Oscars

What are the Oscars?

Answer: The Oscars are a highly acclaimed annual event presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Oscars night marks one of the most anticipated evenings in Hollywood, when veteran entertainers and rising stars are honored for their work from the previous year. A-list celebrities also walk the red carpet ahead of the ceremony, showcasing couture attire and stunning jewelry.

In addition to acting awards, the Academy Awards present a range of high-profile honors recognizing other professions within the film and entertainment industry. Individuals can receive multiple Oscars in the same category, but they cannot receive multiple nominations for the same performance.

Some of the most prestigious awards are presented in the categories of best picture, best director, best actor, best actress and best screenplay.

The ceremony is held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

What is the history of the Oscars?

Answer: The first Oscars ceremony took place on May 16, 1929, at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California, where Marilyn Monroe later lived for two years, according to the Academy’s official website Oscars.org.

The awards presentation reportedly lasted just 15 minutes.

How did the Academy Awards get its name ‘Oscars’?

Answer: While no one knows for certain how the Oscars statuette got its nickname, an urban legend says the name originated after Margaret Herrick, a librarian for the Academy, remarked that the statuette resembled her uncle, whose name was Oscar.

The Academy first officially adopted the nickname in 1939, a few years after the moniker emerged.

Oscar records to know

Answer: Three films hold the record for the most Oscars won since the start of the Academy Awards: 1959's "Ben-Hur," 1997's "Titanic" and 2003's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." Each of these iconic blockbusters won 11 Oscars in their respective years.

Katharine Hepburn is the most decorated performer, with four Academy Awards to her name. In 1934, she won the best actress Oscar for "Morning Glory," Oscars.org previously reported. She later won two consecutive best actress awards in 1968 and 1969 for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "The Lion in Winter," the latter of which she shared with Barbra Streisand. Hepburn received 12 best actress nominations.

Meryl Streep holds the record for the most nominations, with 21, and has won three Oscars, according to Oscars.org.

The individual who has won the most Academy Awards in the organization's history is Walt Disney. Over a career spanning decades, Disney won 26 Oscars and received 59 nominations.

How to watch the 2026 Oscars?

Answer: The Academy Awards are set to air Sunday, March 15, on ABC at 7 p.m. ET. Red carpet coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The ceremony will also stream live on Hulu.

Who is hosting the Oscars in 2026?

Answer: Former "Late Night" and "The Tonight Show" host and comedian Conan O'Brien is set to host the Oscars for the second consecutive year. During the 2025 Academy Awards, O'Brien poked fun at Adam Sandler's attire and Demi Moore’s role in "The Substance," among other A-listers.