Top 10 moments of 2026 Oscars
10 . Paul Thomas Anderson’s Long-Awaited Coronation
After three decades of influential filmmaking and numerous nominations, Paul Thomas Anderson secured his first Best Director win for One Battle After Another. The film was the biggest winner of the night, taking home six awards, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Anderson’s win was seen by many as a long-overdue recognition of his contribution to American cinema.
9. The Tribute to Cinema Legends
The "In Memoriam" and special tribute segments featured moving honors for Hollywood icons Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner. These segments served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of filmmakers who have shaped the industry over the last century.
8. Amy Madigan’s First Oscar After 40 Years
Veteran actress Amy Madigan received a standing ovation as she won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Weapons. Having been a staple of the industry for over four decades, her first win was celebrated as a "veteran’s triumph," proving that powerful storytelling and performance remain timeless.
7. The Introduction of the Best Casting Award
The 2026 Oscars marked the debut of the Best Casting category, the first new competitive award added to the ceremony in a quarter-century. Cassandra Kulukundis took home the inaugural trophy for One Battle After Another, highlighting the essential role that casting directors play in the success of a production.
6. Jessie Buckley’s Historic Win for Ireland
Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet. Her victory was a proud moment for her home country, as she became the first Irish performer to ever win in this prestigious category. Her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare was widely cited as the definitive performance of the year.
5. A Rare Tie in the Short Film Category
The Academy witnessed its first tie in thirteen years during the announcement for Best Live Action Short Film. Both The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva were declared winners. The unexpected result provided a unique moment of shared celebration between the two creative teams on stage.
4. Conan O’Brien’s "Ballet and Opera" Monologue
Host Conan O’Brien brought his signature wit to the stage, specifically addressing a recent lighthearted controversy involving Timothée Chalamet. O'Brien joked about "increased security" due to the "ballet and opera communities" being upset with the actor. Chalamet, seated in the front row, was seen laughing along, turning a trending topic into one of the night’s funniest scripted moments.
3. K-Pop Makes History on the Global Stage
The song "Golden" from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters made history as the first K-pop track to win Best Original Song. Performed live during the ceremony by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the win marked a breakthrough for South Korean music in the film industry. The film also secured the award for Best Animated Feature.
2. Autumn Durald Arkapaw Shatters the Glass Ceiling
In a moment that will be remembered for decades, Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for Sinners. She became the first woman and the first person of color to win in this category in the 98-year history of the Academy. Upon accepting the award, she invited all the women in the room to stand, dedicating her win to the collective efforts of women behind the camera.
1. Michael B. Jordan’s Landmark Victory
Michael B. Jordan achieved a significant career milestone by winning Best Actor for his dual role in Sinners. This victory made him the first actor in Academy history to win for portraying identical twins. In his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed profound gratitude to his long-time collaborator, Ryan Coogler, and thanked his family for their unwavering support throughout his career.
