The 98th Academy Awards, held in 2026, proved to be a night of both dazzling highs and unexpected lows. From groundbreaking wins and poignant tributes to awkward moments and a host who may have overstayed his welcome, the ceremony delivered a full spectrum of emotions and memorable events. For those who missed the glitz and glamour, or simply want a recap of the standout moments, here’s a breakdown of the night’s biggest wins, most impactful tributes, and a few of the less-than-stellar segments.
The Good, The Great, and The Historic
The 2026 Oscars were marked by several significant achievements and deeply moving tributes.
A Landmark Win for Cinematography: The night saw a historic moment as the first woman took home an Oscar for Best Cinematography, a long-overdue recognition for female talent in a traditionally male-dominated field. This win is a powerful step forward for inclusivity in the film industry.
A Rare Tie for Best Live-Action Short Film: In a moment that echoed through Oscar history, the award for Best Live-Action Short Film resulted in a tie for the seventh time ever. Both “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva” were recognised, showcasing the incredible talent in short-form filmmaking.
Amy Madigan’s Surprise Supporting Actress Win: Veteran actress Amy Madigan earned a delightful and unexpected win for Best Supporting Actress for her electrifying performance as Aunt Gladys in the horror flick “Weapons.” Having been nominated previously in 1986, Madigan’s acceptance speech captured the sentiment of many, humorously noting, “What’s different is I’ve got this little gold guy!”
“Sinners” Dominates with Screenplay and Acting Wins: Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed film “Sinners” not only garnered significant nominations but also secured a major win for Best Original Screenplay for Coogler himself. The film’s success continued with Michael B. Jordan’s powerful Best Actor win, where he delivered a heartfelt speech thanking his family. Jessie Buckley also took home the Best Actress award for her role in “Hamnet,” dedicating her win to the strength of mothers.
“One Battle After Another” Clinches Best Picture: Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was a major contender throughout the evening, ultimately securing the coveted Best Picture award. Anderson, who also won for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, expressed his gratitude and joy, capping off a triumphant night for the film.
Performances That Electrified the Room
The musical performances at the Oscars are always a highlight, and 2026 was no exception.
- “Sinners” Brings the House Down: The cast and crew of “Sinners” delivered a truly electrifying performance of the film’s hit song “I Lied to You.” Miles Caton, alongside co-writer Raphael Saadiq, Shaboozey, Brittany Howard, and ballet icon Misty Copeland, transformed the stage into a vibrant juke joint, perfectly capturing the spirit of the film with a performance that was both cool and deeply moving.
Reunions That Sparked Nostalgia
The Academy Awards often bring beloved casts back together, and this year was no different, offering fans moments of pure nostalgia.
- “Bridesmaids” Cast Reunites: The comedic powerhouses behind “Bridesmaids” – Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, and Maya Rudolph – reunited to present awards. Their segment was filled with witty banter and self-deprecating humour about aging, reminding everyone of the film’s enduring legacy.
“Moulin Rouge!” Stars Serenade the Audience: Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, the iconic duo from “Moulin Rouge!,” delighted the audience by reprising some of their memorable lines from the musical before presenting the Best Picture award. Their on-stage chemistry reignited the magic of the beloved film.
Marvel Stars Together Again: While not in their superhero suits, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans shared the stage, bringing a touch of MCU camaraderie to the proceedings as they presented awards.
Tributes That Stirred the Soul
This year’s “In Memoriam” segment was particularly poignant, honouring a constellation of stars who left us too soon.
- Honouring Hollywood Legends: The ceremony paid heartfelt tribute to industry giants such as Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton. Billy Crystal led a moving salute to Reiner, joined by actors from his iconic films. Rachel McAdams delivered an emotional tribute to Keaton, and Barbra Streisand performed a deeply personal rendition of “The Way We Were” in honour of her co-star, Robert Redford.
Moments That Missed the Mark
While the night was filled with triumphs, a few elements fell short of expectations.
- Conan O’Brien’s Overexposure: Host Conan O’Brien’s presence was felt throughout the evening, perhaps a little too much. His opening montage and monologue stretched for nearly 20 minutes, and subsequent appearances felt more like filler than genuine contributions. While his humour was inoffensive, the sheer volume of his screen time often detracted from the more emotional and significant moments of the ceremony.
- The Near-Disaster of the Short Film Tie: The historic tie for Best Live-Action Short Film was nearly overshadowed by an unfortunate technical mishap. The production team attempted to cut short the acceptance speech of one of the winning films, “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” by playing over them and even retracting a microphone. This led to an awkward pause and visible groans from the audience before the camera returned to the winners, highlighting a moment of poor execution.
- “Golden” Performance Felt Underwhelming: The performance of the chart-topping song “Golden” from the Oscar-winning animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” arrived late in the ceremony and felt anticlimactic. Despite the song’s massive cultural impact, the abbreviated performance lacked the expected bombast, leaving many feeling it didn’t quite live up to the hype, making the film’s subsequent Oscar win feel like the true prize.
The 98th Academy Awards was an evening that celebrated cinematic excellence, remembered cherished artists, and provided moments of both profound emotion and mild disappointment. It was a night that reaffirmed the power of storytelling and the enduring magic of Hollywood.
