The 98th Academy Awards streamed live via Disney+ on March 15, 2026, transforming the Balmori Room of The Peninsula Manila into a hub of cinematic excitement as media, KOLs, and industry enthusiasts gathered to follow the glamour and suspense of Hollywood’s biggest night, hosted by Conan O’Brien.
Arriving early, guests were welcomed with an inviting breakfast spread and steaming coffee, offering a moment to settle into the morning while previewing prediction score sheets for each Oscar category. The atmosphere carried the anticipation of an international red carpet experience condensed into a private, communal setting, where conversations bounced between casual banter and informed speculation on potential winners. Screens throughout the room counted down to the livestream, heightening the sense of anticipation as the audience prepared to witness cinematic history in real time.
At 6:30 AM, the broadcast began with the red carpet, revealing a parade of filmmakers, actors, and designers. Conversations quieted as faces familiar from screens around the world appeared in high-definition detail. Each interview and close-up drew reactions, gasps, murmurs of admiration, and subtle applause—bringing the energy of a global premiere into a local room filled with eager viewers. Attention oscillated between the celebrities’ fashion choices and friendly debates over frontrunners in key categories.
The night’s awards were dominated by One Battle After Another, which collected six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The historic first-ever Achievement in Casting award went to Cassandra Kulukundis, earning the room a collective cheer. Close behind, Sinners by Ryan Coogler won four Oscars, highlighted by Michael B. Jordan’s Best Actor triumph and Coogler’s win for Best Original Screenplay. The energy in the room intensified as names of familiar stars were announced, punctuated by applause and animated discussions about surprises and snubs alike.
Veteran actors Sean Penn and Amy Madigan received recognition in the supporting categories, while technical accolades spread across a wide spectrum of films. Frankenstein swept Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling, and K-Pop Demon Hunters earned both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden.” International films were celebrated as well, with Norway’s Sentimental Value winning Best International Feature and Avatar: Fire and Ash taking Best Visual Effects. Each announcement was met with audible reactions, from quiet awe to bursts of excitement, as the rhythm of the night mirrored the tension and jubilation of the global ceremony.
The immersive experience extended beyond awards. Guests shared laughter over predictions, offered running commentary on speeches, and reflected on the cultural impact of the films recognized. The early hour was softened by shared coffee and the camaraderie of viewers collectively living through cinematic history. Reactions to memorable speeches, unexpected wins, and artistic achievements flowed organically, creating a sense of participation rather than passive observation.
The 98th Academy Awards watch party demonstrated how streaming platforms like Disney+ can localize global moments, offering audiences a venue to witness, discuss, and celebrate the artistry of film together. The Balmori Room of The Peninsula Manila became a microcosm of the Oscars themselves—glamour, suspense, and storytelling shared across borders.
By the time the final envelope was opened, the room lingered on the energy of the event, and the morning transformed into a communal celebration of achievement, craft, and cinematic history. Conversations continued as attendees reflected on a landmark year for cinema, the synergy between international and local viewing experiences, and the simple joy of sharing a momentous broadcast.
Tickets, score sheets, and a curated breakfast had created more than a watch party—they fostered connection, anticipation, and a first-hand taste of the thrill of Hollywood, all streamed live to Manila. (with reports from Benedick Marasigan)
