Feathers, Fights, and a Bum Drum: The Wildest Oscars 2026 Moments You Might Have Missed

 

The 98th Academy Awards are in the books, and honestly? They were a lot. No envelope mix-ups this year, and we’re still a few years out from an Oppenheimer-level sweep, but the 2026 Oscars served up a chaotic, hilarious, and genuinely touching night that had everyone talking.

Forget the predictable speeches—this was the year of the feather, the year the ballet community got its revenge, and the year we all watched Leonardo DiCaprio wave a K-pop light stick. Here’s your complete guide to the strangest, funniest, and most viral moments from inside the Dolby Theatre.

🪶 The Red Carpet Was for the Birds (in the Best Way)

If you saw a lot of feathers, you weren't dreaming. The trend that's been fluttering around for a few years finally reached full flight mode.

Demi Moore looked bold and architectural in Gucci plumage, Teyana Taylor brought her signature sexy-cool vibe, and Amy Madigan—fresh off her win for Weapons—went for something totally unique. But the real surprise? Nicole Kidman, who combined feathers, crystals, and a peplum in her Chanel look. As our senior writer Kerry Justich put it: "Spread your wings, girl!"

The men also took some risks. While Joe Alwyn’s floppy tie was a miss, Pedro Pascal won the accessory game with a giant silk-and-feather brooch you couldn't miss. Jeremy Pope and Shaboozey delivered killer tuxedo twists, and the night’s big winner, Michael B. Jordan, subtly rocked a back brooch. Timothée Chalamet went for an all-white moment, but the consensus was that the rich burgundy tones on guys like Chase Stokes were the real win.

💄 Beauty Throwback: The '90s Called

On the beauty front, the ghost of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was everywhere. That slicked-back, low-bun, minimalist look—made iconic by the late style icon—was spotted on everyone from Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning to Jessie Buckley.

Even Gwyneth Paltrow joined the club with a sleek, wavy blonde blowout. It was a full-circle moment for the Goop founder, who helped popularize this exact aesthetic when she won her own Oscar back in 1999.

🏆 Paul Thomas Anderson’s Long-Awaited Triumph

It took nearly three decades, but Paul Thomas Anderson finally got his golden moment. And then he got two more.

After being nominated for Boogie Nights way back in 1998, and going 0-for-5 on subsequent nods for Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, and others, PTA had a night for the ages. He won Best Adapted Screenplay, then Best Director, and finally, the big one: Best Picture for One Battle After Another.

"You make a guy work hard for one of these," he joked while accepting his director trophy. But his most touching words were reserved for his family, dedicating his first win to his kids: "to say sorry for the housekeeping mess that we left in this world we’re handing off to them."

🩰 The Ballerinas Got Their Revenge on Timothée Chalamet

Okay, we have to talk about the internet’s favorite drama. You might remember that a few weeks ago, a clip of Timothée Chalamet went viral where he kinda-sorta dismissed ballet and opera, saying “no one cares about this anymore.” Cue the discourse.

The Oscars turned that discourse into a full-blown storyline. Host Conan O’Brien took a jab immediately. Later, legendary ballerina Misty Copeland—who had previously condemned his comments—took the stage to perform a stunning ballet piece in honor of the film Sinners.

As Chalamet watched from the audience, the message was clear: the ballet community showed up, and they showed out. It was a masterclass in turning a diss into a moment.

💡 K-Pop Light Sticks for Everyone!

Imagine this: you're Leonardo DiCaprio. You're sitting in the front row at the Oscars. Suddenly, a stagehand hands you a glowing orb. Why? Because K-pop supergroup KPop Demon Hunter is about to perform their hit "Golden," and it's light stick time.

The sight of A-listers like Emma Stone and Teyana Taylor gleefully waving their orbs (and Gwyneth Paltrow looking… less enthused) was pure gold. It was a hilarious collision of Hollywood royalty and dedicated fandom culture, and the internet absolutely ran with it.

