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.
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.
It Was Date Night For Many Couples Who Packed on the PDA
Elle Fanning and boyfriend Gun 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 Her ‘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 Was Quick to Return 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.
The ‘One Battle After Another ‘Cast Loved ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ 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 Every Accolade
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.
