2026 Oscars: Streaming Options and Bay Area Watch Parties to Watch

Hollywood’s biggest night, the 98th Academy Awards, is just around the corner, and the anticipation is high for the 2026 Oscars. This year, all eyes are on “Sinners,” directed by Oakland’s very own Ryan Coogler. The film has broken records with an impressive 16 Oscar nominations, including nods for best picture, best directing, and various acting categories. For the full list of nominees, you can head over to the Academy’s website.

Returning as host for a second year is the talented Conan O’Brien, who also has a role in the Oscar-nominated film “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” Expect some jokes about his on-screen therapist role during the live broadcast.

If you’re eager to catch the Oscars live this weekend, here’s where you can tune in to stream the awards show, as well as some ideas for hosting your own watch party or attending one in the Bay Area.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will kick off on Sunday at 4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT). The official red carpet coverage, hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg of “Chicken Shop Date,” starts around 3:30 p.m. PDT (6:30 p.m. EDT).

To watch the Oscars, you can tune in to your local ABC station or use the Hulu app if you’re a subscriber. Hulu allows live streaming of the award show on Sunday, regardless of your subscription level. Starting Monday, subscribers can also watch the entire ceremony on demand. Alternatively, you could explore live TV trials like YouTube TV and Fubo TV for access to the Oscars broadcast.

If you’re in the Bay Area, you’re in luck as several local movie theaters, bars, and restaurants are hosting Oscars watch parties. Some venues will have special performances, contests for best-dressed guests, and even red carpets for a touch of glamour. Do check the door opening times for your chosen event, as some parties may kick off before the awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m. PDT.

In San Francisco, popular Oscars watch party spots include The Roxie, The Knockout, Manny’s, The Function SF, and several others. Beyond San Francisco, you can also catch watch parties at The New Parkway in Oakland, Golden Ratio in Oakland, Alameda Theater in Alameda, and more across the Bay Area.

If you’re considering hosting your own Oscars watch party, there are plenty of resources available for planning the perfect evening. From invites to food and music, being a gracious host can be a breeze with the right tips. NPR even has a fun movie-themed menu guide for your party, with ideas like the “Marty Crunchwrap Supreme” and “Bugonion” to spice up your snacks.

To add some extra fun to the party, print out Oscars ballots for your guests to fill out. Letterboxd offers printable ballot PDFs online to facilitate the voting process. Remember, dressing up in outfits inspired by your favorite snubbed films or offering awards for the best (or worst) ballot can add a playful element to the night.

As the Oscars draw near, now is the perfect time to catch up on all the nominated movies. Check out the Academy website for the complete list of nominees and try to watch them all before the big night. Additionally, Vulture has a helpful guide on where to stream every Oscar-nominated film for easy access.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, local theaters may screen Oscar-nominated films that can be harder to find on streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for screenings at theaters like The Roxie in San Francisco, The New Parkway in Oakland, and the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael for a chance to catch up on all the nominees.

The 2026 Oscars season has been a buzz of excitement, and with so many fantastic films in the running, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night. So gather your friends, set up your viewing parties, and get ready to celebrate the best in cinematic excellence!