🥁 Timothée’s Butt Gets Its Own Drum

Speaking of Chalamet, his… let's call it dedication to his craft in Marty Supreme was officially immortalized. For the uninitiated: in the ping-pong movie, Kevin O'Leary (Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank) spanks a bare-bottomed Chalamet with a paddle.

Leave it to the Oscars orchestra to memorialize this moment with a flesh-colored "Timothée Bum Drum" —a bass drum painted to look like, well, you know. It was a split-second visual gag, but it instantly became one of the most-shared moments of the night.

👿 Sigourney Weaver Dropped an F-Bomb on Grogu

In a moment that was equal parts hilarious and unexpected, Sigourney Weaver got fiercely protective of Baby Yoda (aka Grogu). While presenting with her Mandalorian & Grogu co-star Pedro Pascal, they spotted Kate Hudson getting a little too cozy with the puppet in the next seat.

Weaver, channelling her inner Ellen Ripley, turned and yelled, "Get away from him, you b****!" Hudson didn't budge, and Grogu just flapped his ears in confusion. Pure, unscripted gold.

🎤 Conan O’Brien’s Whimsical & Heartfelt Hosting

New host, new energy. Conan O'Brien kicked things off by sprinting through movie sets dressed as a witch, pursued by children. It was weird, it was wonderful, and it set the tone for a night that didn't take itself too seriously.

His monologue roasted Chalamet's ballet comments, joked about security concerns from "the opera and ballet communities," and even replicated Michael B. Jordan with seat fillers. But he ended on a surprisingly sincere note, reminding everyone of the "magic, the madness, the grandeur and the joy of film."

Michael B. Jordan, winner of the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for "Sinners," poses in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday.

🤔 A Dark Cloud Behind the Glitz?

Amidst the fun, there was an undercurrent of anxiety. Several sketches poked fun at the industry's existential dread—shifting to YouTube in 2029, shrinking attention spans, and the TikTok-ification of everything. But some felt these points were undercut by long, clunky promotional segments for Disney's upcoming slate, including bits for Avengers: Doomsday and The Mandalorian.

It left some critics wondering if the Academy was truly listening to its own warnings about the future of cinema.

From Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour's Devil Wears Prada reunion to Michael B. Jordan’s humble, heartfelt win, the 2026 Oscars were anything but boring. It was a night where the internet culture, the movie biz, and a bunch of feathers collided—and we were all here for it.

UPDATE: All 6 US Crew Killed in Iraq Aircraft Crash, Raising War's Toll as Iran Strikes Intensify

 

The US military confirms all six crew members died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq, raising the American death toll to 13 in the war with Iran. Get the latest on the conflict, including new strikes and regional fallout.

The human cost of the escalating conflict with Iran deepened Friday as the U.S. military confirmed that all six crew members aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft were killed when it went down in western Iraq. The crash raises the American death toll to 13 after two weeks of war, even as President Trump and his defense secretary touted major military successes.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the incident involved two aircraft on Thursday. While one KC-135 landed safely, the other was lost. In a crucial detail, CENTCOM stated the "loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," and an investigation into the circumstances is underway.

The tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of intense military action and stark new claims from U.S. leaders.

Key Developments in the Iran War

1. US Military Deaths and the Aircraft Crash
The crash in Iraq is the single deadliest incident for U.S. forces in the conflict so far. The six crew members lost bring the total U.S. military death toll to 13, with seven previously killed in combat, according to the Pentagon. Additionally, eight U.S. service members are severely injured. The cause of the KC-135 crash remains under investigation, but officials have ruled out enemy fire.

2. Hegseth: Iranian Leader Injured, Thousands of Targets Hit
At a Friday press briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes have hit more than 15,000 targets. He repeated his claim that Iran's new supreme leader has been injured in the campaign, a assertion aimed at demonstrating the operation's effectiveness.

