Timeline
March 12, 2026 — March 17, 2026
World
Timeline: How the 98th Academy Awards Unfolded Over 5 Days
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on March 15, 2026, amid heightened security concerns and political tensions. Ryan Coogler's vampire thriller 'Sinners' entered with a record-breaking 16 nominations, but Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' ultimately won Best Picture and five other awards. The timeline captures the anticipation, ceremony highlights, and memorable aftermath of Hollywood's biggest night.
9 events · 5 days · 19 source articles
Thu, Mar 12, 2026
Minor
Pre-Oscars Coverage Begins with Viewing Information
Media outlets begin publishing guides on how to watch the 98th Annual Academy Awards scheduled for Sunday, March 15. Publications like Wired provide information about viewing options, setting the stage for the ceremony coverage to come.
Sun, Mar 15, 2026
Major
98th Academy Awards Set to Begin Amid Global Tensions
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 7pm Eastern (23:00 GMT) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The event comes during a politically fraught moment, with the ongoing war in Iran serving as a somber backdrop. Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' leads with a record-breaking 16 nominations, the most in Oscars history.
Sun, Mar 15, 2026
Moderate
Heightened Security Measures Implemented
The ceremony proceeds with heightened security after the FBI claimed Iran could launch retaliatory drone strikes on the West Coast. However, Trump administration press secretary Karoline Leavitt disputed this as 'unverified intelligence,' and California Governor Gavin Newsom stated there was no imminent threat.
Sun, Mar 15, 2026
Moderate
Ceremony Begins with Conan O'Brien as Host
Conan O'Brien returns to host the Oscars for the second time. Early awards are announced, with 'Frankenstein' winning Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design. Shaboozey performs the nominated song 'I Lied to You' from 'Sinners' during the ceremony.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Major
Acting Awards Announced
Amy Madigan wins Best Supporting Actress for 'Weapons.' Michael B. Jordan wins Best Actor for 'Sinners,' and Jessie Buckley wins Best Actress for 'Hamnet,' becoming the first Irish performer to ever win in that category. Sean Penn wins Best Supporting Actor for 'One Battle After Another' but is absent from the ceremony.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Major
'One Battle After Another' Wins Best Picture
Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another,' a multi-generational American saga about political resistance, wins Best Picture. The film takes home six Oscars in total, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Casting (the Oscars' first trophy in this category), Best Supporting Actor, and Best Film Editing. This marks Anderson's first directing Oscar after years of acclaim.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Major
Final Awards Tally Shows 'Sinners' with Four Wins
'Sinners' takes home four awards despite its record 16 nominations: Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, Best Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler (his first Oscar), and Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who makes history with her win. 'Frankenstein' wins three awards total, while other genre films like 'KPop Demon Hunters' win two.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Moderate
Behind-the-Scenes Moments Emerge
Backstage coverage reveals the 'tightest security in recent years.' The Frankenstein production designer celebrates with his Oscar and a beer, while 'Mr Nobody Against Putin' filmmaker Pasha Talankin re-reads his winning envelope. Host Conan O'Brien and presenters deftly avoid mentioning President Donald Trump by name while making political references.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Minor
Michael B. Jordan Celebrates Win at In-N-Out Burger
Hours after winning Best Actor, Jordan continues a Hollywood tradition by celebrating at In-N-Out Burger with his Oscar statuette on the table. Still dressed in his black suit from the ceremony, he signs paper hats for staff, joining an exclusive list of famous faces including Hilary Swank and Julia Roberts who have marked Oscar victories with fast food burgers.
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