Oscars 2026 recap: The biggest winners and best moments

Talk show host and comedian Conan O'Brien kicked off the show at the 2026 Oscars with a wide-ranging opening monologue highlighting the stars and films vying for the top prizes at tonight's ceremony.

The opening segment started with a skit featuring O'Brien getting an undesirable makeover a la Amy Madigan in "Weapons" -- ahead of the show before being chased through scenes from the year's top films and appearing on the Oscar stage.

"I'm honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards," he said at the top of his speech. "Next year, it's going to be a Waymo in a tux."

O'Brien also took swipes at Timothée Chalamet's opera, ballet controversy, Netflix's relationship with theatergoers and more.

The comedian also touched on the film's top pictures and talent, including joking about Leonardo DiCaprio's tendency to appear in a variety of online memes, while he attempted to make a new meme on the fly with DiCaprio, "That feeling when you didn't agree to this."

O'Brien also took a moment to address current events, saying celebrating the past year's films was important "not because we think all is well, but because we work and hope for better in the days ahead."

Several stars are incorporated bold colors in their Oscars red carpet looks.

Best actress nominee Jessie Buckley stepped out in a pink and red gown, while "One Battle After Another" actress Chase Infiniti went with a custom lavender gown from Louis Vuitton, according to Vogue.

"Sinners" actress Li Jun Li and best actress nominee Renate Reinsve, both opted for bold red gowns.

"Sinners" star and best supporting actress nominee Wunmi also brought color to the red carpet, stepping out in a sparkling emerald green gown.

Security around the Oscars is tight amid war in Iran and domestic threats, and officials say they are also monitoring for any protests that may erupt during the red carpet or show.

While there haven't been any reports of protests leading up to the Oscars, LAPD sources told ABC News earlier this week that responses to protests have been mapped out.

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israel strikes attack targeting military and government sites, according to U.S. officials.

Iran has continued to respond to the operation with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, regional U.S. bases and multiple Gulf nations. There were also two domestic attacks on Thursday — one at the Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan and the other at Virginia's Old Dominion University — that are being investigated as potentially motivated by the strife in the Middle East.

Demi Moore, Zoe Saldaña, Heidi Klum, Marlee Matlin and Spike Lee are among the A-listers shining on the Oscars red carpet.