The time has come: The Oscars 2026 are upon us, bringing together Hollywood’s biggest names for a ceremony where it feels like anything might be possible.

Often, going into the Academy Awards, it seems that most of the major categories are already set in stone due to the outcomes of various precursors like the Golden Globes and the Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards). But this year, several of them feel up in the air—including best actor (seemingly a two-man race between Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet) and best picture—following a round of nominations marked by unexpected snubs and pleasant surprises (like the late surge of the Brazilian film The Secret Agent).

Before the red carpet kicks off and returning host Conan O’Brien takes the stage at the Dolby Theatre, get ready for the show by filling out your final ballot, reminding yourself what happened at the 2025 Oscars, and checking out our best-dressed leaderboard, where you can choose which star deserves to be named queen (or king) of awards season.

Then, once the fray begins, stick with VF for exclusive expert commentary, analysis, and reporting behind the scenes of both the Oscars and Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party, which this year moves to a new home at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The festivities start…right now.

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