The entertainment industry’s most anticipated event of the year was greeted by Drew students with watch parties and stunned reactions Sunday, March 15 2026. Tuning in from their dorms or homes, students celebrated the 98th Academy Awards ceremony as history was made on television.
With so many standout films having premiered over the past year, the Oscars saw several movies, stars and production teams come head to head in one of the closest races seen in the past few years. Although Warner Bros. led the race with three box office successes—“Sinners,” “F1” and “One Battle After Another”—Netflix also put forth strong contenders with “Frankenstein,” “Train Dreams” and animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters.” A24’s “Marty Supreme” took audiences by storm after its release on Christmas Day, 2025, while star Timothée Chalamet became the object of recent controversy with disapproving comments about ballet and opera.
Hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second year in a row, the ceremony itself kicked off in Hollywood at 7 p.m. EDT. Coverage began before that, though, with stars, nominees and other personnel engaging in interviews and photos. With lively gags and commentary referencing the state of the entertainment industry as well as that of our current political situation, O’Brien worked to make light of the past year’s films and notable events.
The night was marked by dynamic performances, emotional tributes and memorable speeches. In a vibrant performance of Best Original Song nominee “I Lied to You” from the film “Sinners,” country singer and rapper Shaboozey and accomplished ballerina Misty Copeland took to the stage alongside other performers and actors from the film.
Later on, actor Billy Crystal delivered a sentimental speech in remembrance of late director and activist Rob Reiner, who is known for having a vast cadre of celebrated films like “Stand by Me” and “A Few Good Men.” In an extended “In Memoriam” tribute, Rachel McAdams also spoke of her mentor and actress Diane Keaton, while Barbra Streisand reminisced on her relationship with actor Robert Redford through song and speech.
History was made, too, when Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman and first black person to win the Academy Award for best cinematography for her work in “Sinners.” Now three-time Oscar winner Sean Penn was not in attendance as he won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “One Battle After Another,” though Irish actress and “Hamnet” star Jessie Buckley continued her awards season sweep by taking home the prize for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Michael B. Jordan won the Oscar for Best Lead Actor for his incredible double performance in “Sinners,” overtaking both Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet in a close race. Other notable prizes included Paul Thomas Anderson and his film’s win in the Best Directing and Best Picture categories, respectively.
From the warmth and safety of their dorms at Drew, several students celebrated the eventful show with watch parties and more. Gathered in the basement of McClintock, one group of friends bonded over their love of film with charcuterie boards, mocktails, ballots and bingo cards as the night went on. Other students like Lindsay Orellana (‘26) and Azra Ozan (‘26) watched the awards ceremony live from their respective homes, messaging each other throughout the night with updates, related social media posts and behind-the-scenes footage that they found interesting.
“I feel like it’s rare these days to find people who truly appreciate film,” said one friend, Stephanie Yanes (‘27). “So being able to bond with my amazing friends is something that is so precious to me.”
Collin Nichols (‘28) also spoke about their shared watch party. “Attending a themed viewing party for the Oscars was an unparalleled experience. Being surrounded by fellow film enthusiasts was amazing. The added excitement came from the printed ballots and bingo cards, and the ultimate prize winning Oscars within your friend group!”
Though awards season is technically over for the wide world of film, students can still look forward to other ceremonies coming up that may be of interest to them. The 79th Tony Awards, for instance, will be taking place on June 7, 2026, for all those who want to celebrate this year’s accomplishments in American theater.
Eva Esqueda is a senior majoring in media and communications and minoring in French, American studies and film studies.