Inside the 2026 Oscars: The Best Candid Celebrity Photos From Behind the Scenes

“I’m honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” Conan O’Brien joked last night in his opening monologue at the 2026 Oscars. “Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”

And with that, the second-time host kicked off Hollywood’s biggest night of awards, heartfelt moments, and even some history making. Sinners cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman ever to win the Oscar for best cinematography. Paul Thomas Anderson took home his first Academy Awards (plural!). Jessie Buckley won best actress for her work in Hamnet. The women of Bridesmaids reunited! And celebrities brought their A-game on the red carpet, donning springtime pastels and jaw-dropping jewels.

All eyes were on the star-studded ceremony, from the moment nominees—including Teyana Taylor wearing custom Chanel by Matthieu Blazy, Timothée Chalamet in Givenchy by Sarah Burton, and Rose Byrne in Dior by Jonathan Anderson—arrived on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles until the final award of the night, when One Battle After Another won best picture. (If you missed the fun, here’s how to rewatch the Oscars.)

While many placed their bets on who would take home the biggest prizes at the 98th Academy Awards, we kept our eyes peeled for the truly fun and unpredictable part of a room full of actors and filmmakers: the candid moments that happen off-screen and backstage. Moments like: Elle Fanning, Timothée Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner chatting and laughing; Nicole Kidman flashing a peace sign; presenters (and onscreen couple in the upcoming A24 wedding thriller The Drama) Zendaya and Robert Pattinson backstage together; presenters Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver sharing a laugh; and more.

Below, check out photos of all the best laughs, hugs, and reunions, and other candid star moments from the Oscars that you didn’t see on screen.