Hollywood heavyweights lit up our TV screens as they celebrated acclaimed cinematic achievements at the 2026 Academy Awards.

But as celebrities gathered inside Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 15, many of the night’s most enthralling moments happened while the cameras weren’t rolling.

From rapturous applause for personal favorites to intimate conversations during commercial breaks, our brightest stars didn’t hesitate to let their hair down — and Us Weekly was there to witness it all.

Cute couples, including the front row’s Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, spread the love by cuddling up to one another before extending happy vibes to fans who approached them for selfies. Elsewhere, leading ladies caught up with each other both at the bar and among the seats, with the likes of Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Zoe Saldaña and Michael B. Jordan’s mom, Donna Jordan, all engrossed in animated conversations.

Related: The Best and Worst of the 2026 Oscars With Host Conan O’Brien

Awards season officially came to an end with the 2026 Oscars delivering an unforgettable ceremony. Hollywood’s brightest stars traveled to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, to take a break from the heavy news surrounding the world and try to celebrate the best in movies. “If I can be serious for just […]

Additionally, as films were recognized for their individual talents, celebrities enthusiastically showed their support, rising from the seats and applauding despite their peers remaining seated.

Keep scrolling to learn what Us saw first-hand while inside at the 2026 Oscars:

Leonardo DiCaprio Beamed While Chatting to Gwyneth Paltrow

Longtime friends Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow caught up in the auditorium, with the One Battle After Another actor seen holding Paltrow’s hand as the pair chatted.

Paltrow, who has caught up with DiCaprio on several occasions throughout this awards season, said on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in 2023 that he tried to make out with her “back in the day.” She noted at the time that despite their connection, their dynamic never turned romantic.

Couples Who Packed on the PDA

Elle Fanning and boyfriend Gus Wenner held hands and kissed before entering the theatre, Rose Byrne and husband Bobby Cannavale held hands as they greeted guests, and Chalamet and Jenner cuddled up to one another in their seats throughout the evening.

Additionally, DiCaprio happily snacked on Skinny Pop popcorn while seated beside girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, who looked equally as happy to join him at the event.

Kate Hudson and Emma Stone Couldn’t Wait to Catch Up

Hudson and Stone, who were seen snapping a star-studded front row selfie alongside Demi Moore and the pair’s respective partners, husband Dave McCary and fiancé Danny Fujikawa, were seen exiting the auditorium together, headed for the bar.

The pair then grabbed drinks before Hudson found her mom, Goldie Hawn and longtime partner Kurt Russell, and the trio enjoyed drinks and posing for photos together.

Nicole Kidman Gushed About Her Children

Nicole Kidman stood beside her publicist inside Dolby Theatre’s main lobby where she enjoyed a glass of rosé and talked about her daughter with her team. The Babygirl star looked delighted, with a huge smile wrapped across her face and laughing between greetings with fans who approached her — including a solo Rita Wilson.

Ejae Addressed Cut-Off ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Speech

While speaking in the press room after KPop Demon Hunters won best original song for “Golden,” one of the song’s performers, Ejae, discussed how the group’s acceptance speech was interrupted by music during the live show. She told members of the press, “They cut us off with the music, but I wanted to thank Rei Ami and Audrey [Nuna]. They killed it with their singing, and they’re just incredible people, and I love them so much.”

Jacob Elordi Loved Having His Mom by His Side

Jacob Elordi was seen enjoying a drink with his mom, Melissa Elordi, in the lobby bar, with a security guard asking fellow guests to avoid filming the pair. The Wuthering Heights star later introduced her to other guests, hugging Melissa at one stage, before walking over to Stellan Skarsgård to hug him. Elordi was also seen shaking hands with Channing Tatum later.

Emma Stone Caught Up With ‘Bugonia’ Costar Alicia Silverstone

Stone and Alicia Silverstone shared a sweet hug at the bar before chatting to the bartender together and ordering drinks. Stone was then seen grabbing glasses of champagne to give to the Clueless star before introducing her to Felicity Huffman and bringing her into the fun.

Nick Jonas Rushed Back to His Seat

At one stage, Nick Jonas, who attended the Oscars with wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas, rushed through the lobby with two waters held in his hands. The musician looked to be on a mission and Chopra was not with him.

