The 98th Academy Awards concluded on March 16, 2026, following a week of pre-Oscar events and celebrations in Los Angeles. The culmination of the film industry’s awards season saw a flurry of activity, from industry gatherings honoring emerging and established talent to the main event at the Dolby Theatre.
One of the early events was Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood, held at the Sunset Room, where actor Omar Benson Miller, star of the film Sinners, was recognized alongside three other Black and brown men in the industry. Miller recounted sharing the film with his father, noting the emotional resonance of the story given his father’s history working as a cotton picker in Mississippi during the 1940s.
Later in the week, the MACRO 8th Annual Pre-Oscars event at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion drew industry figures including DeVon Franklin, who expressed gratitude for the success of his 2025 films Ruth & Boaz and Relationship Goals and actress Yaya DaCosta. The event, known for its vibrant atmosphere, extended well past its scheduled end time.
The MPowered Maverick Celebration at the Sofitel Beverly Hills honored industry leaders, including director Gabourey Sidibe, whose Lifetime film Mary J. Blige Presents: #BeHappy was a focus of discussion. Sidibe acknowledged the support of producer Mona Scott-Young, highlighting a collaborative relationship that spanned two decades.
Ryan Coogler, anticipating potential Oscar success, spoke at the TikTok and Gold House Sinners Symposium, emphasizing the importance of inclusive storytelling. He argued for creating films that resonate with diverse audiences, regardless of background, stating, “We are from these communities that have been pushed to the margins…but we grew up engaging with stories that came from everywhere.”
The day of the awards itself was a marathon for press, with hours spent in the press room awaiting opportunities to interview winners. Following the ceremony, the POPSUGAR Awards Season After Party at Skybar in the Mondrian Hotel provided a final gathering point, where attendees included Jeremiah Brown, an upcoming star on Love Island: Beyond the Villa. The week concluded with a stay at the Dream Hollywood hotel, offering a moment of respite after the intense schedule. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust recently announced its Fourteenth Annual Pebby Awards, recognizing hotel teams across its portfolio for outstanding accomplishments in 2025, as reported on March 16, 2026 (https://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/article/bizwire-2026-3-16-pebblebrook-hotel-trust-announces-the-14th-annual-pebby-award-winners). The awards celebrate excellence in areas critical to hotel performance, including leadership and guest experience.
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