The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that the 98th Academy Awards will air live on 15 March, broadcast on ABC and streamed on Hulu, with comedian and television host Conan O’Brien set to helm the ceremony. 

O’Brien’s appointment as host signals a return to a sharper, comedy-forward Oscars presentation. Known for his self-deprecating humor and deep ties to film and television culture, O’Brien is expected to bring a lively, unpredictable energy to the ceremony, aligning with the Academy’s continued push to balance prestige with entertainment value.

Several titles have already emerged as early Oscars frontrunners. Among the most closely watched contenders is Avatar: Fire and Ash, the latest installment in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise. While primarily positioned as a technical and commercial juggernaut, the film is expected to dominate craft categories such as visual effects, sound, and production design, with an outside chance of breaking into the Best Picture race should critical reception match its box-office strength.

From the auteur corner, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another  has been quietly positioned as a heavyweight contender. Anderson’s consistent awards track record places the film firmly on Best Director and screenplay watchlists, even ahead of its official unveiling.

Other early prestige titles generating awards buzz include Sinners, a provocative character-driven drama exploring morality and consequence, and Hamnet, a period adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel. Both films are expected to attract attention in acting, cinematography, and production design categories, with potential Best Picture considerations depending on festival reception and critical acclaim.

Anime and genre cinema are also making their mark on the awards conversation. KPop Demon Hunters, an ambitious South Korean animated musical action feature, has officially met Academy eligibility requirements and is being positioned for craft and animation categories, reflecting the growing recognition of international and genre-driven storytelling at the Oscars.

Musical cinema is expected to remain strong, with Wicked: For Good, concluding Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation, eyed for production design, costume design, and original song nominations, with acting nods possible depending on performance reception.

In the international field, several high-profile non-English-language films expected to debut at Cannes and Venice are already being discussed as International Feature frontrunners, continuing the Academy’s recent embrace of global cinema. 

Animation is shaping up to be particularly competitive, with new releases from both major studios and acclaimed independent filmmakers expected to challenge traditional genre boundaries. 

The official list of nominees will be released on 22 January, providing the first definitive snapshot of the films and performers vying for Academy recognition.