Gwyneth Paltrow Reconnected With Her ‘Great Expectations’ Costar Ethan Hawke

Inside the auditorium, Paltrow was seen chatting to Ethan Hawke, who starred alongside her in 1998’s Great Expectations. The pair looked happy to be there together, smiling as they spoke.

‘One Battle After Another’ Cast Loved Those KPop Hand Lights

Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor were seen holding the glow lights provided to Oscars guests during the KPop Demon Hunters’ cast performance of “Golden.” Infiniti was seen standing up out of her seat as she waved her light around.

Chase Infiniti Cheered on One Battle After Another’s Wins

Infiniti jumped out of her seat and yelled in support of One Battle After Another when it won the best film editing award.

Celebrities Got Into Deep Conversations

Michael B. Jordan’s mom, Donna, was seen in a heart-to-heart with Saldaña as the actress sat in her seat and appeared very emotional. Michael, meanwhile, was seen in a long hug with DiCaprio before the pair spoke in depth. At one stage, Michael rested his head on DiCaprio’s chest before DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another costar Benicio del Toro joined the duo to hug Michael himself, shake his hand, and pose for photos with them.

Emma Stone’s Husband Watched Baseball on His Phone

Kirsten Dunst, who was seen dancing her way out of the theatre once the ceremony had wrapped, asked Stone’s husband, McCary, what he was watching on his phone before he revealed it was baseball.

Fans are trying to figure out what’s really going on between streamer Tylil James and his estranged girlfriend, Kae Critch. The internet is buzzing after Tylil shared a new photo with Kae, leaving social media users wondering whether the couple has rekindled their relationship following their public drama late last year.

Related: Standing On It! Tylil James Doubles Down On Confronting Streamer Awards Host For Comparing Kai Cenat To Diddy

Tylil James and Kae Critch Pose Together In New Photo

On Sunday, March 15, Tylil James shared a selfie on social media featuring Kae Critch, sparking speculation that the two may be back together. In the photo, Tylil holds his phone for a mirror selfie while Kae stands behind him with her arms wrapped around his body. She rests her head on him as the couple shows off their matching eye patches. The cozy snapshot quickly caught fans’ attention, especially since many believed the pair had split months earlier.

Social Media Reacts

The Shade Room Teens’ comment section quickly filled with reactions after Tylil posted the photo. While some users defended Kae for giving the relationship another chance, others questioned whether getting back together after the couple’s past issues was the right move.

Instagram user @itsyagirlyanaaa wrote, “I thought-“

Another Instagram user @lifewitheshiaaa wrote, “At least hope she cheat back if she not gone leave 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @krissyxraee wrote, “let’s not act like y’all didn’t double back on a n**** before 🥴”

Instagram user @ms.yasminsimone wrote, “Chileee anyways”

Another Instagram user @luvlycee wrote, “y’all normalize being a 🐥 a little tewww much”

While Instagram user @shyywayy_ wrote, “she should’ve told him not to post her if she was gone get back with him… we’d be a private relationship 😭💁🏽‍♀️”

Instagram user @robinantoinette_ wrote, “You Ain’t Wrong Queen”

Another Instagram user @nogramzari wrote, “How you let him cheat and take him back must be your only n*** -Latto”

While Instagram user @niirosee wrote, “This is why I stay out of ppl business 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”

Kae Critch Previously Said She Was Single After Cheating Controversy

Tylil’s latest post surprised many fans who believed the relationship had ended after a cheating controversy involving the streamer. In December 2025, singer Jourdin Pauline went online with allegations that she had been sexually assaulted by Tylil James following the 2025 Streamer Awards. Tylil denied the allegations at the time, saying the interaction between the two was consensual. However, he admitted the situation became tense after he received a call from Kae Kritch while he and Pauline were together.Amid the backlash, Tylil later took to Instagram Stories to apologize to Kae and publicly expressed his love for her. Shortly after, Kae appeared to distance herself from the situation, posting on her own Instagram Story, “I am NOT in a relationship.”

Now, months later, Tylil’s latest post has social media users questioning whether the couple has quietly reconciled.

Related: Tylil James Accuses Jourdin Pauline Of Blackmail With Consent Footage Following Her Sexual Assault Claims (VIDEOS)

The 2026 Academy Awards delivered plenty of viral moments, but one unexpected interaction between Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow quickly caught fans’ attention. 

Cameras spotted the longtime Hollywood stars deep in conversation during the ceremony, sparking speculation online. 

