Michael B Jordan at In-N-Out with his Oscar trophy as part of a story on viral moments at the 2026 Oscars. (Credit: TheSceneDaily.com)
Award Shows, Entertainment, Features

The 2026 Oscars Had the Internet Saying ‘Wait…What?’—10 Moments That Everyone Is Still Talking About

Posted on by Epiphany La’ Sha

It’s been a few days since the 98th Academy Awards aired, and the talk around Michael B. Jordan celebrating his Oscar win with fans at In-N-Out Burger has not died down yet. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the award show delivered plenty of unforgettable moments from emotional speeches and viral red carpet looks to awkward jokes and abruptly cut acceptance speeches.

Here are 10 viral moments from the 2026 Oscars that had viewers at home and online doing double takes.

1. A Rare Oscars Tie 

The night’s first “wait, what?” moment came when the Academy announced a tie in the Best Live-Action Short Film category.

The award was shared by “The Singers” directed by Sam A Davis, produced by Jack Piatt, and “Two People Exchanging Saliva”, by Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata.

This was the first tie since 2013 and the seventh to happen in history. The moment created a brief pause as the presenter, Kumail Nanjiani, made sure it wasn’t a joke before both nominees made their way to the stage to share the spotlight. 

The award was Piatt’s first Oscar win and nomination, and Davis’s first win and second nomination.

2. Michael B. Jordan’s Emotional Best Actor Speech

One of the evening’s most powerful moments arrived when Michael B. Jordan accepted the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Sinners. Fighting back emotion, as the sixth black actor to receive the award, Jordan used his speech to acknowledge the Black actors and filmmakers who paved the way before him.

The actor reflected on representation in Hollywood and the importance of continuing to open doors for the next generation of storytellers.

3. Zendaya With a BOB

Fashion is always a central part of Oscars coverage, and Zendaya ensured she was part of the conversation before the ceremony even began. The actor slayed a bob  on the red carpet, instantly sparking comparisons and praise across social media and friends, as friendly shade was given, reports complimenting her from the red carpet 

Photos of the new look quickly circulated online, proving once again that Oscars style moments can rival the awards themselves.

4. Ryan Coogler’s Braids for the win

Director Ryan Coogler became part of one of the evening’s most unexpected viral moments. During a brief onstage appearance connected to Sinners, viewers quickly noticed what appeared to be a blues guitar braided in the side of his head.

The design created by hairstylist Tyzanna B spread across social media almost immediately as the director won his first Oscar. 

5. The ‘Sinners’ Performance Brings the Energy

Music from Sinners made a powerful impact during the ceremony with a live performance that blended cinematic staging and dramatic lighting. The performance underscored the film’s major presence throughout the night, reinforcing the cultural momentum surrounding the project.

With Jordan’s Best Actor win and strong audience reaction, Sinners became one of the defining films of the evening.

6. Conan O’Brien’s Timothée Chalamet Ballet Joke

Hosting duties fell to Conan O’Brien, whose opening monologue delivered a mix of quick wit and risky humor. One joke referencing Timothée Chalamet and ballet drew noticeable reactions from the audience.

While some viewers laughed, others took to social media to debate whether the joke landed or crossed into uncomfortable territory, a familiar dynamic for live awards-show comedy.

7. The ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Speech Gets Cut Short

Another awkward live-television moment occurred when the creative team behind the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” attempted to deliver their acceptance speech. The project, heavily inspired by K-pop aesthetics and music, had drawn a passionate global fan base.

Just as the team began thanking supporters and collaborators, the orchestra music started playing, cutting their speech short and forcing them to wrap up quickly.

Clips of the moment circulated online, with fans expressing frustration that the group didn’t get more time on stage.

Executive Vice President at Walt Disney Television, Rob Mills, told Variety that Oscar officials will use the backlash as a learning experience for future ceremonies.

8. The Teyana Taylor Moment That Sparked Online Debate

Actress and singer Teyana Taylor also became part of the night’s online conversation after a brief on-camera moment sparked speculation among viewers. The clip, in which she addresses an Oscars security guard who apparently shoved her, quickly began circulating across social platforms. Within minutes, viewers were dissecting the moment frame by frame. While the Academy issued an apology following the incident, one thing’s for sure: she doesn’t tolerate disrespect. 

9. The In Memoriam Segment Faces Criticism

The annual “In Memoriam” tribute once again stirred debate among viewers. Shortly after the segment aired, fans pointed out several notable industry figures who were not included in the televised montage. While the Academy typically publishes a more extensive online list, the omissions sparked criticism and renewed discussion about how the tribute is curated.

10. Amy Madigan’s Long-Awaited Oscar

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came when Amy Madigan won her first Academy Award decades after receiving her initial nomination. The veteran actor received a standing ovation as she took the stage.

According to Gold Derby, this sets a new record for the longest amount of time between an actress’ first Oscar nomination and their first win.  Her emotional acceptance speech reflected on perseverance in the entertainment industry and the long road many artists travel before receiving recognition.

Featured image credit: TheSceneDaily.com

Epiphany La’ Sha