Oscar Seat Filler 2026: How Can You Attend the Academy Awards This Year?

Published 02/01/2026, 10:35 PM EST

The Academy Awards unfold as a realm of unparalleled grandeur, where starlight dances upon the crimson carpet and every shimmer of gold ignites the imagination. For most, it remains an exquisite dream, veiled behind gates of myth and whispered legend, a world simultaneously dazzling and untouchable.

To step within that luminous domain, to inhale the rarefied air of cinematic triumph, is a tantalising enigma, a secret spectacle of elegance and wonder that lures hearts with promises known only to a fortunate, unseen few.

A night of legends, where every shimmer tells a story and ambition flirts with destiny; discover the elusive path to witnessing Hollywood’s most mesmerizing spectacle unfold before your eyes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Unlocking the gates of Hollywood’s greatest stage

Most award ceremonies rely on seat fillers, ordinary attendees who occupy seats whenever a celebrity temporarily departs. At the Oscars, however, these roles are closely tied to the Academy itself, adding an air of exclusivity. One might attempt the online lottery for a fleeting glimpse of the red carpet, yet entry into the theater remains elusive.

Ultimately, the only true paths to attending the Academy Awards involve being nominated, receiving an invitation from a nominee, or belonging to the distinguished ranks of the Academy’s membership.

Even then, tickets remain scarce, fiercely coveted by the fortunate few. Occasionally, roles are filled by staff, marketing partners, or volunteers with industry ties, adding an air of mystery to the process. Unlike other shows, the Oscars maintain no public application system.

Those selected must dress impeccably, adhere to strict protocols, avoid interaction with celebrities, and move with precision during commercial breaks, transforming every moment into a delicate dance of elegance and discretion. While attending the Oscars in person remains a rare privilege, the ceremony’s magic can still be experienced by millions through online streaming.

Oscars 2026: Why Leonardo DiCaprio Could Be Academy’s Smartest Best Actor Pick This Year

The red carpet, the glimmering lights, the stars themselves, how can you witness Hollywood’s most dazzling night from your own home?

Hollywood at home: Streaming the Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards will dazzle audiences at 7:00 pm EDT, 4:00 pm PDT, 11:00 pm GMT, and 7:00 am CST, bringing Hollywood glamour into homes across the United States. Follow the journey of nominees and the excitement of Oscars season on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, or the Academy’s Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.

Viewers can watch for free over-the-air on local ABC stations or stream live for the first time on Hulu, while cable and satellite subscribers can enjoy the ceremony through ABC’s lineup.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Fans in the United States can subscribe instantly to streaming services such as Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV, many of which offer free trials for first-time viewers.

Across the United Kingdom, the 2026 Oscars can be streamed on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and the STV Player, bringing the magic of Hollywood directly to homes. With breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments, this year’s ceremony promises to be one of the most spectacular in Oscars history.

'Sentimental Value', 'Sinners', and More Dominate Oscars 2026 Nominations as 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' Struggles

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think about the 2026 Oscar seat fillers? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Yusra Miraj Khan

1469 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK