From Conan to ‘Sinners’: The Best and Worst of Oscars 2026

March 15, 2026, was a special night for Hollywood, as the 98th Oscars were held. It wasn’t just about winners and losers, but also about gorgeous costumes, daring fashion, and emotional memories. This year’s Oscars marked several historic moments, such as the first woman to win in cinematography and the seventh Oscar tie in the live-action short film category. Some moments during the event were deeply emotional and inspiring, while others felt a bit dull due to awkward silences and long comedy breaks.

Host Conan O’Brien’s Long Run

Conan O’Brien hosted the Oscars for the second time, but his presence sometimes felt overbearing and somewhat redundant. Her opening monologue was nearly 20 minutes long, while her brief interludes often relied on boring stereotypes and cheap punchlines. Because of this, her repeated appearances felt like filler between the main emotional and heartfelt moments.

Amy Madigan’s Surprise Win

Cinema veteran Amy Madigan won the Best Supporting Actress award for her zany and full-throated role in the horror film “Weapons.” Her win was quite a surprise, as she was first nominated in 1986. In her sweet acceptance speech, Amy said, “The press was asking me, ‘What’s changed after 40 years?’ What has changed is this Golden Gai!”

A Sparkling Performance of ‘Sinners’

A performance of the song “I Lied to You” from the Oscar-nominated film “Sinners” captivated everyone. Myles Catton, Raphael Saadiq, Shaboozie, and ballet legend Misty Copeland brought the song to life. In just a few minutes, this performance perfectly captured the spirit and energy of the film. It was as cool and electrifying as it was emotional and powerful.

Historic Tie and O’Brien’s Clerk Moment

For the seventh time ever, an Oscar vote was tied, with both “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva” winning the Golden Statues for Best Live-Action Short Film. But this historic moment was nearly ruined when the “Saliva” filmmakers’ speech was cut short. Following a brief laugh from the audience and O’Brien’s attempt to maintain his style, the camera returned to the winners.

Ryan Coogler’s First Oscar

Multi-hyphenate filmmaker Ryan Coogler won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his film “Sinners.” This film, filled with historical, allegorical, and horror elements, has become the most nominated film at the Oscars. Upon winning, Ryan received his award from his Marvel friends Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., and this joyous moment sparked a wave of excitement throughout the ceremony.

The 2026 Oscars once again demonstrated that Hollywood nights aren’t just about awards, but also a celebration of emotion, history, and incredible art

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