Oscars 2026: 30+ Photos of the Best Dresses and Most Epic Moments

The 2026 Oscars delivered stunning fashion, a "bridal" fashion fail, a speech that got Ireland talking, and an In Memoriam segment that left fans heartbroken over who was missing.

The 98th Academy Awards swept into the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, and awards season couldn't have asked for a better finale.

"One Battle After Another" and "Sinners" led the pack, the red carpet delivered some of the most memorable fashion in years, and more than a few moments had the internet talking well past midnight. Here's everything that happened.

The Winners Who Defined the Night

Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" dominated the night, sweeping Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Casting, and Best Film Editing.

Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" wasn't far behind, taking home Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Original Screenplay.

Michael B. Jordan claimed Best Actor in a Leading Role for "Sinners," beating out Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Wagner Moura.

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for "Hamnet," beating Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone. Amy Madigan took Best Supporting Actress for "Weapons."

Jessie Buckley's Win Was Huge, but So Was the Backlash

Buckley's win was a genuine crowd-pleaser right up until viewers started replaying her speech. The actress, visibly moved, noted that the ceremony fell on Mother's Day in the U.K.

"I would like to dedicate this to the beautiful chaos of a mother's heart," she said. "We all come from a lineage of women who continue to create against all odds."

The new mom also joked that her eight-month-old daughter "has no idea what's going on and is probably dreaming of milk."

The catch? Buckley is Irish, and Mother's Day falls on the exact same day in Ireland. One commenter wrote, "No reason she couldn't have said '… in Ireland and the UK' or '… in the UK and Ireland.' That's all."

Another added, "Brilliant.... why she said Mothers day in UK and not Ireland was a bit strange....probably nerves but delighted she won 👏👏👏👏."

A third shared, "She mentioned that it was Mother's Day in the United Kingdom but she failed to recognize it. It's also Mother's Day in Ireland. Where do you think we got Mother's Day from? I was a little disappointed."

Sean Penn's Win Came with a Very Strange Twist

One of the night's most talked-about moments came when Kieran Culkin walked up to accept Best Supporting Actor on Sean Penn's behalf. With a shrug, Culkin told the audience Penn "couldn't be here this evening, or didn't want to," and left it at that.

So where was Penn? According to the New York Times, the 65-year-old had left the U.S. and was headed to Europe, with plans to visit Ukraine. His representative declined to comment.

This was Penn's sixth Oscar nomination and third win, making the no-show all the more striking.

Best Dressed: Zendaya and Anne Hathaway Steal the Show

Zendaya appeared onstage alongside Robert Pattinson to present an award, wearing a sleek one-shoulder brown gown with elegant draping and sparkling earrings.

Fans were quick to crown her the evening's standout, with one commenter writing, "This woman!! ❤️ best dressed period."

Anne Hathaway matched that energy in a strapless black gown with soft floral embroidery, a dramatic train, and long black opera gloves. One fan simply called it: "Best dressed. Hollywood glamor. Perfection!"

Red Carpet Roundup

Best Actress nominee Rose Byrne went classic in a black strapless Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson, with delicate floral embroidery inspired by his spring 2026 couture collection.

Kate Hudson attended alongside her mother, Goldie Hawn. Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldana, Priyanka Chopra, and Ava DuVernay also turned heads on the carpet.

Demi Moore kept it sleek, while Teyana Taylor, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, brought serious drama to her look.

Pedro Pascal went relaxed-formal, pairing a white collared shirt with a large chrysanthemum corsage instead of a jacket.

Timothée Chalamet attended with Kylie Jenner, looking sharp in a classic tux. Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans appeared onstage together to present — a reunion that sent the internet into overdrive.

The Most Questionable Look of the Night

Not every red-carpet moment landed. Best Supporting Actress nominee Elle Fanning arrived in a strapless white Givenchy gown by Sarah Burton — full tulle skirt, floral embroidery, sparkling necklace, sleek updo.

The internet had thoughts. One user joked, "Prom 2003," while another wrote, "It's giving 2005 wedding dress."

The Names the Ceremony Left Out

The In Memoriam segment was expanded this year to honor a heavy year of losses — Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner all received extended tributes. Barbra Streisand sang a portion of "The Way We Were" in tribute to Redford.

But even a longer segment couldn't fit everyone. According to Variety, those left off the broadcast entirely included James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Robert Carradine, June Lockhart, Bud Cort, and Brigitte Bardot.

Others — including George Wendt, Julian McMahon, Loretta Swit, and Demond Wilson — appeared only on the Academy's website and not during the broadcast.

Fans online were quick to share their disappointment, with one commenter writing, "James and Eric are both actors who have been in movies. Should have been mentioned so sad," while others simply replied, "Very sad" and "That is so very sad!!!"

The After-Party Scene

The Vanity Fair Oscar Party brought out another wave of stunning looks. Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos, Kaia Gerber, and Selma Blair were among those spotted at the coveted after-party.

The night may have ended, but the conversation is only just beginning.