The Oscars 2026: Highlights from the 98th Academy Awards
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It was a night of triumph for One Battle After Another, which picked up six prizes at the Academy Awards, including the coveted statuette for Best Picture.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s big-budget caper edged out vampire horror Sinners, which had entered the night as the most nominated film with 16 nods. The film’s star Michael B Jordan did, however, clinch Best Actor, leaving Marty Supreme and Timothée Chalamet’s ping-pong prodigy empty-handed.
Meanwhile, Irish actor and favourite to win Jessie Buckley took home Best Actress for her searing performance in Hamnet.
It was an evening of emotional highs and lows with host Conan O’Brien praised for his “hilarious” opening monologue, in which he lightly jibed Chalamet over the actor’s controversial comments about the declining audiences of ballet and opera.
Elsewhere, Billy Crystal and Rachel McAdams presented one of the most moving In Memoriam segments in the ceremony’s history, honouring stars such as Catherine O’Hara, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford. Excluded from the section, however, were notable names including Eric Dane and Brigitte Bardot.
Follow below for the latest from the 98th Academy Awards, and reactions below.
‘Golden’ songwriters got to finish their speech
After the songwriting team behind “Golden” were cut off during their acceptance speech for best original song, the musicians finished their remarks backstage.
“We feel very grateful and very honored,” Singer EJAE said in the pressroom. “We all worked so hard and this is such a collaborative effort, we just need to thank our directors.”
EJAE continued, “Also, I needed to thank Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna onstage, but I didn’t get to because they just cut us off. They killed it with their singing and they’re just incredible people and I love them so much.”
Carsen Holaday16 March 2026 15:28
‘Bridesmaids’ star reveals reason she missed reunion
Bridesmaids actor Wendi McClendon-Covey shared an Instagram post addressing why she was missing from the hit movie’s onstage reunion at the Oscars.
“In response to some of the dms I’m getting: I had a neck lift last week because I’m tired of looking like a melting candle,” the comedian wrote, sharing a picture of herself with gauze wrapped around her head and a bloody pajama collar.
“So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine.”
Carsen Holaday16 March 2026 15:00
After Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor, his former Fant4stic and That Awkward Moment co-star Miles Teller congratulated him in a post on X.
“What’s up, Blue!!!! So proud of my guy,” Teller wrote, sharing a throwback picture of the pair. “Top of the mountain.”
Carsen Holaday16 March 2026 14:55
Miles Teller congratulates Michael B. Jordan
After Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor, his former Fant4stic and That Awkward Moment co-star Miles Teller congratulated him in a post on X.
“What’s up, Blue!!!! So proud of my guy,” Teller wrote, sharing a throwback picture of the pair. “Top of the mountain.”
Carsen Holaday16 March 2026 14:51
Secrets from the Vanity Fair Oscars Party
The venue may have changed — last year’s party was held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills — but as the aroma of In-N-Out wafted through the air while a reporter was scolded for breaking the media guidelines, the location didn’t seem to matter much; the vibe was just right.
Carsen Holaday16 March 2026 14:47
Olympian in attendance
Olympic gold medallist Alysa Liu attended the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in a Louis Vuitton minidress.
Alysa Liu at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party (AFP via Getty Images)
Carsen Holaday16 March 2026 14:27
If you think you’re having a bad day, at least you didn’t put $1,000 on Timothée Chalamet
For every winner, there’s a loser (or multiple, for that matter) – and last night Kevin O’Leary found himself on the losing side
The 71-year-old – best known as an investor on America’s reality business show Shark Tank – had bet $1,000 on his Marty Supreme co-star Timothée Chalamet to take home Best Actor, and was left empty-handed when Chalamet was, well also left empty-handed.
Kevin O’Leary has been an investor on reality television shows ‘Dragons’ Den’ and ‘Shark Tank’ (Getty)
Annabel Nugent16 March 2026 14:20
Star Wars fans watching the Oscars last night certainly got a treat when Baby Yoda (aka Grogu) made a surprise appearance at the ceremony, where he was spotted getting cosy with Kate Hudson whose teal dress incidentally seemed to perfectly match the cuddly creature. Aw!
Annabel Nugent16 March 2026 14:00
Conan O’Brien’s ‘Moderately Happy Meal’
As is tradition, guests last night were treated to a snack pack to help get them through the ceremony, which runs for more than three hours.
For much-needed sustenance, attendees are given a bag of popcorn, a bottle of water, and either Mike and Ike’s or Junior Mints. Trail Mix was also available in the lobby.
It may seem like a modest offering, but it’s far more luxurious than the Swedish fish, pretzels, and water served at last year’s awards show.
Host Conan O’Brien left a note in the box alongside a sketch of himself and note that read, “I hope you enjoy this Conan O’Brien ‘Moderately Happy Meal.’ These snacks may not look like much but in any movie theater they would run you $85. Good luck tonight, have fun, and remember that loud, enthusiastic laughter is good for your health and my ego.”
(Getty Images)
Annabel Nugent16 March 2026 13:40
ICYMI
If you’re after a quick rundown of everything noteworthy that happened at last night’s awards ceremony, look no further than our highlights reel below…
The Oscars 2026: Highlights from the 98th Academy Awards
Annabel Nugent16 March 2026 13:20