3. Trump: "Totally Destroying" Iran's Regime
President Trump took to Truth Social to declare the U.S. is "totally destroying" Iran's regime, both militarily and economically. His comments came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a more cautious view, suggesting that while Israel has weakened Iran's rulers, it may ultimately be up to the Iranian people to topple them.

4. Widespread Strikes and Rising Casualties
The military campaign continues to expand. Israel's air force reported striking more than 200 targets in western and central Iran over the past day, including missile launchers and weapons sites in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz. In Lebanon, strikes hit Hezbollah command centers in the south and central Beirut.

The reported human toll across the region is severe:

• Iran: More than 1,300 people killed.

• Lebanon: 773 people killed.

• Israel: 12 civilians and two soldiers killed in Lebanon.

• Displacement: The total number of displaced people in Iran and Lebanon has reached into the millions.

5. The Humanitarian and Geopolitical Fallout
Beyond the battlefield, the war's impact is spreading:

• French Soldier Killed: President Emmanuel Macron announced a French soldier was killed in an attack in Iraq's Irbil region, calling it "unacceptable" and warning the Iran war cannot justify strikes on anti-ISIS forces.

• Wider Instability: A senior regional official told NPR they expect the war to last at least another week, with a risk of settling into a dangerous "war routine" of tit-for-tat exchanges between Israel and Iran-backed groups.

• Energy Markets: The U.S. Treasury temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil already at sea, a step to stabilize energy markets amid the conflict.

What's Next?

With no negotiated deal in sight, the U.S. and its allies appear prepared to continue the military campaign. The coming days will reveal whether the intensity can be sustained and at what further cost to all involved. The investigation into the KC-135 crash in Iraq will also be closely watched for any implications about operational safety.

This is a complex and rapidly evolving situation. Check back for verified updates.

Long Island Teen Found Dead in Brooklyn Waters Two Months After Disappearance

 

The body of 15-year-old Thomas Medlin, who vanished in January after going to NYC to meet a Roblox contact, has been recovered. Police say there is no indication of criminal activity.

ST. JAMES, N.Y. – A two-month-long search for a missing Long Island teenager has ended in tragedy. Authorities confirmed Thursday that 15-year-old Thomas Medlin, who vanished after traveling to New York City in January, was found dead in the waters off Brooklyn.

The teen's body was recovered from the waters near Red Hook, Brooklyn, on March 7, the Suffolk County Police Department announced. His identity was confirmed by officials two days later, closing a heartbreaking chapter for a family and community desperate for answers.

The Disappearance: A Trip to Meet an Online Contact

Thomas, a student from St. James, New York, left The Stony Brook School on the afternoon of Jan. 9. He ran to the Stony Brook train station around 3:30 p.m., beginning a journey that would take him to Manhattan.

Surveillance footage placed him at Grand Central Terminal around 5:30 p.m. that same day. According to his family, Thomas had gone to New York City with the intention of meeting someone he had connected with through the popular online gaming platform, Roblox.

The Investigation: Digital Trails and Surveillance Video

The case immediately drew attention to online safety, with Roblox issuing a statement. A company spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital that the platform is "built with safety at its core" and offers parental controls, including the ability to disable in-game chat. They stated they were cooperating fully with law enforcement.

However, after a thorough examination of Thomas's social media and online gaming profiles, Suffolk County Police reached a significant conclusion: the platforms were "not connected" to his disappearance. Police also stated there is "no indication of criminal activity."

Using video and digital evidence, investigators painstakingly pieced together Thomas's final movements. They determined his last known location was on the pedestrian walkway of the Manhattan Bridge at 7:06 p.m. on Jan. 9. His cellphone signal was last active just three minutes later, at 7:09 p.m.

In a crucial piece of evidence, a splash was captured on surveillance video in the waters below the bridge at 7:10 p.m. Authorities confirmed that Thomas was never seen walking off the bridge.

