These are the Oscar 2026 moments everyone is talking about

The iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles once again became the centre of the film world as it hosted the 98th Academy Awards. A ceremony that, beyond the prizes themselves, delivered anecdotes, surprise appearances, political statements and several moments that quickly made their way across the internet. Between the glamour of the red carpet, unexpected reunions and scenes already circulating on social media, the night once again proved that something worth talking about always happens at the Oscars… even while half the internet was waiting to see whether, after weeks of noise and controversy, Timothée Chalamet would finally take home the statuette. Everyone is talking about these moments. Or rather, these ten real stand-out moments.

Chalamet misses out on the Oscar

One of the small disappointments of the night was Timothée Chalamet, who arrived as one of the most anticipated names of the ceremony but saw the Oscar go to Michael B. Jordan instead. The actor, who plays twins in Sinners, took home the statuette… although it almost looked like two people were going up to collect it. Chalamet, meanwhile, took it in good humour when host Conan O’Brien joked about his recent controversy involving comments on ballet and opera, saying security had been tightened in case any angry dancers showed up at the Dolby Theatre.

A Kardashian in the front row at the Dolby Theatre

Kylie Jenner’s presence also did not go unnoticed. Sitting beside Chalamet during the ceremony, she quickly became one of the most talked-about details of the broadcast. The entrepreneur appeared in a red sequinned Schiaparelli dress that many instantly compared to Jessica Rabbit. And although Chalamet — and Marty Supreme — went home empty-handed, the couple once again proved they always know how to keep people talking.

Jacob Elordi’s date with his biggest fan

The red carpet delivered one of the night’s most talked-about moments thanks to Jacob Elordi. The actor attended the ceremony with his mother, Melissa, fulfilling her dream of accompanying him to the awards. Although he didn’t win the statuette, the image of Elordi looking at her with pride and affection quickly went viral, reminding everyone that amid all the glamour of Hollywood, sometimes the best plus-one is still mum. Unsurprisingly, the internet wasted no time turning the moment into one of the most shared scenes of the evening.

The devil wears Prada again (and her name is Anna Wintour)

Fashion also had its moment when Anne Hathaway took the stage alongside Anna Wintour to present the award for Best Costume Design. The actress, who will reprise her role as Andy Sachs in the upcoming sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, jokingly asked the Vogue editor what she thought of her dress. Wintour, staying perfectly on brand, ignored the question and went straight to announcing the nominees, recreating — intentionally or not — one of those awkward silences that inevitably recalls Miranda Priestly, the character played by Meryl Streep long associated with her. The Dolby Theatre burst into laughter. Hollywood understood the reference immediately.

Zendaya always shows up when you least expect it

Many fans were missing Zendaya on the red carpet… until she unexpectedly appeared during the ceremony. The actress took the stage alongside Robert Pattinson to present an award, confirming that her earlier absence had only built anticipation. With a new haircut and a brown gown that quickly began circulating online, Zendaya once again proved that even a brief appearance is enough for her to steal the spotlight. Hardly surprising given that she will soon return to the big screen as the lead in The Drama.

Nostalgia with two iconic reunions

One of the night’s most emotional moments came with the reunion of Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, stars of Moulin Rouge. Twenty-five years after the film’s release, the pair met again on stage to present an award. The tribute went beyond a simple photo opportunity, as they even briefly sang Love Is All You Need, sparking nostalgia among the audience and reminding everyone that some classics still have a special place at the Oscars.

The nostalgia continued shortly afterwards with the reunion of the cast of the comedy Bridesmaids. Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne and Ellie Kemper shared the stage once again to present one of the awards. The group reunion drew laughter and warmth from the audience, proving that the chemistry — and friendship — among the cast is still very much alive years later.

Bardem’s shout

Javier Bardem delivered one of the most powerful moments of the evening. The Spanish actor had already made his position clear on the red carpet, wearing a badge reading “No to war”. Later, during his appearance on stage, he reinforced the message by calling for a “Free Palestine”. The statement briefly broke the celebratory tone of the ceremony and was met with a strong round of applause from the audience.

Pedro Pascal’s unexpected companion

Humour also had its moment when Pedro Pascal took the stage alongside Sigourney Weaver to present an award. But the real scene-stealer was Grogu, the small character from the Star Wars universe, who appeared with them and triggered laughter throughout the theatre. Weaver finished the moment with a nostalgic nod, delivering her iconic Aliens line, “Get away from him.” One of those absurdly perfect Oscar moments that only Hollywood could produce.

The Oscars bare their fangs with Sinners

One of the night’s standout musical moments came courtesy of Miles Caton, star of Sinners. The actor kicked off the ceremony’s performances with I Lied To You, delivering an intense stage number that set the musical tone for the evening. The performance tied directly into the film’s imagery — fangs included — which had already begun circulating on the red carpet earlier that night. With music, choreography and high-energy staging, the performance blended several disciplines, reminding everyone that the Oscars stage can accommodate almost anything… even the arts that some had recently described as “endangered”. Hollywood was starting the night showing its teeth.

Spain also walks the red carpet

Spain also had its moment at the Dolby Theatre. Alongside Javier Bardem, several Spanish faces attended the ceremony, from Manu Ríos and Arón Piper — who drew attention in fashion-forward looks — to director Óliver Laxe and the team behind Sirat. The film arrived with nominations in two categories but ultimately went home empty-handed. Still, the Spanish presence once again showed that Hollywood continues to look towards this side of the map.