98th Oscars predicted: Who are the Unstoppable Favorites?
The world’s eyes are fixed on the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles as the 98th Academy Awards prepare to honour the finest achievements in cinema from 2025. With Conan O’Brien returning to host, the evening promises a blend of sharp wit and high-stakes drama. For fans in India, this is more than just a red-carpet event; it is a major cultural milestone.
How to Watch from India
For Indian cinephiles, the ceremony falls in the early hours of Monday, March 16, 2026.
- Red Carpet Coverage: Starts at 3:30 AM IST.
- Main Ceremony: The live telecast begins at 4:30 AM IST.
- Streaming: Available live on JioHotstar.
- Television: You can watch the action live on Star Movies, Star Movies Select, and Colors Infinity.
- Missed the Live Show? A repeat telecast is scheduled for 9:00 PM IST on Monday evening across the same platforms.
Indian Representation on the World Stage
Indian audiences have plenty of reasons to stay glued to the screen this year:
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas: The global icon is set to return to the Oscar stage as an official presenter, a moment that has generated significant excitement among her massive fanbase in India.
- Geeta Gandbhir: The Indian-American filmmaker is making waves with two historic nominations. Her work is competing in major categories: The Perfect Neighbor (Best Documentary Feature) and The Devil is Busy (Best Documentary Short Subject).
Global Oscar Buzz: Heavy Hitters
The 98th Oscars are defined by a high-stakes showdown between two cinematic titans.
- Best Picture Race: The conversation is dominated by Sinners, which made history with a record-breaking 16 nominations, and One Battle After Another, the critics’ darling that many view as the traditional favorite for voters.
- Acting Frontrunners:
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) is considered the clear, near-unanimous favorite following a dominant awards season.
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) surged to the front of the pack after a late-season win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, positioning him as the likely winner.
- Directorial Duel: While many are pulling for Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another) to finally claim his first Oscar, the race remains tight with Ryan Coogler (Sinners) commanding immense industry support.
- Other Notable Nods:
- Best Animated Feature: K Pop Demon Hunters is widely projected to take home the prize.
- Best Supporting Actor: This remains an unpredictable "three-horse race" between Sean Penn, Stellan Skarsgard, and Delroy Lindo.
As the final hours tick away, the debate between favouring record-breaking scale and traditional storytelling continues to rage among netizens. Whether it’s a night of expected coronation or stunning upsets, the 98th Academy Awards are poised to be an unforgettable chapter in film history.