The 98th Academy Awards: Irish Hope, Host Conan Returns, and a Modern Era for the Oscars
The 98th Academy Awards are almost here, promising a night of glitz, glamour, and recognition for the best in film. Taking place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year. This year’s awards also mark a significant shift with the introduction of a new category: Best Casting.
Irish Talent Shines on the Global Stage
Ireland is well-represented at this year’s Oscars. Jessie Buckley has received a nomination for Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet. If she wins, she will become the first Irish woman to receive the honour. Richard Baneham, a special effects expert on Avatar: Fire and Ash, is also nominated, marking his third Oscar nomination. Hamnet’s author Maggie O’Farrell and director Chloé Zhao are shortlisted for their screenplay adaptation. Element Pictures, the Dublin-based production company, is also nominated in the Best Picture category for their work on Bugonia, alongside Wild Atlantic Pictures for Blue Moon.
Conan O’Brien: A Second Run as Host
Conan O’Brien returns as host after a successful debut last year, which saw a slight increase in viewership. His hosting style, described as a blend of “acid and affection,” was well-received, and he’s expected to bring the same energy to this year’s ceremony.
New Category: Recognizing the Art of Casting
The Academy has introduced a new category, Best Casting, acknowledging the crucial role casting directors play in bringing characters and stories to life. This is the first new category added in over 20 years, reflecting a growing appreciation for this often-overlooked aspect of filmmaking.
Musical Performances to Highlight the Night
The ceremony will feature performances celebrating the nominated songs. HUNTR/X will perform Golden from KPop Demon Hunters, blending traditional Korean instruments and dance into their performance. Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, along with a host of other artists, will perform I Lied to You from Sinners, inspired by the film’s visual style.
Presenters and Star Power
Paul Mescal will join a stellar lineup of presenters, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Hathaway. Other presenters include Adrien Brody, Javier Bardem, and Chris Evans.
Sinners Dominates the Nominations
Sinners leads the pack with a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 14 shared by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another follows closely with 13 nominations.
How to Watch the 98th Academy Awards
For Irish viewers, the 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player from 11pm. The Oscars Highlights will air on RTÉ2 on Monday, March 16, at 9:30 pm.
FAQ
When are the Oscars?
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026.
Who is hosting the Oscars?
Conan O’Brien is hosting the ceremony.
What is new about the Oscars this year?
A new category, Best Casting, has been introduced.
Who are some of the Irish nominees?
Jessie Buckley, Richard Baneham, Maggie O’Farrell, and Chloé Zhao are among the Irish nominees.
Where can I watch the Oscars in Ireland?
The ceremony will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
View the full list of nominees here.
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