2026 Oscars to Feature “More Magic” and Increased spectacle, says producer
The 98th Academy Awards, set to air on March 15, 2026, on ABC and in over 200 territories worldwide, promises to be a more ambitious production than its predecessor, according to producer Will O’Brien.
O’Brien told ABC News they “have a lot of possibilities” for the 2026 show. While details remain under wraps, he indicated audiences can anticipate “a lot of magic,” including “some explosions” and increased use of CGI. “I see this second Oscars as an possibility to take things up a notch,” he stated.
The 2025 Oscars, O’Brien’s first time leading the show, saw a notable boost in viewership, attracting its largest broadcast audience in five years with 19.7 million viewers. This increase was notably notable among younger demographics (18-49), driven by viewing on mobile devices and laptops. Despite the relatively low profile of Best Picture winner “Anora,” the ceremony experienced a ample ratings lift.
The ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood and will honor achievements in 24 categories, with Best Picture continuing to feature up to 10 nominees.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Worth a look