9:21 pm ET
‘All the Empty Rooms,’ ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ win documentary Oscars
“All the Empty Rooms,” which followed a photographer who memorialized the untouched rooms left behind by school shooting victims, won the Oscar for best documentary short. And “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” took home the award for best documentary.
“Oh man, is he going to be mad his wife wasn’t nominated,” presenter Jimmy Kimmel quips, throwing some knowing shade at “Melania.”
9:10 pm ET
Baby Yoda cameos at Oscars, ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ get technical honors
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” costars Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver come out to present the Oscar for production design. Weaver sees Baby Yoda sitting by Kate Hudson in the audience and says, “Get away from him, you b—-,” leaving Hudson and the little guy faux shocked. “It’s my soft maternal instinct,” Weaver quips about her “Aliens” callback.
After the sci-fi shenanigans, “Frankenstein” takes the Oscar for best production design while “Avatar: Fire and Ash” – which Weaver actually stars in – gets best visual effects.
8:50 pm ET
Billy Crystal honors ‘buddy’ Rob Reiner with Meg Ryan, Barbra Streisand remembers Robert Redford in Oscars’ ‘In Memoriam’ segment
Before the “In Memoriam” segment rolls, Billy Crystal comes out to honor his friend Rob Reiner, who he met in 1975 when Crystal was cast as Reiner’s best friend in “All in the Family.” Crystal said it was an honor to see him evolve from a comedy actor to “a master filmmaker” who worked on everything from “This Is Spinal Tap” and “Stand By Me” to “The Princess Bride” and “Misery.”
“My friend Rob’s movies will last for a lifetime because they were about what makes us laugh and cry,” says Crystal, who also made mention of Reiner and his wife Michele’s work for marriage equality. “Their loss is immeasurable.”
Crystal concluded by saying to the audience that “it meant everything to him that his work meant something you,” and borrowed his classic line from “Princess Bride”: “Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.”
Later, Rachel McAdams spoke of a pair of icons, Diane Keaton – who “enthralled and inspired us by her singularity” – and her fellow Canadian, Catherine O’Hara: “She made us laugh until we cried.”
Lastly, Barbra Streisand arrived to remember her “The Way We Were” costar, Robert Redford. “We never quite knew what the other would do or see,” Streisand says. She tells of how she came around to him calling her “Babs,” touchingly mentioned him having “real backbone” and being “a cowboy that blazed his own trail,” and closed by singing “The Way We Were.”
8:39 pm ET
‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Sinners’ bag screenplay Academy Awards
For their 14th-year “Avengers” reunion, presenters Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans arrive on stage and Downey gives Evans his valet ticket as an anniversary “gift.” Once that’s over, “One Battle After Another” is named best adapted screenplay. “I owe a huge debt of admiration to Thomas Pynchon,” says writer Paul Thomas Anderson. “I wrote this movie for my kids to say sorry for the housekeeping mess of this world we’re handing off to them, but with the hope that they’re the generation that bring some common sense and decency.”
Downey’s back with his real gift: a “Magic Mike” tanning thong. “I’m gonna need that back, though!” Channing Tatum shouts from the crowd. “I gotta work later, bro.” Then the Marvel guys present the original screenplay Oscar to Ryan Coogler for “Sinners.” The audience goes wild – they’re very much Team “Sinners.”
“This is an incredible honor,” Coogler says, thanking fellow nominees for their “gifts.” The director then has his entire cast stand up: “You all are winners in my book.”
8:24 pm ET
Sean Penn wins best supporting actor, no-shows at Oscars
The Oscar for supporting actor goes to Sean Penn for best supporting actor for “One Battle After Another,” the movie’s second award of the night. And like with his other wins this awards season, Penn is nowhere to be found. “Sean Penn couldn’t be here, or didn’t want to, so I accept the award on his behalf,” says last year’s winner Kieran Culkin.
8:21 pm ET
Oscars score a rare tie with live-action short
The Academy Awards celebrated a rare tie in Oscar voting with “The Singer” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva” for live-action short. Interestingly, it’s happened six previous times in history: The first official tie was Fredric March (“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”) and Wallace Beery (“The Champ”) being named best actor for the 1931/32 Oscars, and the most recent was in 2013 for sound editing with “Skyfall” and “Zero Dark Thirty.”
