When the run-up to the Oscars is one battle after another, we expect sparks to fly at the 2026 ceremony.
Pre-Oscars’ excitement gives us full-on heart eyes. The glitzy star-studded spectacle, high-tension drama, emotional speeches, and those swag bags! Then there’s the starry celebrity crossovers, the glamorous frocks and tuxes – all those beautiful people, in one place!
But it’s the glimmer of normality beyond the squillion spangles that gets our spotlight. We’re suckers for glimpses of the human behind the star power.
Let’s flash back to Will Smith’s slap. Or Jennifer Lawrence going flying up the steps. And Keiran Culkin using an acceptance speech for family planning?? From live TV chaos to full body chills moments, we’re spotlighting the most unforgettable scene-stealers at the 2026 Oscars, and the shocks of the night.
"Party on," says Jessie Buckley, amid the beautiful chaos
Jessie’s Sunday was big – her first Mother’s Day as a parent and an historic win as the first Irish actress to take home Best Actress for her performance as a grieving mother in Hamnet. In her speech, she dedicated the award to "the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart".
Michael B Jordan gets emotional
Even with the film’s record-breaking 16 nominations, Michael B Jordan still looked surprised at his Best Actor win for his twins performance in Sinners. He thanked Cooglar for giving him "an opportunity to be seen" – a touching nod to their five-film creative partnership. Writer/director Ryan Coogler picked up Best Original Screenplay for the genre-defying film.
Two fan-favourite reunions hit the stage – though not together!
Ever The Bridesmaids, the cast of the hit comedy – minus Rebel Wilson – came together to deliver a funny sketch. Meanwhile, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr presented an award, and Marvel fans went into meltdown as Captain America and Iron Man stood shoulder to shoulder.
The Oscars becomes KPop concert as the crowd wave glowsticks
Despite the couture gowns and tuxes, the Oscars crowd transformed into a K pop concert, waving glowsticks during Golden, the song from Best Animated Feature winner KPop Demon Hunters. Even Leo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, and Teyana Taylor joined in.
We celebrate milestone historical wins
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made Oscars history as the first woman ever to win Best Cinematography for Sinners. A groundbreaking moment 98 years in the making.
Leo DiCaprio’s reaction face didn’t disappoint
Leonardo DiCaprio leaned all the way into his meme crown — offering candid reaction shots and even posing for some at Conan O’Brien’s request. Leo’s face says what we’re all thinking.
A tie break shocker, and a tug-of-war over the golden statuette
No, the mock fight wasn’t over One Battle After Another and Sinners for Best Picture and Best Director, but for Best Live Action Short. When the words "It’s a tie!" rang out — only the sixth time in Academy history — the audience gasped. The two creative teams then staged a mock tug of war over the statuette.
Timothée Chalamet left with nothing, but was treated to some ballet
With Marty Supreme going home empty handed, Timothée Chalamet joins the ranks of stars who had to wait years for their first win – Leonardo DiCaprio waited 25 years, Al Pacino 21. Meanwhile, his front row view of the ballet performance interlude felt like in joke, given his recent comments on ballet and opera.
The host with the gentlest roast
Conan O’Brien proved himself master of the gentle roast. His Aunt Gladys from Weapons sketch — cutting from pre recorded chaos to live action on stage – delivered silly, sweet comedy without the bitterness awards shows sometimes flirt with.
Honourable mentions to…
Pedro Pascal’s suddenly vanishing facial hair (the internet has thoughts), Kate Hudson seated blissfully next to Baby Yoda, and Sinners star Jack O’Connell posing in mildly bloody fangs, fully committed to the part.
Want to catch the Best Picture winner, One Battle After Another, back on the big screen? You can book to watch at Cineworld now with tickets just £5.99 each.
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