The 2026 Academy Awards delivered everything viewers expect from Hollywood’s biggest night: emotional speeches, bold fashion, surprise wins, and a few awkward moments that instantly had social media buzzing. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 98th Oscars moved quickly and mixed classic movie prestige with playful, modern humor, making it one of the more entertaining ceremonies in recent memory. PEOPLE described the night as fast-paced, funny, emotional, and occasionally chaotic, with standout red carpet style and a ceremony that drew tears almost as soon as the In Memoriam segment began.
While many parts of the show landed beautifully, not everything went smoothly. Some acceptance speeches were cut short, certain comedy bits divided viewers, and a few fashion choices sparked intense debate. That combination of glamour and unpredictability is exactly what made the night so memorable. By the time the final award was handed out, the 2026 Oscars had already produced a long list of moments fans were replaying online.
The Best Moments That Stole the Show
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the red carpet itself. PEOPLE praised the stars who took fashion risks, especially those who wore dramatic prints and standout statement pieces. Anne Hathaway’s floral mermaid gown, Rei Ami’s gold phoenix-inspired cape, and Rose Byrne’s embroidered couture look were all singled out as some of the night’s most exciting style wins. Jewelry also had a major moment, with dazzling necklaces and vintage diamonds turning several arrivals into instant fashion talking points. Another standout element was the emotional tone of the ceremony. The In Memoriam tribute was widely seen as one of the most moving parts of the night, leaving many viewers in tears. PEOPLE noted that the emotional impact began almost immediately, while other outlets also highlighted the heartfelt tribute as one of the ceremony’s strongest segments. The show also featured several playful and memorable comedic moments, including Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue and his movie-themed jokes that helped keep the atmosphere light even during a long awards broadcast.
The Worst and Most Divisive Moments
Not every part of the Oscars was universally loved. One of the more debated topics was the facial hair choices of stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. PEOPLE jokingly admitted that opinions in their own office were split over the “little mustaches,” with some loving the retro look and others strongly disliking it. The same went for some all-white red carpet outfits, which drew both praise and criticism depending on the viewer. Conan O’Brien’s comedy also had mixed reactions in places. While many praised his monologue overall, some of his more bizarre visual gags — including a creepy look inspired by Weapons makeup — were described as nightmare fuel. It was memorable, but not necessarily in a flattering way. That kind of weirdness added to the unpredictable tone of the night, even if not everyone enjoyed it.
The Oops Moments Everyone Will Remember
Of course, no Oscars would be complete without a few awkward surprises. PEOPLE highlighted the confusion around Leonardo DiCaprio’s playful cameo during Conan’s monologue, which quickly became one of the night’s more talked-about “oops” moments. Other reports also pointed to abrupt music cutoffs during acceptance speeches and a rare tie in Best Live Action Short as moments that left audiences stunned. In the end, the 2026 Oscars worked because they balanced elegance with unpredictability. From unforgettable fashion to emotional tributes and cringeworthy interruptions, the ceremony gave fans exactly what they wanted: a night full of moments impossible to ignore.