8:07 pm ET
‘One Battle After Another’ is inaugural winner for best casting Oscar
Ooooh, something fresh and exciting! Best casting, the first new Oscar category in 24 years, was added to the Academy’s canon starting with this show, and the inaugural winner is Cassandra Kulukundis for “One Battle After Another.” She thanks “all the casting directors who didn’t get up here, and who didn’t even get credited in their movie.”
7:56 pm ET
‘Frankenstein’ snags two Oscars: costume design and hair/makeup
Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” gets on the big board next, winning best costume design and makeup/hair styling. Costume designer Kate Hawley thanks del Toro “for the vision. … Our nomination is your nomination.” And Jacob Elordi smiles and raises his fist as the hair/makeup team shout out the actor for sitting in a makeup chair for 400 hours to become the Creature.
7:46 pm ET
Kate Hudson fangirls out for Emma Stone, has minor freakout with parents
Bryan Alexander is hanging in the lobby bar and saw Kate Hudson happily chatting with Emma Stone and joining her mom Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell at the bar. All of a sudden, she had a feeling she was supposed to be in theater for the best actress category. She scurried to a headphone-wearing Oscar employee with a concerned look on her face and was visibly relieved to find out best actress is much later in the program. “I’m good,” Hudson chirped, sailing back to the bar. The family finished their drinks and strolled leisurely back into the show.
7:42 pm ET
‘Sinners’ standout Miles Caton serenades Oscars crowd
Sadly, we’re not getting live performances of all the original song nominees tonight. But what we do get is Miles Caton stirring a little bit of blues magic singing his “Sinners” tune “I Lied to You” as couples dance around. But then it gets better, as the number begins to mimic the grand musical sequence from the movie, as performers (including Misty Copeland) dressed as dancers and musicians from various centuries come out to the crowd’s excitement.
Also coming sometime tonight: “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters.” Prepare your teens.
7:36 pm ET
No shock here: Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ takes best animated movie
And now for a huge no-brainer: Netflix uber-hit “KPop Demon Hunters” wins for best animated movie. Arguably the most beloved film of all last year? Yeah, that was always going to win.
“This is for Koreans and for Koreans everywhere,” says director Maggie Kang.
The honor for best animated short goes to “The Girl Who Cried Pearls.”
7:31 pm ET
Michael B. Jordan shows ‘Sinners’ costar Wunmi Mosaku some love
After supporting actress is announced, USA TODAY’s Patrick Ryan sees Michael B. Jordan jump out of his seat to give “Sinners” costar Wunmi Mosaku a hug as soon as the commercial break starts. Renate Reinsve similarly walks over to supporting actress nominee Elle Fanning and gives her a giant embrace.Meanwhile, Demi Moore turns around in her seat and has an animated conversation with Nicole Kidman during the commercial break.
7:25 pm ET
Amy Madigan wins first Oscar of the night, best supporting actress for ‘Weapons’
Last year’s supporting actress winner Zoe Saldaña is out first to announce the next woman to join that canon. And the winner is … Amy Madigan, who gets the honor for crazy Aunt Gladys of “Sinners.”
Her acceptance, fittingly, begins with a joyous cackle. “This is great!” Madigan says. “Everybody’s asking, ‘Well, it’s been 40 years (since the first nomination).’ What’s different this time? What’s different is this gold guy.”
A “flummoxed” Madigan thanks her dogs and husband, actor Ed Harris, “who’s been with me forever. And that’s a long-ass time. None of it would mean anything if he wasn’t by my side.”
7:14 pm ET
Conan O’Brien channels Amy Madigan’s ‘Weapons’ baddie in Oscars opening
Conan O’Brien kicks off the Academy Awards in “Weapons” mode, dressed up as Amy Madigan’s nominated villain Aunt Gladys and being chased by little kids throughout settings in best picture contenders like the race track in “F1” and ping-pong matches in “Marty Supreme.” He even does the Leo car-jump from “One Battle After Another” and gets animated, K-pop style, for “KPop Demon Hunters.”
