The celebrations for Hollywood’s biggest night have already begun. Oscar week 2026 is officially in full swing as celebrities gear up for the 98th Academy Awards. From glamorous charitable events to parties that last until the early morn, here are the events that have the city buzzing as it makes its way to the live Oscars broadcast from the Dolby Theatre on March 15.
Music Matters
On the eve of what would have been Quincy Jones’ 93rd birthday, family, friends and special guests gathered for an intimate pre-Oscars musical celebration honoring his monumental contribution to the arts. Las’ Set: Legacy Experience, hosted by HarbourView Equity Partners at the Sun Rose West Hollywood, featured musical direction by Adam Blackstone and special performances by Lalah Hathaway, Alice Smith, Alex Isley, Durand Bernarr, Terrace Martin, BJ the Chicago Kid, Lucky Daye, Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Dixson, and Chanté Moore.
Women In Film
On Friday, March 13, the advocacy group Women in Film paid tribute to more than 75 women nominated for the Academy Awards at its 19th Annual Women In Film Oscar Nominees Celebration. Documentarians Christalyn Hampton, who’s nominated for Best Documentary – Short Subject for The Devil is Busy, and Alisa Payne, who’s nominated for Best Documentary Feature for The Perfect Neighbor, attended alongside actresses Lela Rochon, Natasha Rothwell, Bianca Lawson, and more.
A MACRO Night
Wunmi Mosaku struck a pose on the MACRO 8th Annual Pre-Oscars Party at Audrey Irmas Pavilion on March 12, in Los Angeles. The night paid homage to the film Sinners with an outdoor installation exploring its impact. Fellow members of the Sinners‘ family: Ryan and Zinzi Coogler, Jayme Lawson and Omar Benson Miller were also in attendance. Of course, Olandria Carthen (pictured up top) was in the building, which meant everyone was asking to be invited inside.
A Royal Affair
Our fave Black Brits were shining bright at the BFI British Film Pre-Oscars Reception at Soho House Holloway on March 13. In addition to Game of Thrones‘ Nathalie Emmanuel and Bel-Air’s Jimmy Akingbola, stars The Lincoln Lawyer’s Yaya DaCosta and Matlock’s Skye P. Marshall were in attendance.
Generation Next
On March 11, Chloe Bailey wore trophy gold for “Vanities: A Night For Young Hollywood,” held at Bar Marmont in Los Angeles. It’s one of Vanity Fair’s annual event series leading up to this weekend’s Academy Awards.
Reminders of Him and one of EBONY’s 30 Under 30 listees, Tyriq Withers, flashed big smiles as he co-hosted a night recognizing Hollywood’s rising stars.
Fantastic Four
Image: Leon Bennett/Getty Images
A quartet of talent was onstage for Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood, held at the Sunset Room on March 11. The awards ceremony recognized Black male stars who have enriched the landscape of culturally-enriching storytelling as filmmakers, actors, and producers. The night’s honorees were Omar Benson Miller, who received the Amplified Impact Award; Mario Van Peebles, who received the Icon of Achievement Award; Taye Diggs, who received the Impact and Excellence Award; and Wood Harris, who received the Fearless Trailblazer Award.
Dynamic Duo
Image: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Women’s Cancer Research Fund
Kerry Washington accepted the Courage Award from surprise presenter Jennifer Lopez at “An Unforgettable Evening” inside the Beverly Wilshire on March 11 in Beverly Hills, California. A signature gala event for the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, the award was presented in recognition of Washington’s courage and advocacy for the cause.