Oscars Pick’em is back for the 98th Academy Awards, and this year’s free-to-play prediction game is bigger and better than ever. Whether you’re a casual movie fan or a self-proclaimed cinephile, Oscars Pick’em gives you the chance to prove your Hollywood instincts by predicting winners across all 24 main categories , and yes, there are some seriously tempting prizes on the line.
Hosted by ABC, ESPN, and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this annual contest has become a must-play tradition for millions of film lovers who want to make Oscar night even more thrilling. Here’s everything you need to know about playing Oscars Pick’em 2026, how to maximize your chances of winning, and why this year’s game is one you won’t want to miss.
What Exactly Is Oscars Pick’em?
Oscars Pick’em is a free online prediction contest that lets you lock in your choices for who you think will take home the gold statuette in every major category. Once you submit your picks, you can watch the ceremony unfold and track your score in real time as each winner is announced. It’s the ultimate way to turn an already glamorous evening into a personal competition against friends, family, and fellow film fans across the country.
The game is fully digital, meaning there’s no entry fee, no purchase necessary, and absolutely nothing standing between you and your chance to win. All you need is a little movie knowledge, a dash of gut instinct, and about ten minutes to fill out your ballot before the show begins.
How to Play Oscars Pick’em in 2026
Getting started is refreshingly simple. Here’s a step-by-step rundown of how to enter the 2026 Oscars Pick’em contest:
- Head to the official platform. Visit Oscars.com/pickem on your desktop browser, or download the ESPN Fantasy App on your mobile device.
- Create your account or log in. If you already have an ESPN account, you can use those credentials. Otherwise, registration is quick and free.
- Make your picks. You’ll be presented with all 24 main Oscar categories. From Best Picture to Best Original Song, choose who you believe will win in each.
- Join a public league or create a private group. Compete against thousands of movie fans in the open pool, or invite your friends and family to a custom group for bragging rights only.
- Watch the show and track your score. As winners are announced live on ABC, your points update in real time, so you can celebrate , or commiserate , with every category.
Tips for Making Smarter 2026 Oscars Predictions
While there’s no guaranteed formula for picking Academy Award winners, a few strategies can help boost your accuracy. Here are some insider tips to consider when filling out your 2026 Oscar night predictions:
- Follow the precursor awards. Wins at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, BAFTAs, Critics Choice, and DGA Awards are often strong indicators of Oscar success. Pay close attention to films and performers who swept the early-season ceremonies.
- Don’t ignore the nomination math. Films that earn double-digit nominations often convert in several categories. Look for movies with broad Academy support, not just critical buzz.
- Consider voting blocs. Remember that the Academy is made up of thousands of industry professionals across different branches. Some categories, like Best Director, are often won by the person the industry feels is “due” for a win.
- Check the buzz in the final two weeks. Fences, FYC (For Your Consideration) campaigns, and last-minute industry screenings can shift momentum dramatically. Stay tuned to entertainment news outlets in the days before the show.
- Balance instinct with data. Sometimes your gut knows best, especially in categories like Best Original Screenplay or Best Animated Feature where surprises are more common.
What Can You Win in the 2026 Oscars Pick’em Contest?
Here’s where things get really exciting. The Oscars Pick’em 2026 prize pool includes a once-in-a-lifetime grand prize and some seriously cool runner-up rewards.
The Grand Prize
One lucky winner will receive a round-trip vacation for two to Los Angeles, including attendance at the 2027 Official Oscars Watch Party at the prestigious Academy Museum. To sweeten the deal, that winner will also pocket $5,000 in cash , perfect for covering expenses or treating yourself to something special.
First Prize Winners
Ten runners-up will score Oscars-themed prize packs, which historically include memorabilia, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise any movie lover would envy.
It’s worth noting that the contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Canada (excluding Quebec), ages 18 and older. Each person can submit up to two entries, and the deadline for entry is 3:59 p.m. ET on March 15, 2026 , so don’t procrastinate. Full official rules and odds are available at oscars.com/pickem.
When and Where to Watch the 98th Academy Awards
The 2026 Oscars, officially the 98th edition of the Academy Awards, will air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on ABC. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream the entire ceremony live on Hulu.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by none other than Conan O’Brien, the late-night legend whose quick wit and Hollywood pedigree make him a natural fit for the biggest night in entertainment. Fans can expect O’Brien’s signature blend of sharp humor and celebrity rapport to bring a fresh energy to the show.
Don’t Skip the Red Carpet
Before the awards begin, “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars” will bring you all the fashion, interviews, and celebrity arrivals starting at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT. Tune in to ABC or stream the pre-show live on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com to see which stars stun , and which outfits miss the mark.
After the ceremony wraps up, viewers can stick around for the premiere of “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose,” a fun post-Oscars tradition that has become part of ABC’s Sunday night lineup.
Why Oscars Pick’em Is the Ultimate Oscar Night Tradition
Let’s face it: watching the Oscars is fun, but watching the Oscars while your predictions are on the line is infinitely more entertaining. Every time a winner is announced, you’ll experience that heart-racing mix of joy, dread, and hope that turns a passive viewing experience into an active, personal investment. Did your favorite dark horse take Best Picture? Did the underdog score Best Director? Every envelope opening becomes a moment of personal triumph or hilarious defeat.
Beyond the competitive thrill, Oscars Pick’em also makes the perfect excuse to host an Oscar party. Invite friends over, set up a private league, print out ballots, and award bonus points for things like best dressed, worst dressed, or longest acceptance speech. With the right group, Oscars night can become the most memorable Sunday of the year.
Final Thoughts: Get Your Picks in Before March 15
The 98th Academy Awards promise to be one of the most talked-about ceremonies in recent memory, and participating in Oscars Pick’em is the best way to feel personally connected to every moment. From the dazzling red carpet fashion to the historic wins and inevitable surprises, every category will matter just a little more when you’ve got skin in the game.
So mark your calendar for Sunday, March 15, 2026, fire up the ESPN Fantasy App or head to Oscars.com/pickem, and lock in your predictions. With a grand prize that includes a trip to the Academy Museum, $5,000 in cash, and Oscars swag for ten runners-up, the rewards are well worth the effort. May your picks be bold, your favorite films take home the gold, and your 2026 Oscar night be one you’ll never forget.