This entertaining opening leads onto the Dolby Theatre stage for his monologue. “I’m honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” O’Brien says. “Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.” The comedian takes a job at Timothée Chalamet’s opera-and-ballet kerfuffle – “They’re just mad you left out jazz,” the host quips – and mentions Kid Rock’s alternate Oscars show at the local Dave & Buster’s. He jokes it’s been a good year for movies that sound like off-brand sandwich meat: “I had a little Bugonia around 10, it’s not sitting too well.”
Of course, he shouts out “Sinners,” which is clearly a favorite for much of the crowd. O’Brien mentions that Ryan Coogler declined to be a voting member of the Academy because he didn’t want to judge other people’s work, but “the rest of you pricks seem to love it.”
O’Brien also shouted out his own film, acting alongside best actress nominee Rose Byrne in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” “It’s hard to act in a scene with someone you’ve always had a massive crush on,” he says. “But Rose, you did a fantastic job.”
6:50 pm ET
Who’s presenting at the 98th Academy Awards?
The show’s about to start! And the list of Oscar presenters might even be more star-studded than the group of nominees. Those up for an Academy Award who are also handing them out includes Rose Byrne, Delroy Lindo and Wagner Moura, while last year’s winners Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison and Zoe Saldaña return to the stage.
Who else is on board? Get a load of this crew: Nicole Kidman, Jimmy Kimmel, Ewan McGregor, Pedro Pascal, Bill Pullman, Lewis Pullman, Channing Tatum, Sigourney Weaver, Will Arnett, Javier Bardem, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Anne Hathaway, Chase Infiniti, Paul Mescal, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Gwyneth Paltrow and Maya Rudolph.
6:39 pm ET
‘Heated Rivalry’ star Hudson Williams feels the love at the Academy Awards
The “Heated Rivalry” phenomenon has officially hit the Oscars. USA TODAY’s Patrick Ryan spotted the show’s star Hudson Williams arriving and then immediately being swarmed for photos by guests. Afterward, “One Battle After Another” breakout Chase Infiniti waved to him and they walked over to have a chat by the Dolby Theatre elevators, stopping to pose for a picture for excited journalists.
Elsewhere, “Sinners” stars Omar Benson Miller and Lola Kirke are having an animated conversation and laughing with Kumail Nanjiani. “Sentimental Value” supporting actress nominee Elle Fanning walks in hand and hand with her boyfriend, Gus Wenner. The couple are some of the first to take their seats 20 minutes before the telecast starts.
6:19 pm ET
Live from inside the Oscars! ‘Bridesmaids’ reunion and Jessie Buckley’s train
My dude Patrick Ryan is inside the Dolby Theatre giving us reports on what he’s seeing before the big show starts. Before the “Bridesmaids” reunion during the telecast, Rose Byrne was spotted hanging out in the lobby with director Paul Feig, who is sporting a “Barney”-purple jacket. Joined by Feig’s wife, Laurie, and Byrne’s partner, Bobby Cannavale, the star pulled out her phone and cheerfully snapped selfies of the foursome.
Jessie Buckley’s husband, Freddie Sorensen, picked up her train as she arrived. After flipping through her program, she’s immediately greeted by Ariana Greenblatt and Mckenna Grace, as well as her “Hamnet” co-star Jacobi Jupe, who waits for her to finish talking so he can give her a hug.
Downstairs in the main lobby, guests are served a variety of passed hors d’eurves including spicy tuna tartare, baby artichoke and cheese flatbread pizzas. Renate Reinsve hangs by the bar sipping a light pink drink with lime, while nearby, “Marty Supreme” actor Luke Manley enthusiastically speaks to Marlee Matlin.
6:13 pm ET
Who’s predicted to win at the 2026 Oscars?
Everybody’s worried about dresses and tuxes right now, but things will really get good when the Academy Awards show starts. That’s when golden dudes will start being handed out. “One Battle After Another” is the favorite going in but “Sinners” – which notched a historic 16 nominations – has come on strong in recent weeks and stands a good chance to win.