A Community Mourns

The recovery of Thomas Medlin’s body brings a somber conclusion to a case that had gripped the Long Island community. The investigation remains ongoing, but the evidence gathered points to a solitary and tragic event.

The Suffolk County Police Department has not released further details. Our thoughts remain with Thomas’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Tragedy on the Trails: California Mountain Biker Dies a Month After Rattlesnake Bite

 

Julian Enrique Hernandez, a 25-year-old Costa Mesa resident, died after suffering a rattlesnake bite during a February mountain biking incident at Quail Hill Trailhead near Irvine, California.

A vibrant young life has been cut short by a moment of wilderness danger. Julian Enrique Hernandez, a 25-year-old mountain biker from Costa Mesa, has died after a rattlesnake bite led to a harrowing, month-long hospitalization, his family and officials confirmed.

The tragedy has sent ripples through the outdoor community and left a family searching for answers, as they have commissioned an independent autopsy following his death on March 4.

A Routine Ride Turns Deadly

The incident occurred on what began as a typical Saturday morning, Feb. 1, at around 11 a.m. Hernandez was biking at the Quail Hill Trailhead, a beloved and popular recreation spot near the Quail Hill Community Center in Irvine.

According to the Irvine Police Department, Hernandez was bitten by a rattlesnake on the trail. The exact circumstances of how the bite happened remain unclear, but the encounter triggered a massive emergency response.

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) rushed a crew to the scene. Hernandez was found in critical condition and airlifted to a nearby hospital, beginning a medical ordeal his family hoped he would survive.

A 30-Day Fight for Life

For more than 30 days, Julian remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). His family, holding onto hope, never left his side. His brother established a verified GoFundMe page to help with the mounting medical expenses, sharing updates with a community praying for his recovery.

While they noted his recovery was "expected to take much longer than anticipated," the family’s world was shattered on March 4 when Julian succumbed to his injuries.

In a heart-wrenching statement on the fundraising page, his family wrote: "Julian was 25. He was strong and healthy. He was alive when he got to the hospital. His whole family was there, advocating for him every step of the way. Julian did not survive."

Following his death, the Hernandez family told CBS News Los Angeles they have initiated an independent third-party autopsy. They declined on-camera interviews but described Julian as a "deeply loved son, brother, boyfriend and friend."

How Rare is a Rattlesnake Fatality?

Stories like Julian’s are terrifying precisely because they are so rare. While the risk is ever-present in snake country, death is not the typical outcome.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• There are up to 8,000 venomous snake bites in the U.S. each year.

• However, only about five cases result in death.

This statistic underscores the severity of Julian's bite and the aggressive nature of the venom he encountered. It also highlights that even with rapid emergency response and top-tier hospital care, outcomes can be tragic.

Safety First: Enjoying the Trails Responsibly

As Southern California’s weather warms, snakes become more active. In the wake of this tragedy, local authorities are urging all trail users at Quail Hill and surrounding Irvine parks to be vigilant.

The Irvine Police Department and OCFA recommend these life-saving tips:

• Give Space: If you see a snake, stop and keep a distance of at least 10 feet. Snakes can strike quickly, but only from a close range.

• Be Aware: Wear protective gear like closed-toe shoes and long pants. Avoid using headphones so you can hear the tell-tale rattle warning.

• Stay on Trail: Stick to well-used paths and avoid tall grass or heavy underbrush where snakes may be hiding.

Julian Enrique Hernandez's death is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this unimaginable loss.

"Likely Disfigured": Hegseth Drops Bombshell Claim on Injured Iranian Supreme Leader

 

 US War Secretary Pete Hegseth claims Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and "likely disfigured" after a US military campaign. Read his full remarks on the regime's "decimation."

In a dramatic and unusually personal assessment of the ongoing conflict, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on Friday that Iran's new supreme leader has been physically injured in the American military campaign, leaving him "likely disfigured."

The stunning claim came during a morning press briefing where Hegseth painted a picture of a decimated and desperate Iranian leadership, hiding from the full force of the US military's offensive.

