Oscars 2026 sees Conan O'Brien take the stage as 'Weapons' actress takes home first award

Fans called out the Oscars after two of their favorite actors were missing from the annual in memoriam segment.

James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane were apparently left off the telecast. The "Dawson's Creek" actor lost his battle to cancer in February.

Dane, who starred on "Grey's Anatomy," died from complications due to ALS in February.

"So no James VanDerBeek or Eric Dane tributes in the memorial? Or did I miss them?," one user wrote on X.

"Surprised they didn’t honor Eric Dane in the Oscar’s tribute #OscarNight," another fan wrote.

A source told Fox News Digital, "The Academy receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry colleagues in the Oscars In Memoriam segment. An executive committee representing every branch considers the list and makes recommendations for the telecast based on limited available time."

Additionally, all submissions are included on Oscars.org and remain on the site throughout the year.

Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Catherine O'Hara were honored on Sunday, among a number of entertainment icons who died last year.

Ryan Coogler accepted the Best Original Screenplay Oscar Sunday for "Sinners."

Coogler, who hails from the Bay Area, said that he was "nervous" and asked for grace before his speech where he recognized the cast and crew of his thriller.

"Sinners" earned a record-breaking 16 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Leonardo DiCaprio made a rare move at the 2026 Oscars on Sunday night.

DiCaprio, who is nominated for best actor at the 98th Annual Academy Awards, walked the red carpet alone but was seated next to his 27-year-old model girlfriend during the show. DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti were seen when Conan O'Brien did a skit at the beginning of the show.

O’Brien called the actor the “king of memes" before suggesting they make a new one.

“Let’s make a new meme with Leo right now,” he said. The camera panned to DiCaprio and text appeared on the screen that read, “TFW you didn’t agree to this.”

TFW stands for “That Feeling When."

DiCaprio is nominated for his role in “One Battle After Another.” DiCaprio and Ceretti have been linked since 2023.

Billy Crystal paid tribute to Rob Reiner at the 98th Academy Awards with a number of Reiner's friends and co-stars.

Crystal remembered meeting the late director in 1975 when he was cast "as his best friend in an episode of 'All in the Family.'"

"It was a thrill to see him evolve," Crystal said.

"When Michele Singer entered his life, they were unstoppable," Crystal said. "Their loss is immeasurable."

Crystal noted, "Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle."

A number of Reiner's closest joined Crystal on stage, including Michael McKean, John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Carol Kane, Kathy Bates, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Kevin Pollak, Wil Wheaton, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell, Christopher Guest, Demi Moore, and Cary Elwes.

Reiner and his wife were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home Dec. 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, faces double murder charges.

Sean Penn missed his Oscar win on Sunday.

Penn, who won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role in "One Battle After Another," was noticeably absent from the Dolby Theater.

"Sean Penn couldn't be here this evening, or didn't want to, so I'll be accepting on his behalf," Kieran Culkin told the audience.

Penn won his first Oscar in 2004 for "Mystic River," and earned another Academy Award for "Milk," the 2008 film about activist Harvey Milk.

In 2022, Penn loaned out his "Mystic River" Oscar to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour joined forces at the 2026 Oscars.

While announcing the winners for best costume and best make-up and styling, the pair did a playful skit on "The Devil Wears Prada." Before announcing the winners, Hathaway asked Wintour if she liked her dress.

"Here are the nominees," Wintour playfully replied.

Make-up and hair styling winner was “Frankenstein,” Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey, while the costume design winner was "Frankenstein," Kate Hawley.

Wintour is the inspiration for Meryl Streep's character in "The Devil Wears Prada." The sequel film is set to be released on May 1.

Kylie Jenner's 2026 Oscars look is being compared to Jessica Rabbit.

Jenner wore a deep-plunging red dress with a neck full of diamonds to the award show.

The dress had a keyhole accent in the center and styled her hair down as she attended the prestigious award show with her boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet.

Jenner uploaded a video of herself to Instagram before the big night and fans immediately drew comparison to the animated character.

"oh yessss Jessica," one user wrote.

Another added, "Jessica rabbit no KYLIE JENNER ❤️ missing just a red hair."

During Conan O'Brien's opening monologue, the host took a jab at Chalamet's recent comments about the opera and ballet. "I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore’ — all respect to the ballet and opera people out there," Chalamet said during CNN's and Variety's town hall.

