3 games to play while you watch the Oscars 2026

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Ready, set, Oscars

The Oscars are back — and they're not playing it safe. Here's what to know before Sunday, plus some watch-party games to match the fun.

A new category will be introduced at the 98th Academy Awards. In fact, the category (casting) is the first new award in 24 years. And only two Oscar-nominated songs will be performed on Sunday, and they're really good ones: "K Pop Demon Hunter's" hit, "Golden," which every parent surely knows by heart, and "I Lied to You" from "Sinners."

Ryan Coogler told Business Insider's Jason Guerrasio just how much music inspired the horror movie , which is about twin brothers returning to their Mississippi hometown for a new start, only to be met with an otherworldly evil. "That act of listening to that music … is kind of what inspired the period setting and the blues. And that is why the movie is so personal," he said last year.

Still, some aspects of the Oscars will remain the same: Conan O'Brien returns as the host on Sunday, and an award winner is sure to thank their mom. Oh yeah, and we'll definitely hear those same four words: "And the winner is…"

All eyes will be on Coogler since his film earned a record 16 nominations, the most in Academy Awards history. And after best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet had strong momentum earlier in awards season for his role in "Marty Supreme," many are looking to see if Michael B. Jordan can score another win after taking the category at The Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards.

Even if you haven't watched the 50 films nominated at this year's ceremony, there are a few fun ways to follow along. Here are my top three games to play as you watch the envelopes open.

• Make your bracket: This one is easy. For each televised category, make a prediction on who or what will win. You can even add a few bonus questions like the shortest speech, first to thank their mom, and first to mention politics.
• Score the speeches: Analyze every acceptance speech, and give the actors one to five points for each category: entertainment value, authenticity, speed, and emotional impact. See if your rates match your friends and family.
• Who will get played off? Before an actor goes up to the microphone to accept their award, call out if you think they'll get played off or not. Simple yet fun.