HOLLYWOOD – The 98th Annual Academy Awards ceremony unfolded at the Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026, radiating glamour and emotional resonance as cinema’s elite gathered for entertainment’s most prestigious evening. The red carpet served as a stage for both fashion statements and heartfelt reflections on artistic recognition.
Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, nominated for Best Actress for her performance in the Norwegian family dramedy, expressed profound gratitude despite being considered an underdog in her category. Wearing a striking minimalist crimson gown, Reinsve described the experience as overwhelming yet deeply moving. “I feel I’ve won by being nominated,” she told AFP, emphasizing the significance of peer recognition in the voting process.
The evening carried particular weight for Hollywood veteran Diane Warren, who received her 17th Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Despite never having won in a nomination streak dating back to 1988, Warren maintained her characteristic optimism on the red carpet. “I never give up hope,” she stated, acknowledging her perennial underdog status while affirming her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
Behind-the-scenes artists from the heavily nominated film “Sinners” shared in the collective excitement. Lead hairstylist Shunika Terry confessed the gravity of the occasion was only beginning to sink in, remarking, “Like wow, we are really here. Just to be here is an honor.”
The musical performance of “Sinners’” nominated original song promised to capture the film’s essence, according to the featured singer who described the opportunity as “a dream come true.” He revealed the composition explores musical evolution and journey, suggesting the live rendition would translate the movie’s magic to the Oscars stage.