As the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, 2026, Hollywood is hosting a series of invite-only events celebrating nominees and the film industry. Key gatherings include tributes to diverse talents and studio celebrations leading up to the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre. Highlights feature the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Oscar week in 2026 kicks off with events honoring various aspects of the film community. On March 10, the South Asians at the Oscars gathering, co-hosted by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Aziz Ansari, and others, takes place from 6-9 p.m. at a TBA location. The following day, March 11, UTA’s second annual Carbs Before the Carpet dinner occurs at 7:30 p.m. at Sal’s Place in West Hollywood, recognizing stylists and fashion executives.
Thursday, March 12, features the 19th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood event at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, themed “Off Script” and honoring Chase Infiniti, Kerry Washington, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Zinzi Coogler, with recognition for the women behind Oscar nominee Sinners. That evening, the 20th annual Oscar Wilde Awards, hosted by the US-Ireland Alliance at The Ebell of Los Angeles from 7:30-11 p.m., will be emceed by Matt Walsh, with awards presented to Domhnall Gleeson, Lee Cronin, and Maura Tierney.
On Friday, March 13, the 63rd ICG Publicists Awards are held at 11 a.m. at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, honoring publicists, photographers, and campaigns, with Kate Hudson, Noah Wyle, and Jimmy Kimmel among recipients. Warner Bros. celebrates its nominees, including One Battle After Another and Sinners with 29 nominations combined, at Mother Wolf from 6-8 p.m. The Women in Film Oscar Nominees Celebration follows at 6:30-8 p.m. in West Hollywood, featuring attendees like Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, and Hannah Beachler.
Saturday, March 14, includes Verve’s Animation Brunch at Dama from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Netflix’s Nominee Celebration at the Sunset Tower Hotel from 5-7 p.m., hosted by Bela Bajaria for films like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Train Dreams. The MPTF’s 24th Night Before event, co-chaired by Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca, features a DJ set by Diplo.
Sunday’s 98th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien at 4 p.m. at the Dolby Theatre, is followed by the Governors Ball with Wolfgang Puck catering and the 31st Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Party, hosted by Elton John and David Furnish with co-hosts Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, includes a performance by Lola Young and expected guests like Patricia Arquette and Sharon Stone.
