The producers of the 98th Academy Awards have unveiled another group of presenters ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, expanding a lineup that underscores the scale of Hollywood’s flagship awards event. The additions include nominees, veteran performers and past host Jimmy Kimmel, signaling an increasingly high-profile roster for the telecast at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Among the latest presenters confirmed by organizers are Bill Pullman and his son Lewis Pullman, marking a rare father-son appearance on the Oscars stage. They join a broader lineup of actors scheduled to hand out awards during the ceremony broadcast by ABC on March 15.
The presenter roster announced this week also includes nominees Rose Byrne, Wagner Moura and Delroy Lindo, along with Pedro Pascal, Channing Tatum and Sigourney Weaver. Producers say additional names are expected before the live broadcast.
Expanding Presenter Lineup Signals Star-Driven Telecast
According to the ceremony’s showrunner and executive producer Raj Kapoor, the final lineup will feature more appearances than those already publicly announced.
Kapoor told reporters that the ceremony will include “jaw-dropping” moments, with several reunions and surprise stage appearances designed to highlight Hollywood’s history and current talent. Such programming decisions have become a key element of modern Oscars broadcasts as producers aim to maintain global viewership amid changing television habits and streaming competition.
Industry observers note that assembling a large, recognizable group of presenters remains one of the Academy’s core strategies to sustain cultural relevance for the ceremony.
Conan O’Brien Returns as Host
This year’s telecast will again be hosted by Conan O’Brien, who returns following his debut as Oscars host at the previous ceremony.
The comedian confirmed his return last year, joking in a statement that his motivation included the chance to hear actor Adrien Brody finish a lengthy acceptance speech—referencing one of the Academy Awards’ more memorable moments.
The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. Viewers can also watch through streaming television services including YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu Live TV with provider authentication.
Nominees Highlight Competitive Awards Race
This year’s acting categories feature a mix of established stars and first-time nominees.
In the best actress category, nominees include Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Renate Reinsve, Emma Stone, and Kate Hudson.
Best actor nominees include Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura.
In the supporting categories, nominees include Jacob Elordi, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Stellan Skarsgård, and Delroy Lindo, alongside actresses Elle Fanning, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, Teyana Taylor, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas.
Performances Spotlight Original Songs
The ceremony will also feature performances of nominated songs, including “Golden” from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from Sinners.
Musicians Raphael Saadiq and Miles Caton are expected to participate in a segment highlighting music’s role in Sinners, alongside blues performers Buddy Guy, Eric Gales, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Ballet dancer Misty Copeland will also appear in the performance sequence.
Another segment will feature Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna, and EJAE performing “Golden,” accompanied by Korean instrumentalists and dancers.
Singer Josh Groban is also slated to appear during the ceremony, though producers have not specified the exact nature of his performance.
Academy Plans Expanded “In Memoriam” Segment
Producers have also indicated that this year’s In Memoriam segment will receive particular attention following the deaths of several influential figures in film and television over the past year.
Bill Kramer, chief executive of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said the tribute will be “robust and very moving,” while declining to confirm specific participants or surprise appearances.
A longer digital version of the tribute will also be released online after the broadcast to recognize additional industry figures not included in the televised segment.
With a competitive awards race, high-profile presenters and live performances planned, the 98th Academy Awards are expected to remain one of the entertainment industry’s most closely watched annual events.
