The 98th Academy Awards: A Night of Emotion, Humor, and Surprises
The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosted the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, drawing Hollywood's elite for a ceremony filled with poignant tributes, unexpected snubs, and viral moments. Conan O'Brien returned as host for his second consecutive year, delivering a mix of ruthless jokes and memorable antics that captivated audiences during the three-hour broadcast on ABC.
Barbra Streisand's Heartfelt Tribute to Robert Redford
One of the most emotional highlights of the evening was Barbra Streisand's tearful tribute to her late friend and co-star, Robert Redford. The 83-year-old EGOT winner took the stage to reflect on their bond, forged during the filming of the 1973 classic The Way We Were. Streisand shared intimate details, including the fond nickname Redford had for her and the final note she wrote to him before his passing in September 2025.
Clad in a black off-the-shoulder dress and tinted glasses, Streisand surprised the audience by bursting into a rendition of The Way We Were, the same song she performed at Redford's funeral in October 2025. With a giant photo of Redford in his prime projected behind her, she belted out the lyrics, concluding with a dramatic vocal run that earned thunderous applause from the star-studded crowd. While many viewers were moved by the performance, some critiqued her vocal delivery on social media.
Leonardo DiCaprio Crowned 'King of Memes'
Host Conan O'Brien humorously declared Leonardo DiCaprio the 'king of memes', referencing the actor's history of viral facial expressions online. In a live segment, O'Brien prompted DiCaprio to create a new meme on the spot, capturing the actor's awkward yet playful reaction. The camera cut to DiCaprio, who offered a smirk and a shrug, as O'Brien quipped, 'That feeling when you didn't agree to this.' The moment quickly spread across social media, solidifying DiCaprio's status as a meme icon.
Timothee Chalamet's Roast and Snub
Conan O'Brien didn't hold back in targeting Timothee Chalamet, calling out the actor's recent controversial comments about opera and ballet. During his opening monologue, O'Brien joked about security concerns from 'the opera and ballet communities', with the camera panning to a nervous Chalamet seated beside his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner. Later in the night, Chalamet faced further disappointment when he lost the Best Actor award to Michael B. Jordan, who won for his role in Sinners. Chalamet's visible disappointment was captured as he offered polite applause to Jordan, whose emotional acceptance speech highlighted his journey to the Oscar stage.
Historic Tie in Best Live Action Short Film
The ceremony delivered a rare surprise when presenter Kumail Nanjiani announced a tie in the Best Live Action Short Film category. The award was split between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva, marking only the seventh tie in Oscars history. Nanjiani handled the unexpected outcome with humor, noting the irony that 'the short film Oscar is going to take twice as long' to present. Directors from both films expressed shock and gratitude, acknowledging the historic nature of the moment.
Bridesmaids Reunion and Hosting Controversies
Fans were treated to a nostalgic reunion of the Bridesmaids cast, with Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper taking the stage to present awards for Best Original Score and Best Sound. However, not all moments were well-received. Conan O'Brien's hosting faced criticism from some viewers who found his skits, including a controversial joke about Jeffrey Epstein, to be 'awful' and in poor taste. Additionally, Kumail Nanjiani sparked outrage with a joke about Schindler's List, which many deemed insensitive and antisemitic, leading to backlash on social media.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The 2026 Oscars blended heartfelt tributes, viral entertainment, and unexpected twists, from Streisand's emotional performance to the historic tie. While Conan O'Brien's hosting divided opinions, the ceremony underscored the enduring appeal of Hollywood's biggest night, leaving fans and critics alike buzzing about the standout moments that defined the evening.
