Hollywood’s Elite Set to Converge for the 2026 Oscars and Exclusive Vanity Fair Party
The stage is set for Hollywood’s most prestigious night as the 2026 Oscars approach, celebrating the pinnacle of cinematic achievement over the past year. On Sunday, March 15, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles will be abuzz with stars, glamour, and anticipation as the Academy Awards honour the year’s finest films.
Following the glitz and speeches of the ceremony, the celebration continues with the highly anticipated Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Traditionally held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, this exclusive after-party is where the stars truly let loose, mingling, dancing, and toasting the night’s winners – and sometimes, those who didn’t take home a golden statue. This year marks the 32nd iteration of the iconic Vanity Fair Oscar Party, a tradition that has previously graced venues like the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
While the party itself remains an invitation-only affair, fans worldwide won’t miss a moment of the star-studded arrivals. Vanity Fair is rolling out its signature red-carpet livestream, offering a front-row seat to the fashion, the interviews, and the sheer excitement as celebrities make their grand entrance.
Catching the Red Carpet Buzz: Where and When to Watch
For those eager to witness the A-list fashion and catch up with their favourite stars before they hit the main event, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party red-carpet livestream is your go-to. The broadcast will be available to stream directly from vanityfair.com and the official Vanity Fair YouTube channel. Tune in immediately after the Academy Awards conclude, on Sunday, March 15, with the livestream commencing at 10:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm PT.
The Voices of the Red Carpet: This Year’s Hosts
Stepping into the spotlight to guide viewers through the glamorous arrivals are a trio of internet sensations: Quenlin Blackwell, Brittany Broski, and Jake Shane, the host of the popular Therapuss podcast. Their fresh perspectives and engaging personalities are sure to bring a unique and entertaining energy to the pre-show coverage.
Reflecting on past experiences at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, one attendee described it as an unparalleled environment where even the most famous personalities can find themselves starstruck. The atmosphere is a fascinating blend of highbrow and lowbrow chic – think elegant Old Fashioneds and White Negronis being sipped alongside trays of iconic In-N-Out burgers, expertly served by staff in their signature paper hats. It’s a night where the extraordinary becomes delightfully ordinary for a few hours.
The Main Event: Oscar Ceremony Timings
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony itself is scheduled to commence at 4:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm ET. Leading up to the main event, extensive red-carpet coverage will begin at 3:30 pm PT / 6:30 pm ET on ABC and Hulu. For an earlier dose of awards season buzz, E! News will kick off its red-carpet coverage at 1:00 pm PT / 4:00 pm ET.
The Nominees: A Look at the 2026 Contenders
The race for the 2026 Oscars is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a diverse range of films vying for the coveted golden statuettes.
Sinners: Ryan Coogler’s gripping vampire horror, Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twins, has emerged as the frontrunner, boasting an astonishing 16 nominations. This tally sets a new record for the most nominations received by a single film in Oscars history.
* One Battle After Another: Paul Thomas Anderson’s ambitious and visually stunning revolutionary action drama, One Battle After Another, follows closely behind, securing an impressive 13 nominations.Frankenstein & Marty Supreme: Two films are neck and neck with nine nominations each. Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated reimagining of the classic Frankenstein and Josh Safdie’s intense ping pong drama, Marty Supreme, are both strong contenders in multiple categories.
Hamnet: Chloé Zhao’s poignant Shakespearean drama, Hamnet, rounds out the leading nominees with eight nods, promising a strong showing in the prestigious awards.
These nominations represent a broad spectrum of genres and storytelling, highlighting the richness and diversity of filmmaking over the past year. As the industry gears up for this momentous occasion, the excitement is palpable, promising an unforgettable night of celebration, recognition, and, of course, unparalleled glamour.
