From record-breaking nominations to $350,000 gift bags
Every year the Academy Awards generate headlines not only for the winners, but also for the strange, charming, and occasionally bizarre stories surrounding Hollywood’s most famous ceremony.
The 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre, have produced plenty of such moments—some historic, some humorous, and others simply very Hollywood.
Here are some of the most memorable curiosities from this year’s Oscars season.
1. The “Everybody Wins” Gift Bag Worth $350,000
Even nominees who leave the ceremony empty-handed will not go home empty-handed.
This year’s unofficial Oscars gift bag—organized by the marketing firm Distinctive Assets—has an estimated value of $350,000.
Among the items reportedly included:
- luxury stays at a Costa Rican villa
- an Arctic travel experience in Finland
- wellness retreats in Sri Lanka and California
- cosmetic treatments and dental services worth up to $25,000
There are also some rather eccentric additions, such as gold-plated crypto wallets and luxury showerheads.
2. A Horror Film with Record-Breaking Nominations
One of the season’s biggest surprises was the nomination haul for the film Sinners.
The movie received 16 Oscar nominations, the highest number ever for a single film—surpassing previous records set by classics such as All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.
What makes the record particularly notable is that horror films historically struggle with awards recognition.
3. The Return of Conan O’Brien
This year’s ceremony will once again be hosted by the comedian Conan O’Brien, who previously hosted the Oscars in 2025.
In interviews leading up to the event, O’Brien joked that he wrote thousands of jokes about one Best Picture nominee—only to abandon them after realizing the audience response was lukewarm.
Even Oscar hosts, it seems, face the brutal test of Hollywood humor.
4. A Possible Historic Win for Costume Design
Veteran costume designer Ruth E. Carter is once again nominated this year.
If she wins, she could become the first Black nominee to win three competitive Oscars in the category.
Her work has already been widely celebrated for the Black Panther films.
5. A Potential First in Cinematography
Another historic milestone may occur in the cinematography category.
If nominated cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw wins, she would become the first woman ever to win the Oscar for cinematography—one of the last technical categories still dominated by men.
6. The New Category: Best Casting
For the first time in Oscars history, the Academy has introduced a Best Casting category.
The change increases the number of competitive awards to 24 categories, acknowledging the growing recognition of casting directors as creative contributors to filmmaking.
7. A More Emotional “In Memoriam”
Producers have announced that this year’s In Memoriam tribute will be longer than usual.
The decision reflects what organizers describe as a particularly difficult year for the film industry, marked by the loss of several prominent figures in cinema.
8. The Strict Red-Carpet Dress Code
Despite the evolving style of Hollywood fashion, the Oscars maintain surprisingly strict wardrobe expectations.
Organizers reportedly remind guests that:
- casual clothing is prohibited
- mini-dresses and daywear are discouraged
- formal evening attire remains the standard
The tradition dates back decades to the early television era of the ceremony.
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