Hegseth: "That's What Rats Do"

According to Hegseth, the leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei—who assumed power after his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed earlier in the war—is not only in hiding but also bears the physical scars of the conflict.

"Desperate and hiding, they've gone underground, cowering," Hegseth told reporters. "That's what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-Supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured."

The War Secretary pointed to the Iranian leader's recent communication—a written statement issued on Thursday—as further evidence of his weakened state. Hegseth contrasted this with the regime's usual propaganda-filled video addresses.

"It was a written statement," Hegseth emphasized. "Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy. It's a mess for them. Who's in charge? Iran may not even know."

US Military Objectives: "Decimating" the Regime

Hegseth's remarks on the leader's condition were part of a broader update on the US military campaign, which he described as unprecedented in its speed and effectiveness.

"We're on plan to defeat, destroy, disable all of their meaningful military capabilities at a pace the world has never seen before," Hegseth asserted. He vowed that "soon, and very soon, all of Iran's defense companies will be destroyed."

He reiterated the core military objectives guiding the US action:

• Defeat the missiles, launchers, and the defense industrial base.

• Defeat the Iranian Navy.

• Deny Iran the ability to possess a nuclear weapon.

Hegseth described these goals as "clear, decisive, achievable."

Analysis: A New Phase in Information Warfare?

The War Secretary's personal attack on the physical condition of the Iranian leader marks a significant escalation in the rhetorical war. By claiming Mojtaba Khamenei is "disfigured" and hiding, the US is attempting to project an image of total victory and portray the Iranian leadership as weak, frightened, and illegitimate.

The claim, which could not be independently verified, is likely to further inflame tensions and is a clear attempt to demoralize both the Iranian leadership and its supporters. It also serves to bolster domestic support for the war by demonstrating the tangible effects of the US campaign.

This is a breaking news story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

US Air Force KC-135 Crash in Iraq: 4 Confirmed Dead in Mid-Air Accident

 

 A US Air Force KC-135 tanker crashed in Iraq, killing four service members. The incident involved a mid-air collision with another refueling aircraft. Read the latest updates on the crash and rescue efforts.

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar — A tragic mid-air accident involving two U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft over Iraq has resulted in the deaths of four American service members, with rescue operations ongoing for two additional crew members, U.S. military officials confirmed Thursday.

The incident occurred on March 12, 2026, while the aircraft were reportedly supporting operations related to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The crash marks a significant loss of life in a non-combat role and has prompted an immediate investigation.

What Happened in the KC-135 Crash?

According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), an apparent accident happened between the two KC-135 aerial refueling tankers. One of the aircraft crashed, while the other was able to land safely. The downed tanker had a crew of six personnel on board.

“Four service members were killed in the crash,” a CENTCOM official stated. “Rescue efforts are currently underway for the remaining two crew members.”

The exact cause of the collision is not yet known and will be the subject of a thorough military investigation. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

The KC-135 Stratotanker’s Role

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a backbone of U.S. Air Force operations, primarily responsible for aerial refueling. This mission is critical for extending the range and loiter time of combat and support aircraft, especially in active theaters like those supporting operations in Iran. The aircraft and its crew play a vital role in sustaining air power and ensuring mission effectiveness.

Broader Context: Supporting Operations in Iran

This crash comes amid heightened U.S. military involvement in the region, specifically supporting operations linked to the war in Iran. While the tankers themselves are not front-line combat aircraft, their mission is essential to the logistics and sustained air campaigns in the area. The incident underscores the inherent risks involved in military aviation, even during support missions away from direct combat.

Investigation and Aftermath

The safe landing of the second KC-135 will be a critical asset for investigators as they work to piece together the sequence of events leading to the mid-air accident. Military officials have emphasized that the focus remains on the rescue and recovery efforts for the two missing crew members and providing support to the families of all involved.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from official military sources.

