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Major highlights from the 98th Academy Awards

Updated On: 16 March, 2026 12:47 PM IST | Athulya Nambiar

From Priyanka Chopra Jonas turning presenter for Best International feature film to host Conan O'Brien taking a dig at Timothee Chalamet, here are some highlights from the night

From Priyanka Chopra Jonas turning presenter for Best International feature film to host Conan O'Brien taking a dig at Timothee Chalamet, here are some highlights from the night

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From Priyanka Chopra Jonas turning presenter for Best International feature film to host Conan O'Brien taking a dig at Timothee Chalamet, here are some highlights from the night
<p data-start="222" data-end="442">Conan O&rsquo;Brien kicked off the ceremony with a witty monologue full of playful digs at Hollywood stars, films and industry trends. His signature self-deprecating humour and quick punchlines set a lively tone for the night</p>

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Conan O’Brien kicked off the ceremony with a witty monologue full of playful digs at Hollywood stars, films and industry trends. His signature self-deprecating humour and quick punchlines set a lively tone for the night

<p><strong>Golden live performance</strong></p>
<p>The song Golden from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters was performed live at the ceremony by artists EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna. The energetic performance brought K-pop style choreography and visuals to the Oscars stage, making it one of the ceremony&rsquo;s most talked-about musical acts</p>

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Golden live performance

The song Golden from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters was performed live at the ceremony by artists EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna. The energetic performance brought K-pop style choreography and visuals to the Oscars stage, making it one of the ceremony’s most talked-about musical acts

<p>During the Oscars monologue, O&rsquo;Brien joked that security at the ceremony was extremely tight because there were fears of retaliation from the opera and ballet communities. He then quipped that they were 'just mad you left out jazz'</p>

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During the Oscars monologue, O’Brien joked that security at the ceremony was extremely tight because there were fears of retaliation from the opera and ballet communities. He then quipped that they were 'just mad you left out jazz'

<p>Cameras captured Chalamet laughing at the joke while seated in the audience with his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner</p>

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Cameras captured Chalamet laughing at the joke while seated in the audience with his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner

<p><strong>Priyanka's Oscars presentation and reaction to Free Palestine chant by co-presenter</strong></p>
<p>Priyanka Chopra and Javier Bardem appeared together on stage to present the Best International Feature Film award. During his time on stage, Javier Bardem made a brief political statement by expressing support for Palestine, saying &ldquo;Free Palestine.&rdquo; The clip went viral with some criticising Priyanka's smirk to the chant</p>

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Priyanka's Oscars presentation and reaction to Free Palestine chant by co-presenter

Priyanka Chopra and Javier Bardem appeared together on stage to present the Best International Feature Film award. During his time on stage, Javier Bardem made a brief political statement by expressing support for Palestine, saying “Free Palestine.” The clip went viral with some criticising Priyanka's smirk to the chant

<p><strong>In Memoriam segment&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>The ceremony&rsquo;s In Memoriam segment paid tribute to film industry legends who passed away in the past year. Accompanied by a moving musical performance and visuals, the montage honoured the contributions of actors, filmmakers, and technicians who left a lasting impact on cinema</p>

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In Memoriam segment 

The ceremony’s In Memoriam segment paid tribute to film industry legends who passed away in the past year. Accompanied by a moving musical performance and visuals, the montage honoured the contributions of actors, filmmakers, and technicians who left a lasting impact on cinema

<p><strong>Bridesmaids cast reunion</strong></p>
<p>Fans were thrilled when members of the cast of the hit comedy Bridesmaids reunited on stage.<br />Actors including Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph recreated their comedic chemistry while presenting an award, sparking nostalgia for the beloved 2011 film</p>

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Bridesmaids cast reunion

Fans were thrilled when members of the cast of the hit comedy Bridesmaids reunited on stage.
Actors including Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph recreated their comedic chemistry while presenting an award, sparking nostalgia for the beloved 2011 film

<p>Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners. The film had a strong presence at the Oscars with a record 16 nominations and several wins. Jessie Buckley secured the Best Actress trophy for her role in Hamnet. Her performance in the Shakespeare-inspired drama received widespread critical praise</p>

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Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners. The film had a strong presence at the Oscars with a record 16 nominations and several wins. Jessie Buckley secured the Best Actress trophy for her role in Hamnet. Her performance in the Shakespeare-inspired drama received widespread critical praise

<p><strong>One Battle After Another wins Best Picture</strong></p>
<p>The biggest award of the night went to the political satire directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film dominated the ceremony with multiple wins and became the most awarded film of the night</p>

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One Battle After Another wins Best Picture

The biggest award of the night went to the political satire directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film dominated the ceremony with multiple wins and became the most awarded film of the night

<p>Priyanka Chopra turned heads in a stunning white gown as she walked the red carpet with husband Nick Jonas</p>

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Priyanka Chopra turned heads in a stunning white gown as she walked the red carpet with husband Nick Jonas

<p><strong>Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour bring &lsquo;The Devil Wears Prada&rsquo; to life</strong></p>
<p>A fun fashion moment occurred when Anne Hathaway appeared alongside fashion icon Anna Wintour.<br />Their appearance playfully referenced the iconic fashion film The Devil Wears Prada, with Hathaway humorously nodding to her character Andy Sachs while interacting with the Vogue editor who inspired the film</p>

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Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour bring ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to life

A fun fashion moment occurred when Anne Hathaway appeared alongside fashion icon Anna Wintour.
Their appearance playfully referenced the iconic fashion film The Devil Wears Prada, with Hathaway humorously nodding to her character Andy Sachs while interacting with the Vogue editor who inspired the film

<p><strong>KPop Demon Hunters wins Best Animated Feature</strong></p>
<p>The animated film emerged as a surprise favourite, winning both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The film&rsquo;s success highlighted the growing global appeal of animation</p>

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KPop Demon Hunters wins Best Animated Feature

The animated film emerged as a surprise favourite, winning both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The film’s success highlighted the growing global appeal of animation

Photo of Day

Global AI leaders join PM Modi in a bid to push for a smarter, inclusive future

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PM Narendra Modi joins hands with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and others during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

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