The Oscars 2026 ceremony proved that even the biggest showbiz awards of the year can still have some awkward moments, despite the months of planning that go into making them happen. From paedophile jokes from host Conan O'Brien to near wardrobe malfunctions, a lot can happen on live TV.
In the Best Actor and Actress category, former UK TV star and Irish actress Jessie Buckley took home the prize for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in Chloe Zhao's Hamnet. Michael B Jordan won Best Actor for playing twins in Sinners, a decision that may have left actor Timothee Chalamet very disappointed.
While there was a distinct lack of mention of US President Donald Trump, the night still had some controversial moments, as French icon Brigitte Bardot was snubbed from the In Memoriam section, while there was a joint winner in a rare move from the Academy. Here are all the biggest moments that happened on the night.
Host Conan O'Brien wasted no time kicking things off as he initiated the ceremony with a joke referencing recent British headlines.
Highlighting that there were no British stars nominated in the Best Actor or Actress categories, he joked: "A British spokesperson said: 'Yeah but at least we arrest our paedophiles...'".
The comment raised eyebrows among viewers, coming shortly after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following the release of files linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The poignant In Memoriam section is invariably amongst the most moving moments of the Oscars – yet this year viewers spotted a conspicuous absence.
French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot, who passed away aged 91 in December 2025, was excluded from the tribute.
The choice instantly triggered discussion online, with some suggesting it might have been connected to fresh examination of the actress's contentious history.
Proceedings descended into disarray when the Academy announced only its seventh tie in 98 years.
Both The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva were declared winners of Best Live-Action Short Film, leaving those present astonished.
Presenter Kumail Nanjiani quipped about the circumstances as he announced the results.
"Ironic that the short film Oscar is going to take twice as long," he said.
Host Conan also couldn't help but mock the pandemonium, remarking: "I just want to say congratulations to both winners you just ruined 22 million Oscar pools."
Beyond the stage, an uneasy exchange between Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet's sister Pauline rapidly became viral.
Clips captured Pauline moving towards her brother before Jenner tried to catch her eye from close by, even extending for an embrace.
Observers online were swift to comment on the apparently chilly encounter.
"Looks like she's never met her before in her life... This is what a PR relationship looks like," one wrote. Another chimed in: "The awkwardness between them!".
In the meantime, Gwyneth Paltrow inadvertently became the centre of attention after a clip of her descending a staircase at the ceremony garnered millions of views online.
The dramatic slit of her gown momentarily opened as she moved, sparking debate among viewers over whether it was a wardrobe malfunction.
One critic quipped: "Girl flashed the cameraman and called it a 'malfunction,'" whilst others were quick to defend the star.
"Why post things like this? We have all had moments like this. Please be respectful. She looks great, the dress isn't her fault," another commenter penned.