"Security is extremely tight tonight. I'm told there's worry about attacks from both the opera and ballet community. They're just mad you left out jazz," O'Brien joked.

During the show, Chalamet's sister, Pauline Chalamet, shared a sweet moment with Jenner that has gone viral online. The duo were seen having a loving embrace at the 2026 award show.

"KPop Demon Hunters" made Oscars history Sunday after winning the Animated Feature Academy Award.

"Thank you to the Academy and to all the fans who got us here," director and writer Maggie Kang said while accepting the award.

"And for those of you who look like me, I'm so sorry it took us so long to see us in a movie like this, but it is here."

"This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere."

Kang and Michelle Wong are the first South Koreans to ever win the animated feature category.

Kathy Bates dressed to impress for the 98th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday night.

Bates, 77, wore a baby blue, off-the-shoulder gown. The "Matlock" star's gown had crystals on the upper half of the dress. Bates tied the look together with a silver necklace and clutch.

Bates is not nominated for any awards this year, however, she is a previous Oscar winner (best actress, Misery, 1991) and a multi-time nominee.

Amy Madigan won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in "Weapons."

While accepting the Academy award, Madigan admitted she was "very overwhelmed."

"Don't say all these names, because nobody knows who the hell they are," Madigan recalled being told of her speech.

"You're not rattling them off, these people mean something."

Madigan earned her first Oscar nomination in 1985 for her supporting role in “Twice in a Lifetime.”

Conan O'Brien opened the 98th Academy Awards Sunday with a bold warning to the audience.

"Last year when I hosted, Los Angeles was on fire, but this year, everything is going great," O'Brien said.

"Security is extremely tight tonight," he continued. "I'm told there's worry about attacks from both the opera and ballet community ... they're just mad you left out jazz."

He added, "I should warn you tonight could get political, and if that makes you uncomfortable, there's an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock. It's at the Dave & Busters down the street."

Kate Hudson walked the Oscars red carpet with her Academy Award-winning mother Goldie Hawn.

Hudson, who is nominated for her role in "Song Sung Blue," sparkled in a custom teal Armani Privé gown with Garatti jewelry, while Goldie rocked a glittering black dress ahead of the 98th Academy Awards.

The "How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days" actress told Jesse Palmer on Sunday that she felt "more confident" in the studio after recording her own album the year before.

The nomination this year is "so different" from her first nom in "Almost Famous."

"Now I've had two decades of a career with people, relationships that I've established ... it just feels a lot warmer, a lot cozier than the first year," Hudson said.

Nicole Kidman and Emma Stone looked stunning at the 2026 Oscars.

Kidman wore a nude gown with intricate feather detailing at the waist. The bust of the dress featured black and silver jewels.

Stone wore a simple silver dress with capped sleeves and an open back. Stone is nominated for best actress on Sunday night while Kidman was not nominated at the 98th Annual Academy Awards.

Ricky Gervais hosting the Oscars? Not so fast ...

Despite extensive history as an awards show host, the comedian didn't hesitate to respond when a fan requested he step in for the 98th Academy Awards.

“Repost if you wish @rickygervais was hosting the #Oscars tonight," a fan shared on X before the Oscars.

Gervais quote responded, and wrote, “F--- that!”

The comedian previously hosted the Golden Globe Awards five times, most recently in 2020.

Conan O'Brien returns Sunday to host the Oscars for the second time.

Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana and Elle Fanning stunned on the 2026 red carpet.

Moore, 63, arrived on Sunday night in a full feathered look. Moore's gown had black and green feathers from head to toe. "The Substance" star tied the look together with her signature long, black hair.

Saldana looked timeless in a black gown. The spaghetti strapped dress had a lace bustier and was silk from the waist down. Fanning wore a strapless white gown with a vine design on the chest.

The 98th Annual Academy Awards are taking place on Sunday night at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

The 98th Academy Awards will feature performances from two of the best original song nominees after the 2025 show altered the ceremony, choosing not to have that year’s nominees perform.

Although the Academy decided to bring the iconic performances back to the show, not all of this year’s nominees are scheduled to perform.

Taking the stage at this year are HUNTR/X, who will sing “Golden,” from the Oscar-nominated movie, “KPop Demon Hunters,” and Raphael Saadiq and Miles Caton, who will be singing “I Lied to You” from “Sinners.”

