Issue #742 Sun 15 Mar
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — March 15, 2026
A patient grid for a Saturday morning. Take your time with the connections.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The golden statuette resting on the mantle, catching the light from the evening news.
High-profile industry recognition
TOP INDUSTRY ACCOLADES
Spangram 4 hints · 12 letters
The connector word
Two-word compound noun
12 letters.
Starts with A, ends with D.
ACADEMY AWARD
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (5 letters)
- 2 A (7 letters)
- 3 D (8 letters)
- 4 P (7 letters)
- 5 S (4 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AC (5 letters)
- 2 AC (7 letters)
- 3 DI (8 letters)
- 4 PI (7 letters)
- 5 SO (4 letters)
- 6 SO (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Someone who inhabits a role until the cameras stop rolling.
5 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AC.
ACTOR
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The performer delivering a monologue that brings the house down.
7 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AC.
ACTRESS
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
The person behind the lens calling the shots on set.
8 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DI.
DIRECTOR
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The final cut that makes it onto the big screen.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PI.
PICTURE
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A melody written specifically for the credits.
4 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SONG
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The hum of the background ambient noise captured on location.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SOUND
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- ACTOR
- ACTRESS
- DIRECTOR
- PICTURE
- SONG
- SOUND
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on March 15, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for March 15, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on March 15, 2026?
NYT Strands on March 15, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the March 15, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 12 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "A" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on March 15, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 12-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 12-letter spangram