The lively exchange came despite DiCaprio attending the event with his Italian girlfriend, model Vittoria Ceretti, and it wasn’t long before viewers began dissecting the moment frame by frame.

Leonardo DiCaprio Spotted In Animated Chat With Gwyneth Paltrow At Oscars

During a break at the Academy Awards, Leonardo DiCaprio was seen chatting closely with Paltrow inside the Dolby Theatre, where the ceremony is held each year.

According to the Daily Mail, the interaction appeared friendly and animated. Observers noticed the two actors leaning toward each other while laughing and speaking intently, creating a moment that quickly spread across social media.

At one point, DiCaprio even held Paltrow’s hand during the exchange, prompting further curiosity among viewers watching the ceremony unfold.

The actress, who is married to television producer Brad Falchuk, appeared to gently pull her hand away before the conversation continued.

Moments later, DiCaprio returned to his seat alongside Ceretti, who attended the ceremony as his date for the evening.

DiCaprio Once Tried To Romance Gwyneth Paltrow Years Ago

While the Oscars interaction surprised fans, Paltrow previously revealed that the pair’s connection actually dates back decades.

During a 2023 appearance on the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” the “Marty Supreme” star shared that Leonardo DiCaprio had attempted to pursue her romantically earlier in their careers.

“Nope, never made out with Leo,” Paltrow said while reflecting on the moment. According to the 53-year-old, she chose not to explore the possibility of dating the “Titanic” star.

“He tried back in the day. But he was already, like, you know, he was very loose with the goods from when he was 19,” Paltrow revealed.

The revelation resurfaced after their Oscars interaction began circulating online, with many fans recalling Paltrow’s earlier comments about turning him down.

Leonardo DiCaprio Attends Oscars With Longtime Girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti

Despite the attention surrounding his exchange with Paltrow, DiCaprio spent the evening beside his beautiful partner, whom he has been dating since 2023.

The Italian model has become a regular presence alongside the actor at high-profile events, and their relationship has drawn particular interest because it appears to challenge a long-running internet joke about DiCaprio’s dating history.

For years, fans have speculated about the Hollywood star’s tendency to date younger partners and move on before they reach their mid-20s. Ceretti, however, has remained in a relationship with him for nearly three years.

The couple arrived together at the Academy Awards, with Ceretti later sitting beside him during the broadcast inside the theater. 

DiCaprio was nominated for Best Actor, though the award ultimately went to Michael B. Jordan.

DiCaprio’s New Look Sparks Buzz On Oscars Red Carpet

Even before the ceremony began, Leonardo DiCaprio had already become a major talking point online because of his appearance on the red carpet.

The film producer debuted noticeably darker hair and a bold mustache while posing for photographers in a classic black tuxedo.

The facial hair immediately caught viewers’ attention, with many comparing it to the signature look often worn by Pedro Pascal, who arrived at the ceremony clean-shaven.

Some fans jokingly suggested that Pascal had somehow passed the mustache along to DiCaprio for the evening.

“Leonardo DiCaprio stole Pedro Pascal’s mustache and the ceremony hasn’t even started yet, I’m not ready,” one viewer wrote on social media per the Daily Mail. 

Another user reacted to the look with a short comment that quickly gained traction online, noting, “porn stache.”

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Bold Oscars Style Divides Fans Online

pedro pascal shaved off his mustache and gave it to leonardo dicaprio pic.twitter.com/7sB6ee66ou

— caity ☘️ (@ktmob_) March 15, 2026

As photos from the red carpet continued circulating, social media users shared more mixed reactions to DiCaprio’s new look.

One fan joked about the coincidence between Pascal’s clean-shaven appearance and DiCaprio’s mustache, writing, “Pedro Pascal gave his mustache to Leonardo DiCaprio! #Oscars.”

Another observer pointed out the contrast more directly, posting, “Leonardo DiCaprio has a mustache, and Pedro Pascal is clean-shaven.”

Others took a more humorous approach to describing the transformation, with one user saying the actor looked “the most chopped he ever chopped.”

Another viewer compared the new style to comedian Shane Gillis, while one fan offered a tongue-in-cheek compliment by writing, “He’s actually attractive for an old man.”

