Best moments from the Oscars include emotional tributes, surprise appearances

Published: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 4:49 am

2026 Oscars: A Night of Triumphs, Tributes, and Surprises

The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, delivered a memorable evening filled with emotional moments, historic wins, and unexpected surprises. Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" led the pack, securing six awards, including Best Picture and Best Directing. Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for his role in "Sinners," delivering a heartfelt speech that acknowledged his family and collaborators.

The "In Memoriam" segment paid tribute to industry legends, including Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton, with Billy Crystal and Barbra Streisand offering poignant remembrances. Adding a touch of novelty, the Best Live Action Short Film category resulted in a rare tie, a first in over a decade.

The ceremony also featured lighthearted moments, such as a surprise appearance by the "Star Wars" character Grogu, and a playful reunion of the "Bridesmaids" cast. "KPop Demon Hunters" made history, winning Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, marking a significant milestone for South Korean creatives.

The night was also marked by powerful moments of reflection. "All the Empty Rooms," a documentary short about the impact of school shootings, won an Oscar, with Gloria Cazares, whose daughter was a victim, delivering a moving speech. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography, and the first Black person to win in the category. The show opened with a comedic sketch featuring host Conan O'Brien, chased by children from the film "Weapons."

BNN's Perspective: The Oscars continue to be a reflection of the evolving landscape of the film industry. While the celebration of artistic achievement is always welcome, the inclusion of diverse voices and the recognition of important social issues, such as gun violence, show the Academy's commitment to reflecting the world we live in.

Keywords: Oscars, Academy Awards, One Battle After Another, Michael B. Jordan, Sinners, In Memoriam, Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Tie, Grogu, Star Wars, Bridesmaids, KPop Demon Hunters, All the Empty Rooms, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Conan O'Brien, Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, South Korean, Documentary Short Film.

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