2026 Oscars with Kids: 25 Useful Phrases for Bilingual Families

If your family is planning to watch the 2026 Oscars, this can be more than a fun movie night—it can also be a great bilingual learning moment.

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the ceremony will air on ABC and stream on Hulu. Coverage starts in prime time, which makes it easy for families to watch a short section together instead of the full show.

Many parents notice the same thing: when language practice stays only in a workbook or textbook, kids may understand the words but still feel bored, passive, or unwilling to speak. But when the same language is placed in a real-life moment—especially something fun and current, like a movie night or the Oscars—children are usually much more willing to listen, react, and try speaking.

In other words, the goal is not to replace structured learning. The goal is to make language feel more meaningful by connecting it to everyday life and exciting shared experiences. That’s exactly why Oscar night can work so well for bilingual families: it gives children a timely, emotional, and shared reason to use language right away.

In this guide, you’ll get 25 kid-friendly phrases your child can actually use during Oscar night, plus a simple mini speaking activity you can do at home.

Why Oscar Night Is a Great Bilingual Learning Moment

A shared event like the Oscars gives children a natural reason to talk. Instead of practicing language as an isolated task, they get to use it while reacting to something they are already interested in—funny moments, surprising winners, beautiful outfits, or inspiring speeches.

This kind of life-based practice can make a big difference. Children are often more engaged when language feels useful in the moment, and that makes it easier for them to remember words and try longer sentences. Structured learning still matters, but real-life practice helps bring that learning to life.

What kids can practice in one night

You do not need to practice everything in one night. Even one or two categories can create meaningful speaking opportunities.

The goal is not to make kids sound perfect. The goal is to help them feel comfortable using language in a meaningful family moment.

Before You Watch: Quick Tips for Parents

Before jumping into the phrase list, here are a few simple ways to make Oscar night easier and more fun for kids:

25 Useful Phrases for Bilingual Families

Below are 25 useful phrases in English + Chinese + pinyin, grouped by real family viewing situations.

A. Excited Reactions (5)

1. That’s so cool! 这太酷了！ Zhè tài kù le! When to use: When your child sees something exciting or impressive.

2. Wow, I didn’t expect that. 哇，我没想到。 Wa, wǒ méi xiǎngdào. When to use: A surprise winner or unexpected moment.

3. I like this one. 我喜欢这个。 Wǒ xǐhuan zhège. When to use: A movie clip, speech, or outfit they like.

4. This is my favorite. 这是我最喜欢的。 Zhè shì wǒ zuì xǐhuan de. When to use: Their top choice in a category.

5. That was amazing! 太精彩了！ Tài jīngcǎi le! When to use: After a great performance, speech, or moment.

B. Predicting and Guessing (5)

1. I think this one will win. 我觉得这个会赢。 Wǒ juéde zhège huì yíng. When to use: Before an award is announced.

2. Maybe she will win. 也许她会赢。 Yěxǔ tā huì yíng. When to use: Guessing a winner in a simple way.

3. My guess is… 我猜是…… Wǒ cāi shì… When to use: Let your child make a prediction before the envelope opens.

4. I’m not sure, but… 我不确定，不过…… Wǒ bù quèdìng, búguò… When to use: A gentle way to practice speaking even when unsure.

5. Let’s see what happens. 我们看看会发生什么。 Wǒmen kànkan huì fāshēng shénme. When to use: Before the result is announced.

C. Feelings and Opinions (5)

1. I feel excited. 我觉得很兴奋。 Wǒ juéde hěn xīngfèn. When to use: During a big moment or favorite category.

2. This movie is funny. 这部电影很好笑。 Zhè bù diànyǐng hěn hǎoxiào. When to use: Talking about a clip or film they enjoyed.

3. This movie is interesting. 这部电影很有意思。 Zhè bù diànyǐng hěn yǒuyìsi. When to use: When the child is curious or engaged.

4. I like it because… 我喜欢它，因为…… Wǒ xǐhuan tā, yīnwèi… When to use: Practice giving a reason, not just a preference.

5. That speech was inspiring. 刚才的发言很鼓舞人。 Gāngcái de fāyán hěn gǔwǔ rén. When to use: After a meaningful acceptance speech.

Big events like the Oscars are wonderful for sparking language use at home—but kids grow fastest when fun family moments are paired with consistent speaking practice.

