Summary (tl;dr)

The 98th Academy Awards, or Oscars 2026, are trending as nominations voting officially begins today, January 12, 2026, leading up to the nominations announcement on January 22, and the main ceremony on March 15.

Essential Background

The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are prestigious awards for artistic and technical merit in the international film industry. Presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), they are considered the most significant awards in the global entertainment industry.

The Full Story

Interest in the Oscars 2026 is surging as nominations voting for the 98th Academy Awards officially commenced today, Monday, January 12, 2026, and will conclude on Friday, January 16, 2026. This critical voting period precedes the highly anticipated announcement of the final nominations on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Earlier, on December 16, 2025, shortlists in 12 categories were already unveiled. The main awards ceremony for the 98th Oscars is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026. A total of 317 feature films are eligible for consideration, with 201 titles specifically qualifying for the Best Picture category.

Why It Matters

The trending keywords reflect the global excitement and anticipation surrounding the Academy Awards, which celebrate cinematic excellence and often influence public interest in nominated films and filmmakers. The Oscars serve as a significant cultural event, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and sparking discussions about the year's best cinematic achievements. The ongoing voting and upcoming nomination announcements intensify speculation and engagement among film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public.

Geographic Location

• Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (main awards ceremony)
• Virtual/Online (nominations voting by Academy members worldwide)