What You Didn’t See on TV on the 2026 Oscars: PDA and More

Hollywood heavyweights lit up our TV screens as they celebrated acclaimed cinematic achievements on the 2026 Academy Awards.

But as celebrities gathered inside Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 15, most of the night’s most enthralling moments happened while the cameras weren’t rolling.

From rapturous applause for private favorites to intimate conversations during industrial breaks, our brightest stars didn’t hesitate to let their hair down — and Us Weekly was there to witness all of it.

Cute couples, including the front row’s Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, spread the love by cuddling up to at least one one other before extending blissful vibes to fans who approached them for selfies. Elsewhere, leading ladies caught up with one another each on the bar and among the many seats, with the likes of Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Zoe Saldaña and Michael B. Jordan’s mom, Donna Jordan, all engrossed in animated conversations.

Moreover, as movies were recognized for his or her 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 on the 2026 Oscars:

Leonardo DiCaprio Beamed While Chatting to Gwyneth Paltrow

Longtime friends Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow caught up within the auditorium, with the One Battle After One other actor seen holding Paltrow’s hand because 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 together with her “back within the day.” She noted on the time that despite their connection, their dynamic never turned romantic.

Couples Who Packed on the PDA

Elle Fanning and boyfriend Gus 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 at least one one other of their seats throughout the evening.

Moreover, DiCaprio happily snacked on Skinny Pop popcorn while seated beside girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, who looked equally as blissful to hitch him on 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 essential lobby where she enjoyed a glass of rosé and talked about her daughter together with her team. The Babygirl star looked delighted, with an enormous 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 within the press room after KPop Demon Hunters won best original song for “Golden,” one in every of the song’s performers, Ejae, discussed how the group’s acceptance speech was interrupted by music throughout the live show. She told members of the press, “They cut us off with the music, but I desired to thank Rei Ami and Audrey [Nuna]. They killed it with their singing, they usually’re just incredible people, and I really like them a lot.”

Jacob Elordi Loved Having His Mom by His Side

Jacob Elordi was seen having fun with a drink along with his mom, Melissa Elordi, within 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 ‘Bugonia’ Costar Alicia Silverstone

Stone and Alicia Silverstone shared a sweet hug on the bar before chatting to the bartender together and ordering drinks. Stone was then seen grabbing glasses of champagne to provide to the Clueless star before introducing her to Felicity Huffman and bringing her into the fun.

Nick Jonas Rushed Back 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 seemed to be on a mission and Chopra was not with him.

Gwyneth Paltrow Reconnected With Her ‘Great Expectations’ Costar Ethan Hawke

Contained in the auditorium, Paltrow was seen chatting to Ethan Hawke, who starred alongside her in 1998’s Great Expectations. The pair looked blissful to be there together, smiling as they spoke.

‘One Battle After One other’ Solid Loved Those KPop Hand Lights

Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor were seen holding the glow lights provided to Oscars guests throughout the KPop Demon Hunters’ forged 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 One other’s Wins

Infiniti jumped out of her seat and yelled in support of One Battle After One other when it won the very best film editing award.

Celebrities Got Into Deep Conversations

Michael B. Jordan’s mom, Donna, was seen in a heart-to-heart with Saldaña because the actress sat in her seat and appeared very emotional. Michael, meanwhile, was seen in a protracted 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 One other 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.