Parijat Ghosh 
The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, delivered the usual glamour, famous speeches, and viral moments. But beyond the jokes and red carpet fashion, the night also produced several deeply emotional scenes that reminded viewers why cinema matters. From heartfelt speeches to powerful tributes, the ceremony had plenty of moments that left audiences teary eyed and social media slightly less sarcastic for a few minutes. Here are some of the most emotional highlights from the Oscars 2026.
Jessie Buckley’s Emotional Best Actress Victory
Another heartfelt moment came when Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet. The film explores grief through the story of William Shakespeare’s family after the death of their young son. Buckley’s performance had already won major awards earlier in the season, but the Oscar victory still carried a powerful emotional impact.
During her speech, Buckley reflected on the resilience of mothers and the emotional themes of the film. Her words resonated with many viewers because the story itself centers on parental loss and grief. It was the kind of speech that reminded everyone that the Oscars are not just about trophies, but about storytelling that connects with human emotions.
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Words on Stage
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came during the Best Documentary Short Film award for All the Empty Rooms. The documentary focuses on the bedrooms left behind after children are killed in school shootings. During the acceptance speech, Gloria Cazares, the mother of nine-year-old Jackie, who was killed in the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, spoke on stage.
She described how her daughter’s bedroom remains untouched, frozen in time. Her words about grief, memory, and the impact of gun violence moved the audience into silence before a long-standing ovation followed. It was one of the rare moments where the Oscars paused its glitz and fully acknowledged real-world pain.
Barbra Streisand’s Tribute That Stopped the Room
The “In Memoriam” segment has always been emotional, but the 2026 ceremony added an unforgettable moment when Barbra Streisand performed “The Way We Were.” The performance served as part of a tribute honoring legendary actor Robert Redford and other film icons. Photos and film clips played behind her as the audience watched in silence. For many viewers, the combination of Streisand’s voice and the montage of cinematic history created one of the most touching sequences of the entire ceremony.
Historic Win for Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw
History was made when Autumn Durald Arkapaw won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for Sinners. Her victory marked the first time a woman won the award in the category’s history, and she also became the first Black cinematographer to receive the honor. As she walked to the stage, the audience responded with a thunderous standing ovation. The moment felt historic and emotional at the same time. For many filmmakers watching around the world, it was a reminder that barriers in Hollywood are slowly breaking.
The 2026 Oscars celebrated major wins for films like One Battle After Another and Sinners, but the most memorable parts of the night were not necessarily the trophies themselves. Instead, it was the moments when people shared gratitude, grief, and history on stage. In between the jokes, the music, and the fashion, the ceremony reminded viewers that the Oscars still have the power to deliver genuine emotion. And even as doomscrllers, we paused to watch. Which, frankly, might be the most impressive Oscar achievement of all.
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