What Time Are The Oscars On

Okay, let’s be real. You’ve probably asked this question a dozen times already: “Wait, what time are the Oscars on?” And you’re not alone. It’s the same panic every year. You’re scrolling, you see a red carpet photo, and suddenly you realize you have no clue when the actual show starts. Don’t stress—we’ve got you.

First, the simple facts. The 2024 Academy Awards air live on Sunday, March 10, starting at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 4:00 PM Pacific Time (PT). That’s the main event. But here’s the sneaky part: the Red Carpet pre-show kicks off way earlier, like hours earlier. If you want the full gossip and glitter, you’ll need to tune in by 6:30 PM ET or so. But why does this even matter?

Because the Oscars aren’t just a show—they’re a cultural heartbeat. Think of it like the Super Bowl, but for people who prefer velvet and emotional speeches over helmets and touchdowns. It’s the one night where Hollywood puts down its phones and actually listens. And you get to be a fly on the wall.

Why the Time is a Little Tricky

Ever notice how the start time feels like a moving target? That’s because the Academy loves to keep us guessing. They shift it by a few minutes each year, just to mess with your DVR settings. Plus, the pre-shows are a whole separate beast—E!, ABC, and even TikTok have their own red carpet streams. Pro tip: set an alarm for 6:30 PM if you want to catch the best gowns and awkward interviews.

But here’s the real question: Do you actually need to watch live? Let’s be honest. If you’re in the Mountain Time Zone, the show starts at 5:00 PM—which is a normal dinner hour. In Hawaii? Get ready for 2:00 PM. Time zones are weird. It’s like the universe is punishing us for loving movies. But hey, that’s part of the fun.

The “Why Bother?” Factor

So why make the effort? Because the Oscars are a time capsule. Imagine looking back in 50 years and saying, “I saw when Everything Everywhere All at Once won Best Picture.” That’s the kind of moment that feels small now but becomes huge. It’s like catching a live concert before the band gets huge. You’ll be glad you were there.

And the energy? Unmatched. The audience gasps, the hosts crack weird jokes, and sometimes a star trips on stage. It’s messy, glamorous, and totally human. You can’t get that from a highlights reel. Plus, the memes—live-tweeting the Oscars is a sport in itself. You don’t want to be the person watching the next morning with zero context.

How to Make It a Night

Treat it like a mini party. Pop some popcorn, pour a drink (or just sparkling water, no judgment), and invite a friend over. Make it a game: guess who’ll cry during their speech or who’ll wear the weirdest outfit. The Oscars are basically a reality show with better lighting. And if you’re alone? That’s fine too. Just cozy up and enjoy the chaos.

One thing to watch out for: commercial breaks. They’re long, so have your phone handy. Or better yet, use them to bet on the next category with your group. “I bet Oppenheimer wins Sound” is a perfectly valid conversation starter. Trust me.

The Digital Afterglow

After the show ends (usually around 10:30 PM ET), the internet explodes. Reddit threads, YouTube recaps, and hot takes will flood your feed. That’s your cue to either join the conversation or go to bed feeling smug because you saw it all live. Either way, you win.

So, mark your calendar. Set that alarm. Sunday, March 10, 7:00 PM ET. It’s not just a time—it’s a vibe. And you’re invited to the party. Just don’t blame me if you stay up way too late searching for the best speech highlights. You’re welcome.