Graphic by Logan McQuaid, Graphic Design Intern
By Angel Ramirez, Staff Writer
The 2026 Academy Awards delivered a night of allure and cultural narration of Hollywood’s iconic influence on global entertainment. The Academy Awards were held in early March at the iconic Dolby Theatre. This year’s Oscars blended tradition with glamour, offering a ceremony that was presently and futuristically celebratory. From the stylish red carpet looks to emotional acceptance speeches, the event captured worldwide phenomena.
The evening began with a red carpet that was nothing short of stunning. Celebrities arrived in a remarkable array of fashion choices that balanced elegance with bold experimentation. Standout appearances included Zendaya, who turned heads in a sculpture couture gown that really blended classic Hollywood elegance with futuristic design, and Timothee Chalamet, whose bold, unique tailoring challenged classic men’s fashion standards. Margot Robbie put a modern spin on traditional Hollywood Glamour, while Coleman Domingo here stood out in a richly textured suit that really highlighted the growing innovation of men’s fashion. Michael B. Jordan also made a commanding impression, wearing a sharply tailored ensemble made by Louis Vuitton that combined refined style with modern edge, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most stylish figures on the carpet.
As the ceremony began, attention shifted from exterior allure to the commemoration of outstanding cinematic work. Hosted once again by Conan O Brien, the night exemplified musical performances from films such as Sinners and K pop: Demon Hunters and even Conan O’Brien himself and singer Josh Groban performed a comedic, operatic style song titled “I won.”
A central highlight of the night was undoubtably the filmmaking achievements. The epic drama One Battle After Another led the ceremony with six wins, including the coveted “Best Picture” award. Its rich storytelling and technical mastery resonated deeply with both critics and peers, making it the defining film of the year. Meanwhile, the genre blending film, Sinners, also earned major honors as it was awarded four Oscars including “Best Original Screenplay” for Ryan Coogler and “Best Actor” for Michael B. Jordan. Jessie Buckley was also awarded “Best Actress” for her powerful performance in Hamnet, and Best Supporting Actor was claimed by Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another.
Michael B. Jordan’s acceptance speech for winning “Best Actor” was one of the evening’s most memorable moments. He thanked his mentors, castmates, and film making collaborators, emphasizing the collective effort the whole team made to create this special film. He also honored the legacy of black actors who paved way before him, delivering his remarks with gratitude.
The Oscars featured more unforgettable presenter moments. Robert Downey Jr. And Chris Evans drew laughter when they took the stage to present a screenplay award, adding the ceremony with witty exchanges that reminded us why their friendships on and off screen continue to resonate.
Cameras also caught Leonardo DiCaprio reacting humorously puzzled after being teased by Conan O’ Brein. Conan O’ Brein wanted to create a new meme and Leonardo DiCaprio’s reaction was turned into one captioned “TFW (That Feeling When) you didn’t agree to this.” The brief clip quickly went viral, becoming a meme sensation that spread on social media throughout the evening and continues to circulate today.
This year’s 98th Academy Awards served as a testament to the enduring power of film to inspire, entertain, and emphasize community. With red carpet fashion, memorable performances, and heart felt recognition of artistic achievement, this ceremony highlighted Hollywood’s role as a cultural touchstone while celebrating the stories and artists that continue to shape the global cinematic landscape.
Graphic by Logan McQuaid, Graphic Design Intern
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