Jessie Buckley is a shoo-in for best actress, while best actor likely comes down to “Marty Supreme” star Timothée Chalamet and “Sinners” standout Michael B. Jordan. (Jordan just won the Actors Award, so it might be his to lose.) Check out all our fearless predictions here.
5:58 pm ET
Conan O’Brien gifts Oscar guests with ‘Moderately Happy Meal’
Our Bryan Alexander reports that everyone in the Dolby Theatre, from nominees and guests to “seat fillers,” gets a little snack box with Junior Mints, Skinny Pop popcorn and water from host Conan O’Brien. Each “Moderately Happy Meal,” dubbed by O’Brien, as also comes with a handwritten note and self-portrait doodle from the host. “These snacks may not look like much but in any movie theater they would run you $85,” he writes. The comedian also adds: “Remember that loud, enthusiastic laughter is good for your health and my ego.”
5:38 pm ET
‘Bridgerton’ star Charithra Chandran wears Artists4Ceasefire pin on Oscars red carpet
We’re starting to hear reports from our folks on the red carpet. USA TODAY’s Ralphie Aversa talked with ‘Bridgerton’ star Charithra Chandran, who was wearing a red pin with a white dove with the words “Artists4Ceasefire” and then “Just Peace.” She says she’s wearing the pin, which calls for peace in the Middle East, “because the idea of children and people dying is not something that I can accept or tolerate. And I have been blessed with a platform and I want to be able to use it in any way that I can to advocate for a better world.”
LA reporter Bryan Alexander also peeped Penn Jillette on the red carpet. He was in a wheelchair after breaking his ankle recently, and the comedian pushed himself up to have a picture taken with his arm around a life-sized Oscar.
5:12 pm ET
Who is hosting the 2026 Oscars?
Comedian and former late-night host Conan O’Brien is back for more, hosting for the second consecutive year. In a release when the announcement was made last year, he joked that he had some literally unfinished business. “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” said O’Brien, ribbing Brody’s record-breaking acceptance speech after winning the best actor Oscar for “The Brutalist.”
O’Brien was great last year, though, and folks turned out: The 97th Oscars attracted 19.69 million viewers − a five-year high − airing on ABC and streaming for the first time on Hulu.
5:01 pm ET
Vote for your Oscar faves on USA TODAY’s Movie Meter
The Academy makes its choice for best picture Sunday. So what would you vote for? Make your voice heard with the USA TODAY Movie Meter. Register (or sign in if you’re back for another round) to be an official panelist any time before the Oscar broadcast. Rate the movies on a scale of 1 to 5 – just like the Academy, a preferential ballot! – and then check back in Monday morning for final rankings and the big winner. In the meantime, check out some special Movie Meter videos, like Cillian Murphy revisiting the “Oppenheimer” Oscar run of 2024 and Ethan Slater reacting to his movie “Wicked” being last year’s inaugural Movie Meter winner.
We got one for the fashionistas, too! Log in to the USA TODAY Style Meter to weigh in tonight on who you think are the best dressed stars on the Oscars red carpet. And this is fun: If you’re registered for Movie Meter, you’re on board for this, too (and vice versa).
4:30 pm ET
Revisit the best dresses in Oscars history
Before this year’s red carpet really gets going, let’s relive the best of the best dressed from previous Academy Awards shows courtesy of our gallery of the top looks of all time. While you’re in glam-fest mode, also peek at our roundup of gowns that let the winners shine over the years as well as the all-star wardrobe rundowns of Oscar nominees Teyana Taylor, Kate Hudson, Emma Stone and Elle Fanning.
4:21 pm ET
How to watch the 2026 Academy Awards red carpet
“Live From E!: Oscars Red Carpet” special is airing right now!
The official live red-carpet show, hosted by British comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg, airs on ABC and Hulu at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m.
4:03 pm ET
How to watch the 2026 Oscars ceremony
The 98th Academy Awards will air live at 7 p.m. ET/4 ET Sunday night on ABC and the ABC app. You can also stream the event on Hulu, YouTube TV and FuboTV.
