fair notes, his ironic, laid-back tone has won over audiences tired of overly scripted shows. Producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, joined by Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, are also back with their team. Nothing new under the sun.
A long-overdue new category
The Oscars aren’t put together in a matter of weeks. An almost military precision is required at all times. According to the Academy’s official website, submissions will close on November 13th. It will be followed by the Governors Awards on November 16th, 2025. The shortlists will be revealed on December 16th, a few weeks before the nominations announcement, set for January 22nd, 2026.
But the major innovation lies in the addition of an unprecedented award: Best Casting of the Year. As The Hollywood Reporter reminds us, this is a first in the history of the Oscars. That decision, widely welcomed by industry professionals, finally acknowledges the central role casting directors play in the making of a film. The initiative could shift the perception of certain genres, especially comedies and independent films, often overlooked during award ceremonies.
What are the favorites?
It is still too early to draw up the official list of contenders, but some media are already sketching a shortlist. According to Entertainment Weekly, works like Marty Supreme (2025) by Josh Safdie, Hamnet (2025) starring Paul Mescal, and Wicked: For Good (2025) by Jon M. Chu are among the potential candidates for Best Picture. As for blockbusters, Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) by James Cameron, F1 (2025) with Brad Pitt and Sinners (2025) by Ryan Coogler are cited as serious competitors.
Awards will go to Tom Cruise and Dolly Parton?
Predictions also extend to the performers. Timothée Chalamet is mentioned for his role in Marty Supreme (2025). As well as Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good (2025) and Julia Roberts for After the Hunt (2025).
Of course, forecasting is a risky game. It already fuels debates in Hollywood. On the international scale, the British press highlights Sentimental Value (2025) by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier and Kokuho (2025) from Japan as possible contenders for the Best International Feature Film award.
One sure thing is that actor Tom Cruise will receive an Honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement. Iconic singer Dolly Parton will be awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian prize for “outstanding contribution to humanitarian causes” at the Governors Awards on November 16th, 2025.
The upcoming Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15th, 2026.
