“I’m honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” Conan O’Brien joked in his opening monologue at the 2026 Oscars. “Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”
And with that, the second-time host kicked off Hollywood’s biggest night of awards, heartfelt moments, and even some history-making. Sinners cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman ever to win the Oscar for best cinematography. Paul Thomas Anderson took home his first Academy Awards (plural!). Jessie Buckley won best actress for her work in Hamnet. The women of Bridesmaids reunited!
All eyes were on the star-studded ceremony, from the moment nominees—including Teyana Taylor wearing custom Chanel by Matthieu Blazy, Timothée Chalamet in Givenchy by Sarah Burton, and Rose Byrne in Dior by Jonathan Anderson—arrived on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, until the final award of the night.
While many placed their bets on who would take home the biggest prizes at the 98th Academy Awards, we kept our eyes peeled for the truly fun and unpredictable part of a room full of actors and filmmakers: the candid moments that happen off-screen. Moments like: Elle Fanning, Timothée Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner chatting; Nicole Kidman flashing a peace sign; presenters Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver sharing a laugh, and more.
Below, check out all the best air kisses, laughs, hugs, mini-reunions, and other real moments from the Oscars.
