The 98th Academy Awards will be remembered as a whirlwind of sharp-witted comedy, overdue historical milestones, and deeply emotional tributes. From biting monologues to the sweeping victories of One Battle After Another, the evening balanced Hollywood glamour with raw, human moments. Here are the highlights that defined the night.
Conan O’Brien’s Sharp-Toothed Debut
Host Conan O’Brien wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room: Timothée Chalamet’s recent viral comments dismissing opera and ballet as art forms "no one cares about."
"Security is extremely tight tonight," Conan quipped during his opening monologue.
I’m told there are concerns of attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.
However, the room went from laughing to stunned silence when Conan took a jagged political turn. Noting that 2026 marked the first time since 2012 that no British actors were nominated in the major categories, he delivered a stinging "diss" aimed at the American government's handling of the Epstein files.
A British spokesperson said, ‘Yeah, well, at least we arrest our pedophiles.’
The line served as a direct indictment of the lack of high-profile arrests in the U.S. compared to the UK.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Documentary Sting
While presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film, Jimmy Kimmel took a moment to acknowledge the gravity of the medium. He praised the international community of filmmakers who "tell the truth at great risk" to call out injustice and inspire action. He then pivoted to a sharp critique of Melania Trump’s recent Amazon documentary, Melania. "And then there are also documentaries where you walk around the White House trying on shoes," Kimmel added, referencing the film's focus on the First Lady’s wardrobe.
A Record-Breaking Win for a Missing Sean Penn
In a stunning turn, Sean Penn took home his third Best Actor Oscar. However, his seat remained empty; Penn was not in the building to collect the statuette, leaving the audience to applaud his career-defining performance in absentia. Later on, it turned out the actor was actually in Kyiv, meeting with the president Zelenskyy.
An Emotional "In Memoriam"
The tributes this year were particularly poignant, honoring several titans of the industry. The room shared a collective moment of silence for the legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife. Rachel McAdams delivered a tearful tribute to the late Catherine O'Hara and Diane Keaton, celebrating their unmatched contributions to female-led comedy. In perhaps the most moving moment of the night, Barbra Streisand took the stage to sing the theme from The Way We Were as a tribute to her late onscreen partner Robert Redford.
The "Magic Mike" Gift
Providing some much-needed levity, Robert Downey Jr. shared a hilarious moment with his former Marvel co-star Chris Evans. RDJ gifted Evans an authentic Magic Mike thong on stage.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw Makes History
History was made when Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for Sinners, becoming the first woman ever to take home the prize in that category. In a powerful gesture, she asked every woman in the room to stand up, stating, "I don't get here without you guys."
Michael B. Jordan Joins the Legends
Michael B. Jordan secured the Best Actor trophy, becoming only the sixth Black man to win the award in a leading role. His speech was a masterclass in humility as he named the giants who paved the way: Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Halle Berry. Jordan was later spotted celebrating his historic win at In-N-Out Burger.
Jessie Buckley’s Inevitable Victory
For anyone who watched her performance, Jessie Buckley’s win for Best Actress felt like a foregone conclusion. As her name was called, her co-star Paul Mescal erupted in a reaction so pure and joyful it went viral instantly. Buckley delivered a beautiful speech, thanking her parents for teaching her "to dream and carry your own passion."
The Sweep: One Battle After Another
The technical and artistic powerhouse of the year, "One Battle After Another," dominated the evening. A political thriller set in a police-state version of America, the film took home six Oscars, including Best Picture. Paul Thomas Anderson was recognized as Best Director and also picked up the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Anna Wintour on stage
Fashion icon Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway teamed up on stage to announce the winners for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup & Hairstyling. The duo’s appearance comes just ahead of the highly anticipated release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, which arrives in theaters May 1st.
As part of Mercedes-Benz Tbilisi Fashion Week, Polish model Malgosia Bela will present her book Winter Girl at Telegraph Hotel – a witty and intimate reflection on fashion, identity, and life inside the industry.
Madonna made a surprise return to Coachella during Sabrina Carpenter’s headlining set, performing “Vogue,” “Like a Prayer,” and debuting the new single “I Feel So Free.”
Euphoria returns after three years with a third season led by Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney. The new chapter moves beyond high school and opens a darker, wider world.
