The Dolby Theatre hosted the 98th Academy Awards, a ceremony that will likely be remembered for its historic achievements and long-overdue recognition. The 2026 Oscars celebrated standout performances and remarkable filmmaking, with Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley among the biggest winners of the night.
Jordan took home the Best Actor award, while Buckley made history as the first Irish actress to win Best Actress. Their victories highlighted a night filled with powerful performances, emotional speeches, and recognition for groundbreaking work in cinema.
Michael B. Jordan Wins Best Actor for “Sinners”
Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his remarkable dual performance as Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler’s Southern Gothic horror film Sinners. Jordan portrayed two distinct characters so convincingly that many viewers initially failed to realize both roles were played by the same actor.
This achievement is particularly notable because it marks the first time an actor has won the award for portraying dual roles since Lee Marvin in 1965. During his emotional acceptance speech, Jordan thanked director Ryan Coogler, his longtime collaborator of more than a decade.
He also paid tribute to legendary Black actors including Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier, acknowledging the trailblazers who paved the way for his success.
Jessie Buckley’s Emotional Best Actress Win for “Hamnet”
While Jordan dominated the headlines for Best Actor, Jessie Buckley delivered one of the most emotional moments of the evening. She won Best Actress for her powerful performance in Hamnet, portraying the deep grief and emotional complexity of a mother.
Buckley’s win marked a historic moment for Irish cinema, making her the first actress from Ireland to win in this category. Directed by Chloé Zhao, Hamnet captivated critics with its dreamlike visuals and emotionally rich storytelling.
During her speech, Buckley dedicated the award to the “beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” a touching tribute that resonated with audiences, especially as the ceremony coincided with Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom.
She triumphed over strong contenders including Emma Stone and Kate Hudson, proving the Academy’s growing appreciation for nuanced and deeply human performances.
Major Winners at the 98th Academy Awards
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Paul Thomas Anderson | 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 | K-Pop Demon Hunters | Sony Pictures |
“One Battle After Another” Dominates the Oscars
Despite the major acting wins grabbing headlines, the biggest film of the night was Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller One Battle After Another. The film swept the ceremony with six awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
After years of critical acclaim without major Oscar wins, Anderson finally secured his place among the Academy’s most celebrated filmmakers. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of collaboration in filmmaking during a time when the world often feels increasingly divided.
The film also earned awards for Film Editing and the newly introduced Best Casting category, demonstrating both technical excellence and strong ensemble work.
Technical Achievements and Industry Progress
The 2026 Oscars also celebrated achievements in filmmaking craft. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein won awards for Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup & Hairstyling, recognizing the film’s extraordinary world-building and practical effects.
Another historic milestone came in cinematography. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman in Academy history to win Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners.
The introduction of the Best Casting award also emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, acknowledging the critical role casting directors play in shaping memorable performances.
FAQs
Q1 Which film won the most awards at the 2026 Oscars?
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another won the most awards, taking home six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director.
Q2 Why was Michael B. Jordan’s Best Actor win historic?
Michael B. Jordan became the sixth Black actor to win Best Actor and the first performer in more than 60 years to win the award for playing twin characters.
Q3 Which animated movie won at the 2026 Academy Awards?
K-Pop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature, continuing its successful run throughout the 2026 awards season.
The 98th Academy Awards ultimately showcased a shift toward bold storytelling, technical innovation, and recognition of diverse talent across the film industry.
