The evening was dominated by Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, two films that led the nominations and captured the attention of audiences and critics alike.
One Battle After AnothThe 98th Academy Awards delivered an unforgettable night of achievements, records, and emotional victories. Hosted for the first time by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre, the ceremony celebrated both emerging talent and established stars. er ultimately emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home six Academy Awards. Anderson’s powerful storytelling and ambitious vision helped the film secure the prestigious Best Picture and Best Director awards. The screenplay challenged expectations and explored themes of democracy, social structure, and the importance of criticism within modern society. During his acceptance speech, Anderson described the film as both a message and a warning about the complicated world the next generation will inherit.
Beyond the major categories, the film also received awards for Best Film Editing and the inaugural Academy Award for Best Casting. This newly introduced category recognizes the essential role of casting directors in building compelling ensembles that bring cinematic stories to life.
Historic Acting Wins and Emotional Moments
The acting categories delivered some of the most memorable moments of the evening. Michael B. Jordan won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his remarkable dual performance in Sinners. The win was widely celebrated as a long-awaited recognition of his talent and dedication.
Jessie Buckley made history with her powerful portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet, becoming the first Irish woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her emotional acceptance speech was one of the highlights of the ceremony.
In the supporting categories, veteran actress Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Weapons. Meanwhile, Sean Penn earned his third Oscar, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another, although he was notably absent from the ceremony.
Another historic moment occurred when Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners. Her victory marked a major milestone, as she became the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Asian woman to receive the award.
Major Winners of the 98th Academy Awards
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Paul Thomas Anderson, Sara Murphy | One Battle After Another |
| Best Director | Paul Thomas Anderson | One Battle After Another |
| Best Actor | Michael B. Jordan | Sinners |
| Best Actress | Jessie Buckley | Hamnet |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sean Penn | One Battle After Another |
| Best Supporting Actress | Amy Madigan | Weapons |
| Best Animated Feature | Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans | KPop Demon Hunters |
| Best International Feature | Joachim Trier | Sentimental Value (Norway) |
Technical Mastery and International Success
The technical categories showcased the incredible craftsmanship behind modern filmmaking. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein dominated the design awards, winning Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash continued the franchise’s tradition of technical excellence by winning Best Visual Effects.
One of the most unusual moments of the night occurred in the Best Live Action Short Film category, where two films—The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva—shared the award. This rare tie marked only the seventh time in Academy Awards history that two films won the same category.
International cinema also made a strong impact during the ceremony. Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value won Best International Feature Film for Norway, further strengthening Trier’s reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary global cinema.
A Night to Remember for Film Lovers
As the ceremony concluded, the 98th Academy Awards reflected a year where blockbuster spectacles and intimate character-driven stories found equal recognition. From the winning original song Golden from KPop Demon Hunters to the powerful documentary Mr. Nobody Against Putin, the awards demonstrated the Academy’s response to the evolving tastes of a global audience.
The 2026 Oscars served as a reminder of cinema’s resilience and cultural importance, especially following the challenges faced by the film industry in recent years. The achievements of this year’s winners will undoubtedly inspire filmmakers and storytellers to continue creating powerful, meaningful cinema for audiences around the world.
FAQs
Q1 What film received the most awards at the 2026 Oscars?
One Battle After Another won the most awards at the 98th Academy Awards, taking home six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director.
Q2 Who made history in the Best Cinematography category?
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners.
Q3 Was there a tie at the 98th Academy Awards?
Yes, the Best Live Action Short Film category resulted in a tie between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva, a rare occurrence in Oscar history.
