Oscars 2026 backstage: Candid moments, star reunions and winners celebrating

Take a look behind the scenes at the 98th Academy Awards.

March 15, 2026, 10:09 PM

While the cameras capture the glamour on stage, some of the most memorable moments at the Oscars unfold just out of view.

At the 98th Academy Awards, stars like Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti were spotted chatting, while newly crowned winners, like Amy Madigan, paused to celebrate, reflect and pose for photos after their big wins.

From emotional reactions to candid conversations, the backstage area offered its own glimpse into the excitement of Hollywood’s biggest night.

Take a look at some must-see photos below.

Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, and Kate Hudson at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
PHOTO: Jessie Buckley, Oscar winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role for 'Hamnet,' poses with Michael B. Jordan, Oscar winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'Sinners' at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Jessie Buckley, Oscar winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role for 'Hamnet,' poses with Michael B. Jordan, Oscar winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'Sinners' in the press room at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Jill Connelly/EPA/Shutterstock
Paul Thomas Anderson, producer Sara Murphy along with Teyana Taylor and the cast celebrate as they accept the Oscar for Best Picture for "One Battle after Another" at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Stewart Cook/Disney
PHOTO: Jessie Buckley, Oscar winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role for 'Hamnet,' poses with Michael B. Jordan, Oscar winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'Sinners' at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Jessie Buckley, Oscar winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role for 'Hamnet,' poses with Michael B. Jordan, Oscar winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'Sinners' in the press room at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Brianna Bryson/Getty Images
Emma Stone and Jessie Buckley talk at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
PHOTO: Ryan Coogler, winner of the Original Screenplay award poses with Paul Thomas Anderson, winner of the Writing (Adapted Screenplay) award for "One Battle After Another" backstage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Ryan Coogler, winner of the Writing (Original Screenplay) award poses with Paul Thomas Anderson, winner of the Writing (Adapted Screenplay) award for "One Battle After Another" backstage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Getty Images
Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver pose backstage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Getty Images
Elle Fanning adjusts her dress during the Oscars show at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Mike Blake/Reuters
Cassandra Kulukundis poses with the Oscar for Best Casting for "One Battle after Another" next to Wagner Moura, Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chase Infiniti backstage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/via Reuters
Oscars awards are seen backstage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Getty Images
Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway pose backstage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Reuters
Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong pose with the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film for "KPop Demon Hunters" in the Oscars photo room at the 98th Academy Awards in Hollywood, March 15, 2026.
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
Danny Fujikawa takes a selfie with Kate Hudson, Demi Moore, Emma Stone and Dave McCary at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Reuters
Conan O'Brien talks to Amy Madigan, winner of the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for "Weapons", backstage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Reuters
Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti speak at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Getty Images

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