The stage is set for the most anticipated night in global cinema—the 98th Academy Awards. Held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the Oscars 2026 promises to be a star-studded affair celebrating artistic and technical excellence in the film industry.

Date and Timing for Indian Viewers While the event takes place on the evening of March 15 in the US, viewers in India will need to tune in early on Monday, March 16, 2026. The glamorous Red Carpet arrivals usually kick off around 5:30 AM IST, followed by the main ceremony at 6:30 AM IST.

How to Watch for Free? In India, Disney+ Hotstar is the primary destination for streaming the Oscars live. For TV viewers, Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD will broadcast the event. To watch it for free, users can leverage bundled OTT plans provided by major telecom operators like Jio or Airtel. Additionally, the official Academy website (Oscars.org) and their YouTube channel provide real-time updates and behind-the-scenes footage.

With a diverse array of nominations ranging from high-octane blockbusters to soul-stirring dramas, the competition for the Best Picture title is tighter than ever. Don’t miss out on the action as the film world crowns its new kings and queens.