“[The other] nominees are being treated with the same care, storytelling focus and intention as the other awards categories — all of which will be included on the show,” Oscars producers said in a statement. “Your work is an integral part of our cinematic ecosystem, and we so look forward to honoring it on the show.”

The other nominated songs include Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner’s “Train Dreams” from “Train Dreams,” Diane Warren’s “Dear Me” from “Diane Warren: Relentless” and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” by Nicholas Pike from “Viva Verdi!”

Fox News Digital’s Lori Bashian contributed to this report. 

Charithra Chandran believes it's important to wear a "Artists4Ceasefire" pin at the 2026 Oscars.

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, the "Bridgerton" actress said that the stars opting to wear the pin are "demanding a ceasefire in Gaza."

"I think that I am so blessed to have a platform and this is the least I could do to use it," she began.

Chandran continued, "Sometimes the news cycle is so fast and people move on, but the people in Gaza and the West Bank are still suffering."

The team behind "The Voice of Hind Rajab" spoke to Variety on the Oscars red carpet, sharing that the pin demands ceasefire in "Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Venezuela." The group members said the attacks were happening on U.S. soil as well and mentioned ICE.

The 98th Annual Academy Awards are taking place on Sunday night at Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

The 2025 Academy Awards were one for the books, featuring many iconic moments throughout the show.

One of the most iconic moments of the night came right at the very beginning, when Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened the show with a medley of songs featured in “Wicked” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Grande started the performance by walking down the yellow brick road while singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” while wearing ruby slippers. Erivo then joined her on stage to sing “Home” from “The Wiz,” before ending the performance with her rendition of “Defying Gravity.”

Another big moment came when Kieran Culkin took the stage to accept his award for best supporting actor for his work in “A Real Pain.” While accepting the award, Culkin publicly made it known that he wants to start trying for a fourth baby.

"She said, 'I will give you four when you win an Oscar,' " he said. “I held my hand out. She took it, and I have not brought it up once, until just now. You remember that, honey, you do? Okay, then I just have this to say to you, Jazz, love of my life…No pressure. I love you. I'm really sorry I did this again, and let's get cracking on those kids. What do you say?”

The night also featured many iconic cast reunions, including Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal who presented an award together decades after starring alongside one another in “When Harry Met Sally.”

Other reunions happened on the red carpet when Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, who starred together in “Ghost,” and Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, who starred together in “Monster In Law,” posed together on the red carpet. Also on the red carpet, Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated their iconic kiss from the 2003 ceremony.

One of the biggest moments of the night was when members of the Los Angeles Fire Department were invited on stage to deliver jokes host Conan O’Brien said he was too afraid to make on stage, in tribute to their hard work fighting the Palisades and Altadena fires.

Another big moment was “Anora” winning best picture at the end of the night, taking home five of the six awards it was nominated for, including best actress, best director, best original screenplay and editing.

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.

Conan O’Brien is returning to the Oscars stage after hosting for the first time in 2025.

The announcement was made in March 2025, shortly after completing his first hosting gig.

“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and outgoing president Janet Yang said in a statement. “This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show that celebrated our nominees and the global film community in the most beautiful and impactful way. Conan was the perfect host — skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth and reverence. It is an honor to be working with them again.”

Following the announcement, the former talk show host joked “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” referring to Brody’s long acceptance speech at the 2025 ceremony.

When speaking with The New Yorker in February, O’Brien expressed his excitement for returning as host this year, adding he plans to just "have fun with it."

“It was really fun,” he said. “I mean, I grew up watching Bob Hope do it, Johnny Carson do it. So it’s a very cool thing to be connected to. As you know, I’m very interested in history, and this thing has been around for a hundred years—almost a hundred years—so let’s have fun with it, is my attitude.”

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.

Wolfgang Puck returned to Oscars Sunday to cater the Governors Ball following the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Calif.

The 2026 Oscars marked the 32nd time the celebrated star chef catered the event, hosted at the Ray Dolby Ballroom on the top level of the Ovation Hollywood.

Guests will dine on Wolfgang Puck’s signature chicken pot pie and Oscar-shaped smoked salmon crackers.

"This year, we're going to have a big izakaya in the dining room," Puck told ABC. "We're gonna have five sushi chefs."

