George Anjay
The 98th Academy Awards, Hollywood’s most glittering night, unfolded with its usual blend of heartfelt acceptance speeches, unexpected comedic interludes, and a whirlwind of backstage activity. While the telecast captures the drama on stage, a wealth of behind-the-scenes moments, often unseen by the millions watching at home, paint a fuller picture of this iconic event. From candid interactions with Oscar winners to heightened security measures and the delightful chaos of an unprecedented tie, the 2026 ceremony offered a unique glimpse into the inner workings of cinema’s most prestigious celebration.
Frankenstein production designer, clutching his newly acquired Oscar statuette and what appeared to be a refreshing beverage, addressed the eager press corps with a relaxed demeanor. Across the room, Pasha Talankin, the visionary filmmaker behind Mr. Nobody Against Putin, savored his victory by revisiting the very envelope that declared his documentary feature film the winner, a tangible reminder of his hard-earned triumph. This year’s ceremony was also marked by an exceptionally stringent security presence, a reflection of the prevailing geopolitical climate. The palpable tension was further amplified by a historic tie in the Best Short Action Film category, where two films were simultaneously declared winners, sending a wave of surprised excitement and hurried reporting through the press room. These untelevised moments offer a richer, more intimate perspective on the glitz, the glamour, and the sheer human element of Hollywood’s biggest night.
Security was notably heightened this year, a palpable consequence of global events, including the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel in Iran. Authorities in Los Angeles implemented comprehensive security protocols, encompassing layered perimeters, sophisticated traffic management strategies, and a highly visible law enforcement presence that permeated the entire Hollywood area. Armored vehicles and substantial fencing lined the streets surrounding the Dolby Theatre, transforming the usually vibrant Hollywood Boulevard into a fortress of cinematic celebration. This reporter experienced the security apparatus firsthand upon entering the Loews Hotel, the designated hub for media covering the event, conveniently situated across from the Dolby Theatre. Security personnel were stationed at frequent intervals, and passage required navigating through multiple metal detectors and undergoing K-9 sweeps, a testament to the meticulous planning involved. The sheer scale of the operation, with street closures implemented days in advance to accommodate the expansive red carpet and elaborate entryways, underscored the importance of maintaining a secure environment. Inside Ovation Hollywood, the shopping complex housing the Dolby Theatre, the transformation was complete, with large curtains masking local businesses to create a seamless red carpet experience. The pathway leading to the Dolby featured imposing poles adorned with the names of past Best Picture winners, adding a historical gravitas to the modern spectacle.
The Academy Awards, with its nearly century-long legacy, has witnessed remarkably few ties for its coveted awards. However, the 2026 ceremony etched another such rare occurrence into its history, with the Best Short Action Film category resulting in a tie between "The Singers" and "Two People Exchanging Saliva." In the winners’ press room, a dedicated team of librarians was on hand to provide immediate fact-checking for reporters, a crucial resource given the historical significance of such an event. A contingent of journalists, notebooks and pens in hand, converged on the experts to ascertain the last time a tie of this magnitude had occurred. Their research confirmed that the previous instance was in 2013, when "Skyfall" and "Zero Dark Thirty" shared the Oscar for Best Sound Editing. This sudden historical footnote generated a flurry of activity, highlighting the insatiable appetite for detail and context among those covering the event.
Comedian Conan O’Brien, returning for his second consecutive year as the charismatic host of the Academy Awards, added a personal touch to the evening by leaving a hand-written note tucked under the seats within the Dolby Theatre. This thoughtful gesture was intended to welcome nominees, their plus-ones, and any seat-fillers to the prestigious ceremony. The note, which quickly circulated on social media, was accompanied by a selection of snacks humorously dubbed a "Conan O’Brien ‘Moderately Happy Meal.’" The message playfully suggested that these humble provisions would command a steep price in any movie theater, adding a touch of O’Brien’s signature wit. "Good luck tonight, have fun, and remember that loud, enthusiastic laughter is good for your health and my ego," the note read. An Academy spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the message, stating it was indeed placed under every seat. While this reporter did not receive a "Moderately Happy Meal" in the press room, the Loews Hotel ensured a steady supply of dinner and snacks throughout the night, maintaining the comfort of the media contingent.
The Oscars are renowned for their adherence to time limits, often cueing winners to conclude their speeches when they exceed the allotted duration. This year, however, a historic win for "K-Pop Demon Hunters" was nearly cut short. The songwriters behind the critically acclaimed original song "Golden" achieved a monumental first, marking the first time a K-pop song received an Academy Award. Despite being cut off during their acceptance speech, the artists had the opportunity to elaborate on their gratitude backstage, expressing their thanks to their families, fellow artists Audry Nuna and Rei Ami, IDO members, and Teddy Park for this "incredible honor." Mark Sonnenblick, a songwriter for "Golden" who did not have an opportunity to speak during the ceremony, took the microphone with enthusiasm backstage. He extended heartfelt thanks to his husband and acknowledged the collaborative effort involved in the film, particularly commending the animators. Sonnenblick eloquently articulated the film’s message of overcoming prejudice: "It’s a movie where part of the movie is about looking at someone that you have been taught to hate and to fear and starting to trust them, maybe even love them. And that’s part of what the movie is about. It’s not ‘I’m going up up up.’ It’s, ‘we’re going up up up. And that’s part of the reason that we’re on stage right now.’" Director Maggie Kang, also from "K-Pop Demon Hunters," reinforced her earlier sentiments backstage, expressing immense pride in Korean cinema and films that celebrate Korean culture. "It just feels like we have both trophies, and I just feel immensely proud. And really, to be honest, I didn’t want to disappoint Korea," she stated.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer for "Sinners," made history as the first woman to win an Oscar in her category. However, she acknowledged missing a crucial point during her acceptance speech. "A lot of little girls that look like me will sleep really well tonight because they want to become cinematographers," she declared, emphasizing the inspirational impact of her win. She further elaborated on how this recognition could alter the trajectory for many young women, igniting aspirations that may have previously seemed out of reach. Arkapaw also took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the women who had supported her throughout the awards season. "Moments like this don’t happen without women kind of standing up for you and advocating for you. I know that this happened because of that, so I want to say thank you," she stated, highlighting the importance of female solidarity in the industry.
Amy Madigan, winner of the Best Supporting Actress award for her chilling portrayal of a villain in the horror film "Weapons," hinted at the possibility of a prequel during a backstage interview. When questioned about the potential for a film focusing on her character, Aunt Gladys, Madigan revealed that writer-director Zach Cregger has consistently suggested such a project is in the works. "He kind of says, ‘Yes, this is going to happen.’ But we know how long stuff takes. We know what this business is like, and nothing’s real till it is," she commented. Madigan expressed her enthusiasm for the prospect, stating, "But if it worked out that would be great, because I trust Zach, and he’s got a lot of wacky ideas." Her candid remarks offered fans a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the "Weapons" franchise, generating anticipation for what Cregger’s "wacky ideas" might entail.
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