Jill Biden Opens Up About 'Painful Moments' of Joe Biden's Exit in New Tell-All Memoir

 

Jill Biden Reveals 'Painful Moments' in Tell-All Memoir About Joe Biden's Exit

Former first lady Jill Biden is finally breaking her silence on the dramatic end of her husband's political career. In an upcoming memoir, she reveals the "sometimes painful" moments surrounding Joe Biden's abrupt decision to end his 2024 presidential reelection bid, offering the public her first personal account of the tumultuous period .

The memoir, titled "View from the East Wing: A Memoir," is scheduled for release on June 2 through Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster . Jill Biden announced the book in an Instagram video, stating it is time to "set the record straight" .

A Cathartic Look Behind the Scenes

In a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press, Jill Biden described the writing process as deeply personal and healing.

"It was kind of cathartic for me to write it, and I wrote about all the, you know, sometimes painful — but other times, most of it really beautiful moments that Joe and I shared during his presidency," she said .

The former first lady, a political spouse for nearly 50 years, has never publicly discussed her feelings about the three-week stretch when her husband ended his five-decade-long political career . With this memoir, she aims to provide what she describes as a "more balanced view" of his time as president .

According to the publisher, the book takes readers behind the scenes, "from Camp David to Air Force One, from grading papers in the Rose Garden to witnessing the abrupt end of her husband's bid for reelection" .

The End of a Presidency: Context of the 2024 Exit

The "painful moments" Jill Biden references center on the intense pressure campaign that led to Joe Biden's exit from the 2024 race .

In April 2023, then-President Joe Biden, at 80 the oldest president in U.S. history, announced he was seeking a second term . However, concerns about his age and fitness intensified after a disastrous June 2024 debate performance against Donald Trump, in which he struggled to land his points and appeared to lose his train of thought. Aides attributed the performance to a cold .

Despite initially insisting he would stay in the race, Biden withdrew after weeks of mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party . He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the nominee but ultimately lost to Trump in the November 2024 election .

More Than Politics: A Story of Balance and History

Beyond the political drama, "View from the East Wing" also highlights Jill Biden's historic role as the first first lady to maintain a paying career outside the White House. She continued teaching English and writing at a Northern Virginia community college twice a week throughout her tenure .

The memoir is also "a tribute of the sorts to women who, like herself, juggle multiple roles," she explained . "It's also a story about my being able to balance life, you know, as a working woman and as a mother, a grandmother, a first lady" .

The book also reflects on serving during a unique period in American history, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection . Her husband was sworn into office just two weeks after the attack on the Capitol .

Personal Family Updates: Joe Biden's Health

The memoir's announcement comes as the Biden family navigates new personal challenges. In May 2025, Joe Biden's office announced he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones .

Jill Biden shared that the diagnosis was "quite a shock," but noted that doctors expect him to "live out his natural life" while undergoing treatment. She added with a touch of humor, "Like most retired couples, he'll probably drive me crazy till the end of it" .

A Legacy of First Lady Memoirs

With "View from the East Wing," Jill Biden joins a distinguished lineage of first ladies who have documented their White House experiences, including Michelle Obama ("Becoming"), Laura Bush ("Spoken from the Heart"), and Hillary Clinton ("Living History") .

This is not Biden's first book. She previously published a memoir, "Where the Light Enters," in 2019, detailing her life meeting and marrying Joe Biden, and has authored three children's books .

Key Takeaways from Jill Biden's Upcoming Memoir

• Title & Release: "View from the East Wing: A Memoir," publishing June 2 .

• Central Theme: First public account of the "painful" end to Joe Biden's 2024 reelection bid amid Democratic pressure .

• Personal Reflection: Jill Biden describes writing the book as "cathartic" and aims to provide a "more balanced view" of the presidency .

• Historic Role: Highlights her role as the first first lady to work in a paying job while in the White House .

• Historical Context: Covers the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6 Capitol riot aftermath .

• Family: Includes updates on Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis and treatment