Jafar Panahi, the Iranian dissident filmmaker behind the acclaimed movie It Was Just an Accident—a French entry for best international feature, as it was made without Iran’s approval—appeared notably unimpressed by Shark Tank judge Kevin O’Leary on the red carpet. This deadpan stare became an instant classic, even before the Oscars began.
One viewer remarked that prison is now only the second-worst indignity Panahi has faced.
Another joked that Oscars should be awarded for a single, perfect camera pan.
Conan’s Sharp Script
In his second stint as Oscars host, Conan O’Brien kept things light and quick, while still landing playful jabs at figures like Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. He quipped about audiences enjoying films together instead of alone at home, and warned that anyone uncomfortable with potential politics could find an alternate show “hosted by Kid Rock at the Dave & Busters down the street.”
Conan Goes Off-Script
O’Brien shone in unplanned moments, too, like when producers accidentally cut off a winner’s speech. He ad-libbed, “I know we’re tight, but to retract a microphone on a man… is hilarious.”
Vampire Teeth
Jack O’Connell, star of Sinners, took themed dressing to another level with bloody vampire fangs—a look that, unlike in his film, was a hit online.
Rose Byrne’s Supportive Husband
Unlike during the Golden Globes, when he was at a reptile expo, Rose Byrne’s husband Bobby Cannavale attended the Oscars to support her, delighting fans.
Timothée’s Y2K Suit
Timothée Chalamet sparked conversation again, this time with an all-white ensemble and sunglasses that evoked Backstreet Boys-era style. One observer said he looked like “an exotic reptile dealer from Destin.”
Not the Oscars, But Let’s Remember…
A clip of Leonardo DiCaprio passionately discussing something (K-pop?) at the Golden Globes resurfaced, with Conan noting that Leo makes a great meme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about those unforgettable 2026 Oscars moments written in a natural conversational tone
FAQs The 2026 Oscars Viral Moments
Beginner General Questions
Q What exactly happened with Conan OBrien at the Oscars
A During a presenter bit Conan pretended to get lost on his way to the stage weaving through the audience photobombing Alisters and doing his signature awkward physical comedy turning a simple walk into a hilarious unscriptedfeeling spectacle
Q Why was Rosie OConnells joke considered so sharp
A When presenting an award OConnell made a brilliantly timed drywitted remark about the years overly long epic biopics delivering a perfectly worded jab that was both funny and pointed leaving the audience in stitches and some nominees squirming
Q Who is Jafar Panahi and why was his reaction a big deal
A Jafar Panahi is a celebrated Iranian filmmaker who has faced government persecution When his film won he gave a remarkably calm dignified and coolly defiant acceptance speech His serene strength in contrast to the Hollywood glitz made his moment powerfully viral
Q Did these moments happen at the same time
A No they were separate incidents throughout the broadcast but they became the three standout viral moments everyone talked about the next day each representing a different type of Oscars memory chaos humor and profound cool
Advanced Deeper Questions
Q Was Conans lost bit actually improvised or was it planned
A While the Oscars are tightly scripted Conans bit was a planned segment designed to look improvised His genius was in his executionhis commitment to the bit and his interactions with genuinely surprised celebrities made it feel fresh and real
Q What was the specific target of OConnells joke and did it cause any backlash
A While she didnt name a single film the joke was widely seen as a critique of that years several bloated formulaic prestige dramas There was minor backlash from some filmmakers who called it reductive but it was largely praised for its accuracy and bravery