Still, plenty of viewers praised the actor’s red carpet presence. One admirer wrote that “Leonardo DiCaprio owns the red carpet – classic black tux, bow tie, and that bold mustache giving major leading-man swagger. Timeless yet fresh; he’s ready to take home the gold.”

The 98th Academy Awards delivered plenty of headline moments, but few were as dramatic as the night surrounding Teyana Taylor. 

The multi-talented star first sparked online debate over her reaction to losing the Best Supporting Actress category, and the conversation only intensified minutes later. 

A backstage confrontation captured on video showed Taylor visibly furious after claiming she had been pushed in a crowded hallway, turning what was already a viral moment into one of the most talked-about scenes of the evening.

Teyana Taylor Confronts Man Backstage After Heated Oscars Incident

Teyana Taylor made a scene at the Oscars on Sunday after she claimed a man shoved her.

When did the Oscars become the Waffle House?pic.twitter.com/j6YcZbfrFn

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— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) March 16, 2026

Shortly after the awards segment concluded, a video began circulating online showing Teyana Taylor in a crowded hallway inside the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards is held.

In the clip, posted by a verified account on X, the visibly upset star pointed toward someone off camera while raising her voice, accusing a man of getting physical with her as she tried to move through the packed area.

“You’re a man putting his hands on a female,” Taylor said during the confrontation. 

Witnesses nearby appeared concerned as the exchange unfolded. 

The actress repeated her frustration several times while addressing the situation directly.

“You’re very rude. You’re very rude. You’re very rude,” she said, making it clear she was angry about what had just happened.

Taylor Says She Was Shoved In Packed Oscars Corridor

As the tense moment continued, Teyana Taylor explained to people around her what she believed had happened in the busy hallway. 

According to the star, the man had pushed her while navigating through the crowd of attendees.

“He literally shoved me,” Taylor said while describing the incident. She also pointed toward another woman nearby, claiming the situation involved more than just herself. 

“He was damn near shoving her,” she added.

The video clip ended with the 35-year-old drawing a clear boundary as she addressed the situation one final time. “Do not touch me, do not shove me, do not push me,” she said firmly. The confrontation quickly spread across social media, becoming one of the most widely shared clips from the evening.

Teyana Taylor’s Oscars Reaction Immediately Sparks Social Media Frenzy

The evening had already placed Taylor in the spotlight as cameras focused on the nominees for Best Supporting Actress. The category included Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning.

When Madigan’s name was announced as the winner, Taylor reacted instantly. The performer jumped up from her seat, raising her arms above her head while clapping enthusiastically.

The moment played out in a split-screen broadcast showing reactions from multiple nominees, and viewers quickly began sharing opinions online about Taylor’s animated response. 

Some fans believed the excitement looked exaggerated for someone who had just lost the category.

“Teyana Taylor faking the happiness, girl sit down and relax,” one viewer wrote on X per the Daily Mail. 

Another person posted a blunt reaction to the clip circulating online, writing, “Lmao that Teyana Taylor reaction, the fakest sh** ever.”

The debate spread rapidly across social media, with some viewers wondering whether the energetic celebration was genuine or simply an attempt to mask disappointment.

Taylor’s Oscars Loss Analyzed By Body Language Expert

The discussion around Teyana Taylor’s reaction soon drew commentary from body language expert Judi James, who offered her interpretation of what viewers saw on screen.

James suggested the reactions from both Taylor and fellow nominee Fanning were unusually dramatic.

“The split-screen responses from Elle Fanning and Teyana Taylor as they didn’t get Best Supporting Actress were overkill performances of counter-intuitive emotions that should have won an award in a category of their own,” James said.

According to the expert, the performers appeared to express excitement typically associated with winners rather than nominees who had just lost.

James explained that Taylor’s movement was particularly noticeable in the broadcast. “Teyana dived forward from her seat as though she’d received an electric shock,” she said.

The expert also described how the actress appeared to transition quickly from that initial movement into a celebratory response.

She said, “When she came up, she was in full celebratory mode, clapping with her hands above her head.”

Teyana Taylor Caps Off Major Awards Season At The Oscars

Despite the controversy surrounding the night, Taylor’s presence at the Academy Awards marked a milestone in her career.

The “Straw” star had enjoyed a strong awards season thanks to her performance in “One Battle After Another,” which ultimately went on to win Best Picture at the ceremony.