If your child enjoys learning through real-life topics (movies, holidays, family conversations), LingoAce can help turn that interest into long-term confidence with structured support and encouraging feedback. A free trial class is a simple way to see what style fits your child best.

D. Family Discussion Phrases (5)

1. What do you think? 你觉得呢？ Nǐ juéde ne? When to use: Encourage turn-taking in family conversation.

2. Which one do you like best? 你最喜欢哪一个？ Nǐ zuì xǐhuan nǎ yíge? When to use: Compare movie clips, speeches, or looks.

3. Can you tell me why? 你可以告诉我为什么吗？ Nǐ kěyǐ gàosu wǒ wèishénme ma? When to use: Prompt your child to explain their opinion.

4. I agree. 我同意。 Wǒ tóngyì. When to use: Simple and polite agreement.

5. I don’t agree, but that’s okay. 我不同意，不过没关系。 Wǒ bù tóngyì, búguò méi guānxi. When to use: Teach respectful disagreement.

E. Wrapping Up After the Show (5)

1. My favorite moment was… 我最喜欢的时刻是…… Wǒ zuì xǐhuan de shíkè shì… When to use: After watching a short segment.

2. I learned a new word today. 我今天学了一个新词。 Wǒ jīntiān xué le yíge xīncí. When to use: End-of-night language reflection.

3. I want to watch that movie. 我想看那部电影。 Wǒ xiǎng kàn nà bù diànyǐng. When to use: When a trailer or clip catches their attention.

4. The best speech was… 最好的发言是…… Zuì hǎo de fāyán shì… When to use: Practice reviewing and comparing.

5. Next time, I want to say more in Chinese/English. 下次我想多说一点中文/英文。 Xiàcì wǒ xiǎng duō shuō yìdiǎn Zhōngwén/Yīngwén. When to use: Encourage growth mindset and confidence.

A 10-Minute Speaking Game for Oscar Night

Try this simple family activity: Watch, Say, Share

Step 1: Watch

Pick one short Oscar moment (a clip, a category announcement, or a speech).

Step 2: Say

Your child chooses:

• 1 reaction phrase (e.g., “That’s so cool!”)

• 1 opinion phrase (e.g., “I like it because…”)

Step 3: Share

Ask your child to say one full sentence with a reason.

Example: “I like this one because it is funny.”

Step 4: Parent Expand

Repeat what your child said and add one extra idea.

Example: “Yes, it’s funny, and the music is exciting too.”

This helps kids feel heard while naturally building longer speaking patterns.

Bonus: Kid-Friendly Oscar Night Vocabulary (Quick Table)

Here are a few useful words to pre-teach before watching:

You only need a few words to start. The real goal is helping your child use them in conversation.

FAQ

1) Can kids watch the Oscars?

Yes—many families can watch a short portion together. You do not need to watch the full ceremony. Choose a short, age-appropriate window and focus on conversation.

2) How can movie nights help my child practice speaking?

Movie nights give kids a real reason to react, describe, and share opinions. This makes speaking practice feel natural instead of forced.

3) What are good beginner phrases for bilingual kids during family movie night?

Start with short phrases like:

• “I like this one.”

• “That’s funny.”

• “What do you think?”

• “My favorite is…”

Short phrases are enough to build confidence.

4) How do I talk about movies with kids in English and Chinese?

Use simple sentence frames in both languages, and model one sentence at a time. Ask open-ended questions like “Why?” and “Which one do you like best?”

5) Do bilingual families need full sentences, or are short phrases enough?

Short phrases are absolutely enough at the beginning. Confidence comes first. Full sentences can grow naturally over time.

Conclusion

You don’t need a perfect plan to build bilingual habits at home. Sometimes, all it takes is a shared moment, a few simple phrases, and a little curiosity.

Oscar night can be a fun way to help your child practice speaking, expressing opinions, and connecting with family—without making it feel like homework.Start small. Pick a few phrases. Watch one short segment. Talk together.That’s already meaningful learning.

If your child enjoys learning through real-life topics like movies, holidays, and family conversations, LingoAce can help build that momentum with structured speaking practice and supportive teachers. Explore LingoAce and book a free trial class to help your child grow bilingual confidence in a way that feels natural and engaging.