The 2026 Oscars ceremony was a night to remember, filled with emotional wins, powerful performances, and some unexpected moments. Host Conan O’Brien kicked off the show with a hilarious cold open, channeling Amy Madigan’s Oscar-winning performance as Aunt Gladys in “Weapons.” The musical tribute to “Sinners” featured a star-studded lineup of musicians, including Miles Canton, Raphael Saadiq, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. O’Brien also delivered some biting one-liners, including a roast of Timothée Chalamet.
The ceremony also paid tribute to several late actors, including Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, with Billy Crystal’s heartfelt homages. The in-memoriam segment was a highlight, featuring Rachel McAdams’ moving recognition of her fellow Canadian Catherine O’Hara and Barbra Streisand’s emotional tributes to Robert Redford.
A milestone moment came when Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. She took the stage to thank her team, including her son, mother, and director Ryan Coogler. The broadcast ended with a powerful image of women rising to their feet in support of Arkapaw’s historic achievement.
The ceremony also featured some notable moments that didn’t quite land as planned, such as an awkward on-screen ID mix-up involving Kirsten Dunst being mistaken for Kathy Bates. However, these moments were quickly overshadowed by the show’s many highlights, which included a cameo from Jane Lynch and a hilarious segment featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans.
Overall, the 2026 Oscars ceremony was a night of laughter, tears, and trailblazers, celebrating some of the best in film while also recognizing those who paved the way for future generations.
Source: https://www.tvline.com/2124013/oscars-2026-review-best-worst-moments