Highlights and flops from the 2026 Oscars

The Winners: A Night of Dominance and History

The 2026 Oscars crowned two titans—"One Battle After Another" swept six awards, including Best Picture, while "Sinners" claimed four, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Both films reigned supreme, but the ceremony was a rollercoaster of highs and cringe-inducing lows.

Host Conan O’Brien: Clever, Cringe, and a Failed Meme

Conan O’Brien returned, blending sharp wit with cringe-worthy humor. His opening skit dazzled, but his monologue stumbled with a joke about opera fans being security threats. He then attempted to launch a new meme centered on Leonardo DiCaprio—only for it to fizzle instantly.

Bizarre Moments: From a Bum Drum to Baby Yoda

The show featured oddities galore—a prop shaped like a backside dubbed the "bum drum" and a Baby Yoda cameo that felt shoehorned in. Political statements took center stage, with winners like Paul Thomas Anderson joking he wrote his film to apologize to his kids for their future inheritance.

Michael B. Jordan’s Speech: A Tribute to Legacy

Jordan’s acceptance speech stood out, honoring past Black Oscar winners and thanking Hollywood for its faith in him—a moment that resonated deeply.

The Misses: From a Late Sketch to Awkward Reunions

Not everything landed. Kumail Nanjiani smoothly handled a tie for Best Live-Action Short, joking about Oscar ceremonies running too long. But a staged "death" sketch for "One Battle After Another" aired when half the audience was already gone. Even an Avengers reunion felt forced, ending with an awkward gift.

Firsts and Milestones

History was made when Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman of color to win for Cinematography, a landmark moment for inclusivity.

--- The 2026 Oscars delivered spectacle, humor, and a few facepalm-worthy lapses—proving that even in Hollywood, perfection is a myth. [/formatted_text/]