The 2026 Oscars may have concluded, but the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night are far from over. Following the triumphant announcement of One Battle After Another as Best Picture at the Conan O’Brien-hosted ceremony on March 15th, the esteemed attendees of the Dolby Theatre spilled out into the Los Angeles night, ready to continue the celebrations at a constellation of after-parties.
Beyond the legendary Vanity Fair soirée, a host of other exclusive gatherings beckoned. Winners, nominees, presenters, and even those who weren’t on the Academy Awards’ roster flocked to late-night festivities hosted by music titans Elton John, Madonna, and the power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé. These events provided a more relaxed, yet equally star-studded, environment to toast the night’s achievements.
The Academy’s official after-party, the iconic Governor’s Ball, offered a unique experience for the newly crowned Oscar winners. It’s here that the coveted statuettes are traditionally engraved. While luminaries like Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Buckley, and Amy Madigan patiently awaited their personalised trophies, other guests indulged in exquisite culinary creations. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, alongside his son Byron Puck, curated a delectable menu, complemented by premium beverages from Don Julio Tequila.
Byron Puck recently offered a glimpse into the logistical feat of feeding such a discerning and numerous crowd. “It’s hard when you’re doing ice cream or sorbets or gelatos for 1,500 people,” he shared, highlighting the dedication to crafting these frozen treats from scratch for the occasion.
A Night of Records and Triumphs
The anticipation for the awards themselves was palpable, amplified by a series of record-breaking achievements. Ryan Coogler’s ambitious production, Sinners, entered the night with an astonishing 16 nominations, a testament to its widespread critical acclaim. This haul included a nomination for costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who etched her name in history as the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history.
The acting categories also saw history being made. Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme, became the youngest male actor to secure three acting nominations, a feat previously achieved by Hollywood legend Marlon Brando. Similarly, Emma Stone, recognised for both Best Actress and Best Picture as a co-producer for Bugonia, earned the distinction of being the youngest woman to accumulate seven Oscar nominations.
The After-Party Scene: A Glimpse into the Celebrations
As the official ceremony wound down, the energy shifted to the various after-parties scattered across the city, each offering its own unique brand of celebration. These events are not just about revelry; they are a crucial part of the Oscars ecosystem, allowing for informal networking and a chance for the industry’s elite to unwind after a high-pressure evening.
The Vanity Fair party, as always, was a major draw, attracting a vast array of talent. Paparazzi lined the entrances, capturing the stunning fashion choices of the night. Inside, a mix of award winners and nominees mingled, sharing stories and congratulating each other. It’s a space where emerging stars can rub shoulders with established legends, fostering connections that can shape future projects.
Meanwhile, Elton John’s annual Oscar viewing party, a long-standing tradition, also served as a significant after-party destination. Known for its philanthropic element, the event often raises considerable funds for Elton John’s AIDS Foundation, blending celebration with a noble cause. Guests enjoyed the festivities while contributing to a vital global health initiative.
Madonna and the power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé also hosted their own exclusive gatherings. These parties often reflect the distinct styles of their hosts, offering a more intimate and curated experience for their invited guests. Such events are prime opportunities for industry insiders to connect in a more relaxed setting, away from the cameras and the formal structure of the awards ceremony.
The Governor’s Ball, with its unique offering of engraved statuettes, provided a different kind of excitement. The atmosphere here is often one of pure joy and accomplishment, as winners hold their newly personalised awards. The culinary delights and premium drinks further enhance the celebratory mood, making it a memorable conclusion to the evening for those who have achieved Oscar glory.
The entire Oscars night, from the red carpet to the final after-party, is a carefully orchestrated spectacle. It’s a night that celebrates cinematic achievement, recognises talent, and provides a platform for both historic moments and enduring traditions. The parties that follow the ceremony are an integral part of this tradition, allowing the magic of Hollywood’s biggest night to linger just a little longer.
The 2026 Oscars may be over, but movie’s biggest night rages on.
After One Battle After Another was awarded Best Picture at the Conan O’Brien-hosted ceremony on March 15, the star-studded crowd inside the Dolby Theatre dispersed to hit up the many parties happening across Los Angeles.
The iconic Governor’s Ball, the Academy’s official after-party, is where newly-minted Oscar winners traditionally get their statuettes engraved. As Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Jessie Buckley and Amy Madigan waited on their trophies, other guests enjoyed culinary creations by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and his son Byron Puck, as well as drinks from Don Julio Tequila.
But it was a night to remember even before the awards were handed out. After all, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners came into the show with a record-breaking 16 nominations—including a nod for costume designer Ruth E. Carter, now the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history.
With his Best Actor nomination for Marty Supreme, Timothée Chalamet entered the record books as the youngest male actor to earn three acting nominations since Hollywood legend Marlon Brando. Similarly, Emma Stone—who was up for Best Actress and Best Picture as a co-producer for Bugonia—earned the title as the youngest woman to rack up seven nominations.
