Entertainment | 98th Oscars Voting Officially Closes, Winners Awaited

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed today, February 27, 2026, that final voting for the 98th annual Oscars has officially closed. Eligible members had until 5 PM PT to submit their ballots, marking the end of the selection process for this year's coveted golden statues.

The Voting Process Concludes

The closure of final voting signifies a crucial phase in the annual Academy Awards cycle. The "golden statues" refer to the iconic Oscar trophies, awarded across various categories to recognise excellence in cinematic achievements. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organisation behind the awards, oversees the entire nomination and voting process, which involves thousands of film industry professionals.

Anticipation Builds for Awards Night

With the ballots now sealed, the industry eagerly awaits the grand reveal of the winners. The conclusion of voting heightens anticipation for the upcoming ceremony, where the culmination of a year's cinematic efforts will be celebrated. The race for the top honours is known to be fiercely competitive each year.

Results Under Wraps

As per standard procedure, the results of the final voting are kept strictly confidential until the official announcement during the Academy Awards telecast. No figures or early indications of winners are disclosed before the ceremony, ensuring suspense and fairness in the awards presentation.

Road to the 98th Academy Awards

The closing of voting follows a period of intense campaigning and critical discussion surrounding this year's contenders. Recently, acclaimed films like 'Nebula's Echo' have garnered significant box office success, crossing the $600 million global threshold, and are considered strong contenders in several technical Oscar categories, according to industry reports. Preparations for the event itself are also in full swing, with producers having unveiled elaborate red carpet designs and stage setups for the 98th Academy Awards telecast, promising a blend of classic Hollywood glamour and modern enhancements.

Key Takeaways

• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed the official closure of final voting for the 98th annual Oscars on February 27, 2026.
• Eligible members submitted their final ballots by the 5 PM PT deadline.
• The conclusion of voting marks the final stage before the announcement of winners at the upcoming awards ceremony.
• Anticipation is now building for the 98th Academy Awards telecast.

People Also Ask

1. When does the 98th Academy Awards ceremony take place?
   The specific date for the 98th Academy Awards ceremony was not provided in the announcement about voting closure. Typically, the event occurs a few weeks after voting concludes, usually in March.

2. Who votes for the Oscars?
   Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences vote for the Oscars. This elite group comprises thousands of professionals from various branches of the film industry, including actors, directors, writers, and technicians.

3. How many categories are there in the Oscars?
   The Academy Awards typically feature over 20 categories, ranging from major honours like Best Picture and acting awards to various technical and craft awards such as Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.

4. What happens after the voting closes?
   After voting closes, the sealed ballots are meticulously tallied by an independent accounting firm. The results are kept highly confidential until they are announced live during the 98th Academy Awards ceremony.

Last updated: February 27, 2026