Oscars 2026 Live: Stars Walk the Red Carpet as Hollywood's Biggest Night Begins
The 98th annual Academy Awards have officially commenced, with celebrities gracing the red carpet in Los Angeles for an evening of glamour, anticipation, and historic milestones. Follow along for the latest updates as films like Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Hamnet vie for top honours in a night filled with fashion, predictions, and surprises.
Historic Nominations and Hosting Return
This year's Oscars are marked by a record-breaking nomination for Sinners, which has garnered 16 nods, surpassing previous highs set by classics such as Titanic and All About Eve. Conan O'Brien returns as host after a praised debut last year, adding his comedic flair to the proceedings. Major nominees include Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, widely tipped to win Best Actress, and Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, among others.
Red Carpet Highlights and Fashion Statements
Elle Fanning made a stunning entrance in a white custom ballgown by Givenchy, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sentimental Value. Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley revealed a hidden detail in her Chanel gown: her favourite Shakespeare sonnet written on tissue paper inside her purse, adding a personal touch to her anticipated win.
However, not all fashion choices have been well-received. Some celebrities, including Kevin O'Leary and Amelia Dimoldenberg, have raised eyebrows with questionable outfits, sparking discussions among fans and critics alike.
Schedule and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The red carpet is currently underway, with the official pre-show hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The main ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, begins at 7 p.m. ET, airing on ABC and streaming on Hulu for a three-hour broadcast. From The Independent's newsroom in New York City to the winners' pressroom in Los Angeles, teams are providing comprehensive coverage, including predictions and glamorous updates from events like the Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Political Undertones and Celebrity Bets
Beyond the glitz, political messages have emerged near the ceremony. An altered poster of One Battle After Another at a bus stop features Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, with a quote attributed to Jeffrey Epstein reading, "A great distraction," referencing recent geopolitical tensions. On a lighter note, Kevin O'Leary bet $1,000 on Timothée Chalamet winning Best Actor, adding a personal stake to the night's outcomes.
Additional Moments and Anticipations
Diane Warren, nominated for Best Original Song for "Dear Me," humorously rooted for herself when asked about her favourites. As A-listers like Anna Cathcart and Shaboozey arrive, the red carpet showcases both the best-dressed stars and those pushing fashion boundaries. With a long night ahead, stay tuned for updates on jokes, awards, and any unexpected moments that might define Hollywood's most glamorous evening.
