Highlights from the 2026 Oscars: Surprises and Historic Wins

The 2026 Oscars showcased a night of glamour and surprises, featuring historic wins and unexpected snubs. From Autumn Durald Arkapaw's groundbreaking achievement as the first female cinematographer to Diane Warren's continued Oscar drought, the event was filled with memorable moments. K-Pop made its mark with 'Golden' winning Best Original Song, while the film Sinners dominated the night with four awards. Explore the key highlights and what made this year's ceremony unforgettable.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 12:39 IST

2026 Oscars Ceremony Overview

The prestigious Oscars 2026 unfolded on March 15, showcasing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. A star-studded lineup, including Timothée Chalamet, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Priyanka Chopra, and Zendaya, graced the event. The ceremony was broadcast live on ABC and available for streaming on Hulu. If you missed it, here are the six standout moments from the 98th Academy Awards.

Marty Supreme's Unexpected Snub

Josh Safdie's film Marty Supreme garnered nine nominations at the Oscars 2026, with Timothée Chalamet in the lead role. Despite high expectations, the film left the ceremony empty-handed, marking a surprising snub.

Historic Win for Female Cinematographer

Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman to win the Best Cinematography award at the Oscars, recognized for her exceptional work on the film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler.

K-Pop Breaks New Ground

The song 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters made history as the first K-pop track to win an Oscar. Composers Yu-Han Lee, Mark Sonnenblick, and Ejae accepted the award, although Ejae's speech was cut short. Later, Lee expressed his gratitude in the press room, thanking their families and team.

Diane Warren's Continued Oscar Drought

Despite being nominated 17 times, Diane Warren once again did not secure an Oscar, this time for her song 'Dear Me' from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless. Following her loss, she humorously noted on Instagram, "Well at least I’m consistent! And I set a new record tonight!! But you know me, I will be back if you’ll have me!!!"

Sinners Dominates the Night

The film Sinners emerged as the biggest winner, taking home four awards out of a record-setting 16 nominations. Ryan Coogler won for Best Original Screenplay, while Michael B Jordan was awarded Best Actor. Autumn Durald Arkapaw also received the Best Cinematography award, and Ludwig Göransson was honored with Best Original Score.