Oscars 2026: All the memorable moments

The 98th Academy Awards was one for the books, filled with brand-new pop culture moments ranging from touching tributes to nail-on-the-head jokes and film reunions.

Here are all the memorable moments from this year’s Oscars.

1. Conan O’Brien’s savage jokes

You can count on Conan O’Brien to be nothing short of iconic.

The TV host made a wide range of jokes on Hollywood’s biggest night and left no stone unturned. He made references to Donald Trump, pedophilia, and the Epstein Files, and also called out Timothee Chalamet for his “no one cares” about ballet or opera comment.

Conan also made a new Leonardo DiCaprio meme, “That feeling when you didn’t agree to this,” to which the actor gamely played along.

2. The tributes (and lack of them)

The Oscars paid tribute to Hollywood personalities who had passed away recently.

“When Harry Met Sally...” star Billy Crystal led the tribute for filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, with other stars from his films like Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kathy Bates, and more taking the stage. Billy gave a speech about Rob’s films having a big public impact, and the advocacies he and his late wife, Michelle, pushed for.

Rachel McAdams also paid tribute to the late Diane Keaton, who played her mother in “The Family Stone.” She said in her speech, “For over 50 years, luminous onscreen and indelible in life, believe me when I say there isn’t an actress of my generation who is not inspired by and enthralled with her absolute singularity.”

Another viral moment was Barbra Streisand tearing up during her tribute to the late actor and filmmaker Robert Redford. Barbra honored Robert in a speech, and called him a “brilliant, subtle actor” who was “thoughtful and bold.” She then made a rare performance by singing “The Way We Were,” from the movie of the same name that she starred in with Robert.

There was, however, the absence of tributes for certain stars that viewers also noticed, such as the late James Van Der Beek, Eric Kane, Brigitte Bardot, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Robert Carradine, June Lockhart, and Bud Cort.

3. ‘Sinners’ being the most nominated film in Oscars history

“Sinners” made history with 16 nominations, and ended the night with four wins.

The 2025 horror film was awarded Best Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler; Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, who played twins, Smoke and Stack; Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw; and Best Score for Ludwig Göransson.

This is Michael's first Oscar win and nomination. 

Meanwhile, Autumn is the first woman to win Best Cinematography.

4. Misty Copeland’s ballet performance

Hey, Timothee Chalamet, people do care about ballet!

Acclaimed ballerina and actress Misty Copeland performed during a special rendition of “I Lied to You,” which was nominated for Best Original Song.

Misty temporarily came out of retirement—having stepped back as a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre back in October 2025—to perform on the Oscars stage.

The “I Lied to You” performance featured various forms of dance from traditional to hip-hop, with Misty coming in with her graceful ballet routine towards the end to a loud round of applause

5. Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour have a ‘Devil Wears Prada’ moment

Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour just created a pop culture moment!

The two presented the awards for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. 

While presenting Best Costume Design, Anne asked the iconic former Vogue editor-in-chief—who is largely believed to be the inspiration behind Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada”—what she thought of her dress.

Anna did not answer, and instead gave a hilarious nonchalant look.

6. 'Bridesmaids’ reunite

In a surprise move, the cast of “Bridesmaids” reunited on the Oscars stage 15 years after their comedy movie premiered.

Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper entered the stage to a standing ovation. For their bit, they were given funny notes to read to the audience.

They presented the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Sound, which went to “Sinners” and “F1,” respectively.

7. ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ get cut off

“Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” made Oscars history as the first K-Pop song to win Best Original Song.

The songwriting team, composed of EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Teddy Park, won the award.

EJAE turned emotional as she accepted the award and expressed her gratitude. However, as Yu Han took the mic, he was cut off by loud music. The team tried to continue and gestured to the cameras to let them speak 

Later on, Yu Han was able to finish his speech backstage among members of the press. 

"I would like to thank our families, my fellow Idol members, and Teddy Park. This is an incredible honor," he said. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News