Key Highlights and Winners from the 2026 Oscars Ceremony

Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for a night filled with humour, emotion, and some surprising firsts. Host Conan O’Brien opened the show with a mix of sharp jokes and political satire, teasing streaming executives and politicians alike. Jimmy Kimmel also took the stage, poking fun at U.S. President Donald Trump and praising filmmakers who work under censorship. Among the biggest surprises of the night was the total shutout of ‘Marty Supreme,’ which, despite high expectations, did not win any awards. Timothée Chalamet’s loss for Best Actor to Michael B. Jordan followed a heated controversy over his comments on ballet and opera, though opera singer Ana Maria Martinez later said the remarks indirectly shone a light on her craft. The documentary ‘Mr Nobody Against Putin’ won Best Documentary Feature, with its director using the platform to highlight the dangers of political complicity amid government oppression. In a moving ‘In Memoriam’ segment, tributes were paid to late director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who were found dead in December 2025, with their son facing charges. The night also marked history with the introduction of a new category — Achievement in Casting — awarded to Cassandra Kulukundis for ‘One Battle After Another.’ Several milestones were achieved, including Autumn Durald Arkapaw becoming the first Black female cinematographer to win, and the K-pop genre celebrating its first Oscar win. Political statements were prominent as celebrities wore pins supporting various causes, including ‘Free Palestine.’ The ceremony closed with a pre-recorded comedy sketch featuring O’Brien, satirising his role as host for life, bringing laughter to an event rich in drama, mourning, and inspiration.