Millions watch the Oscars broadcast annually, yet the most memorable interactions often occur off-camera backstage. This year’s ceremony delivered heartfelt hugs, kisses, and celebrations among stars.
Michael B. Jordan’s Triumphant Best Actor Win
Michael B. Jordan steps off stage after securing best actor for Sinners, receiving a warm embrace from fellow nominee Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio, nominated for One Battle After Another, clasps fists with Jordan in a display of sportsmanship more than a decade after his own 2015 victory for The Revenant.
Benicio Del Toro, nominated for best supporting actor in One Battle After Another but outshone by absent co-star Sean Penn, kisses Jordan’s hand in congratulations. Del Toro, a past winner for Traffic in 2000, joins DiCaprio and Jordan in the huddle.
Adrien Brody, who presented the award after his 2025 win for The Brutalist, shares affection with Jordan.
Heartfelt Reunions and Emotional Wins
Ethan Hawke plants an affectionate kiss on Gwyneth Paltrow’s cheek, 28 years after co-starring in Great Expectations. Hawke earns a best actor nod for Blue Moon, while Paltrow misses recognition for Marty Supreme.
Jessie Buckley exits stage in joyful tears after best actress win for Hamnet, joined by previous winner Mikey Madison from Anora.
Best Picture and Director Celebrations
DiCaprio and co-star Teyana Taylor from One Battle After Another—best picture recipient—share a close moment. Taylor, who loses best supporting actress to Amy Madigan of Weapons, chats with co-star Chase Infiniti.
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, stars of upcoming A24 film The Drama, mingle backstage after presenting best director to Paul Thomas Anderson. The trio watches onstage action from the wings. Anderson, dominant in multiple categories for One Battle After Another, poses with Sinners director Ryan Coogler, fresh off his best original screenplay win.
Coogler confers with presenter Robert Downey Jr. backstage.
Backstage Camaraderie
Pedro Pascal clasps hands with co-presenter Sigourney Weaver, who delivers a playful Aliens line onstage: ‘Get away from her, you b****.’
Nominated actresses Elle Fanning, Renate Reinsve, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas from Sentimental Value bond despite losses.
Emma Stone, husband Dave McCary, Demi Moore, and Kate Hudson snap a selfie courtesy of Hudson’s husband Danny Fujikawa.
Anderson celebrates best adapted screenplay with casting director Cassandra Kulukundis, inaugural best casting winner. Sterling K. Brown, who parodies Casablanca with host Conan O’Brien, shakes hands with Anderson.
Performance Props and Host Highlights
During Golden from KPop Demon Hunters, stars like Paltrow wave light sticks, mimicking a live K-pop show.
Anne Hathaway joins co-presenter Anna Wintour backstage. Host Conan O’Brien, in his return, switches costumes seamlessly.
