CNN, Variety teaming up for Oscars coverage

CNN and Variety will air a live special from the red carpet of the 98th Annual Academy Awards.

The special, which is part of the CNN-Variety “Actors on Actors” partnership announced in 2025, will air March 15, 2026 at 4 p.m. Eastern time.

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“Red Carpet Live” marks the first time CNN has had on-the-ground coverage of the Oscars in nearly 10 years.

Coverage will be hosted by CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister and Variety Co-President and Co-Editor-in-Chief Ramin Setoodeh.

In addition, CNN Contributor Cari Champion will host a conversation with CNN Style’s Rachel Tashjian and Women’s Wear Daily Style Director Alex Badia live from New York City in the CNN Style Spin Room, delivering updates and context around the top red carpet looks.

Once the Oscars wrap, CNN will also provide an after-show live from Los Angeles with Van Lathan, Wagmeister and Setoodeh.

“After Actors on Actors and our town hall with Timothée Chalamet, Variety is excited to once again partner with CNN – this time, bringing together a dream team of journalists to cover the Academy Awards,” said Setoodeh, in a statement. “This will be a must-watch night of programming for movie fans in search of elevated interviews and analysis about the Oscars.”

“Our collaboration with Variety continues to expand how we bring audiences inside the entertainment industry’s most significant moments,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development at CNN Worldwide. “Returning to the Oscars red carpet together allows us to combine CNN’s global reach with Variety’s deep industry insight for live coverage of Hollywood’s biggest night.”

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Before Hollywood’s big night, CNN will also present “Hollywood and the Oscars: Still Golden?,” a CNN FlashDoc, at 10 p.m. eastern March 14, 2026. 

All content will also be available on the CNN All Access streaming subscription. 

CNN will not carry the telecast of the awards ceremony due to rights restrictions. That coverage will air on ABC.