The Oscars are almost here, and Disney fans have a few reasons to pay attention before the show even begins. The Walt Disney Company picked up four total nominations for the 98th Oscars across Avatar: Fire and Ash,Elio, and Zootopia 2. The bigger fan hook, though, may be Oscars Pick’em, the free-to-play game from ABC, ESPN, and The Academy that lets you predict winners in all 24 main categories before the ceremony begins.
Disney’s 2026 Oscar Nominees
Disney’s four nominations are spread across three films. Avatar: Fire and Ash earned two nominations, for Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects. Elio is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. Zootopia 2 is also nominated for Best Animated Feature Film.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
If you still want to catch up with Disney’s live-action nominee, Avatar: Fire and Ash is in theaters now. Disney’s official Oscars guide highlights the film’s two nominations, making it the company’s most-nominated title this year.
Elio
Pixar’s Elio is already streaming on Disney+, so this is the easiest nominee to watch before the ceremony. That makes it the most convenient last-minute Oscar catch-up for families at home.
Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2 is in theaters now, available on digital, and begins streaming March 11 on Disney+. That gives Disney fans multiple ways to watch before Oscar night on March 15.
How to Watch the Oscars
The 98th Oscars will air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and will be available on ABC and Hulu.
Sam’s Disney Diary Take
For Disney fans, the real story is not just that Disney has four nominations. It is that there is a fun way to play along this year while catching up on the nominees. If you already plan to watch the Oscars on ABC or Hulu, ESPN’s Oscars Pick’em gives the night a little extra energy. Then Disney+ makes it easy to squeeze in Elio or Zootopia 2 before the winners are announced.