An ice cream machine built to serve 1,500 guests will be on display in addition to an apple strudel made from Puck's mother's recipe.

Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon returns as the official wines of the Academy Awards. 

Felicity Jones, Bella Thorne and Rose Byrne lead the 2026 Oscars red carpet arrivals.

Jones wore a a light yellow gown with tolie detail. Byrne wore a strapless black gown that had intricate flower detailing throughout. Thorne arrived in a black sheer gown with feathers on the cuffs.

Thorne wore black underwear underneath her dress and styled her hair in a half-up, half-down style.

The 98th Annual Academy Awards are being held at Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday night.

Nicole Kidman has received a mix response after revealing she will be going to church before attending the Oscars.

Speaking to Variety on Saturday, Kidman explained that it "centers her" and it's “what she does on a Sunday.”

"Well this is crazy, but I will go to church in the morning," Kidman said. When asked why it is crazy, she explained that the timing will only allow her to "squeeze it in."

Her pre-Oscars plans sparked mixed reviews online. "Really Baby Girl? She goes to the nondenominational one I guess," one user wrote.

Another was all for Kidman attending church. "In a year where everyone’s chasing louder moments, choosing a quiet ritual before the biggest night in film is kinda powerful," the X user wrote.

The "Baby Girl" star explained that after church, she will do hair and make-up before attending the 98th annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on Sunday.

LAPD Commander Randy Goddard spoke with KKTV and other outlets about the safety of the Academy Awards amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, and allegations that the country could target locations in California.

In response to the concerns, Goddard assured everyone that the ceremony is safe, adding that after 98 years, security at the event “got very robust.”

“Yeah, this year it happens to be the Iran conflict, but, you know, a couple years ago it was the Palestinian and Israeli conflict,” he explained. “There's been multiple years of multiple conflicts.”

He also added that while “there is no specific threat,” they are prepared for anything.

“We get intel, we get intel in real time, we have partnerships with our FBI counterparts, and right now I can tell you there is no threat specific to Los Angeles or the Academy Awards, but just because there's no threat it doesn't mean that we don't prepare,” Goddard said.

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.

The 98th Academy Awards are on Sunday, March 15.

Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, will gather at the Dolby Theatre to award this year’s top acting performances, with Conan O’Brien set to host for the second year in a row.

Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet are battling it out to see who will take home the award for best actor, while Elle Fanning, Rose Byrne and Jacob Elordi are celebrating their first nominations at the prestigious award show.

Last year’s winners, Mikey Madison, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin and Zoë Saldaña, will also be there to present.

See who will take home the night’s biggest awards on Sunday night.

Movie lovers everywhere will be able to watch the award show live on ABC at 7PM ET, with the red carpet starting earlier in the day at 3:30 PM ET.

In addition to airing on ABC, movie fans can also watch the ceremony on Hulu, YouTube TV, Fubo, or the ABC app.

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.

Joining the nominees at this year’s award ceremony is a long list of high profile celebrities who will take the stage as presenters.

Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow is set to present at the award show, in addition to attending as a cast member of the best picture-nominated movie, “Marty Supreme.”

Last year’s best actor winner, Adrien Brody, is also expected to return to the award ceremony, likely to present the award for best actress, in keeping with Oscars tradition of having the previous year’s winners present the award to the current year’s winners.

Many other former winners are also expected to present at the award show, including Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem.

Other stars presenting include Hollywood newcomer, Chase Infinity, who is part of the cast of best picture-nominated film, “One Battle After Another,” Rose Byrne, who is nominated for her lead role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” and Delroy Lindo, who is nominated for his role in “Sinners.”

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.

“Sinners” has already broken an Academy Awards record by receiving the most nominations for the award show in a single year and also could set another record.

With 16 nominations at this year’s ceremony, “Sinners” could set the record as the film with the most wins at the Oscars in one year, surpassing “Ben-Hur,” “Titanic,” and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," which currently share the record with 11 wins each.

Fernanda Torres made history last year as the second Brazilian actress to be nominated for best actress at the Oscars, and had she won, she would have made history as the first Brazilian to win an Academy Award in any acting category.

This year, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura is up for best actor for his role in “The Secret Agent,” and if he wins, he will become the first Brazilian to win an acting award at the ceremony.

The actor previously won the Golden Globe for his work in the movie.

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.