Earlier in the season, Taylor also secured a major win at the Golden Globe Awards, taking home Best Supporting Actress for the role. 

Her performance also earned nominations from the Critics’ Choice Awards, the BAFTA Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards.

The Oscar nomination itself marked her first recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, highlighting the growing momentum of her acting career.

Outside of film, Taylor has also continued making waves in music. She recently earned a Grammy Awards nomination for Best R&B Album for “Escape Room,” reinforcing her reputation as a multi-hyphenate performer who continues to move between music, film, choreography, and directing.

Rob Reiner received a moving tribute at the Oscars, with stars gathering on stage to honor the late director’s remarkable career. The moment celebrated his enduring impact on the film industry and the countless lives he’s touched, while highlighting the stories and performances that have made his work unforgettable.

Billy Crystal Led The Rob Reiner Tribute

On March 15, the Academy Awards paid a tribute to Reiner, led by his longtime friend and “When Harry Met Sally” star, Billy Crystal.

Crystal began the 4-minute tribute by saying he met the director in 1975 on the set of the sitcom “All in the Family,” where he played the role of Reiner’s character’s best friend. The actor then went on to mention some of the director’s most notable films, while stills from the movies were shown.

“Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes, because they were about what makes us laugh and cry, and what we aspire to be far better in his eyes: far kinder, far funnier, and far more human,” Crystal noted.

“To the millions who have enjoyed his films all these years, I want you to know, here and around the world, how many times Rob told me that it meant everything to him, that his work meant something to you — and for us who had the privilege of working with and knowing him and loving him,” Crystal concluded.

The Academy’s Tribute To Michele Singer Reiner

In the segment, Crystal also honored Reiner’s wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who was a producer and professional photographer. The couple married in 1989 after meeting on the set of “When Harry Met Sally,” and as Crystal noted, their partnership was “unstoppable.”

“It was her energy that had them working tirelessly to fight social injustice in the country that they both loved. Rob and Michele Reiner became the driving force in the landmark decision for marriage equality across the United States,” Crystal said.

Per Inside Philanthropy, the Reiners co-founded the American Foundation of Equal Rights (AFER) in 2009. AFER led the effort to fight against Proposition 8, a California ballot initiative passed in 2008 to ban same-sex marriage. In 2013, a Supreme Court decision restored marriage equality in California, setting the stage for the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.

The 17 Stars Who Paid Tribute To Rob And Michele Reiner

Toward the end of the tribute, 16 actors and actresses from Reiner’s movies joined Crystal on stage to honor the beloved director. They held hands and took a moment of silence while the audience stood from their seats and applauded.

The list of stars included Crystal and Meg Ryan (When Harry Met Sally), Christoper Guest and Michael McKean (This is Spinal Tap), Jerry O’Connell and Will Wheaton (Stand by Me), Kathy Bates (Misery), Carol Kane, Mandy Patinkin, Carey Elwes, and Fred Savage (Princess Bride), John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga (The Sure Thing), Annette Bening (The American President), and Demi Moore, Keifer Sutherland, and Kevin Pollack (A Few Good Men).

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After a heartfelt round of applause, the stars on stage turned their gazes toward the photo of the Reiners projected on the screen as the lights dimmed.

Corey Feldman Claimed He Wasn’t Invited To The Tribute

Reiner has worked with plenty of actors throughout his decades-long career, and Corey Feldman spoke about not being contacted to join the Oscars tribute. Feldman was one of the lead characters in “Stand By Me,” alongside O’Connell and Wheaton, who attended the tribute, and River Phoenix, who passed away in 1993.

According to The Blast, Feldman was reportedly “devastated” over not being included, especially since Reiner has been outspoken about how “Stand By Me” and the late director were influential in his career.

In March, Feldman confirmed via X that he was not invited. “I understand many believe it’s due to being outspoken about the abuse I suffered as a child and the campaign to silence me. However, this isn’t about me. It’s not my moment at all. It’s about the tragic loss of our friend Rob Reiner and his memory,” he wrote.

Rob And Michele Reiner’s Deaths

The couple was discovered deceased in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025. Their cause of death was determined to be multiple stab wounds, and their son, Nick, was arrested.

Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and pleaded not guilty in February. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 29 for a preliminary hearing. According to reports, if convicted, Nick faces the possibility of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

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Published Mar 16, 2026, 7:01 AM EDT

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