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98th Academy Awards: One Battle After Another Dominates With Six Wins
Mar
The 2026 Oscars delivered a night of major victories, political statements, and historic milestones. The biggest winner was One Battle After Another, which captured six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the dystopian political thriller also earned Anderson Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film’s success made it the most decorated title of the evening.
While accepting his screenplay award, Anderson reflected on the film’s deeper message.
“I wrote this movie for my kids to say sorry for the housekeeping mess we left in the world,” Anderson said. “But I also believe they will be the generation that brings back common sense and decency.”
Sinners Wins Four Major Awards
The night’s second-biggest winner was Sinners, which secured four Oscars.
Director Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay, while Michael B. Jordan took home Best Actor for portraying twin owners of a Delta juke joint.
Jordan thanked Coogler during his emotional acceptance speech.
“God is good,” he said. “You gave me opportunity and space to be seen.”
Both One Battle After Another and Sinners were released by Warner Bros., capping a strong year for the studio. Its 2025 lineup also included major releases such as Superman, A Minecraft Movie, and Weapons.
However, the wins arrive during a turbulent moment for Hollywood. Parent company Warner Bros. Discovery is negotiating a $111 billion sale to Paramount Global, which could lead to major industry restructuring and layoffs.
Acting Winners Take Center Stage
Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her emotional performance in Hamnet, portraying a grieving mother coping with the death of her child.
Buckley dedicated her award to mothers everywhere.
“I’d like to dedicate this to the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” she said.
The Best Supporting Actor prize went to Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another. The actor did not attend the ceremony but became only the fourth male performer to win three Oscars, joining Daniel Day-Lewis, Jack Nicholson, and Walter Brennan.
Meanwhile, Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Weapons, marking her first Oscar win after decades in the industry.
Historic Wins and Breakthrough Moments
Several major milestones highlighted the ceremony:
- Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win Best Cinematography for Sinners.
- Cassandra Kulukundis won the first-ever Oscar for Casting for One Battle After Another.
- The Best Live Action Short category ended in a rare tie between Two People Exchanging Saliva and The Singers.
Another highlight was KPop Demon Hunters, which won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Golden.
Director Maggie Kang called the victory an important moment for Korean representation in animation.
Political Messages and Global Tensions
The ceremony took place amid global political tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Security at the Oscars was heightened following alerts about a potential drone threat in California.
The event also featured outspoken political moments. Actor Javier Bardem voiced support for Palestine while presenting the Best International Feature award to Sentimental Value.
The documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary Feature, highlighting the crackdown on free expression in Russia under Vladimir Putin.
Host Conan O’Brien Returns
Comedian Conan O’Brien returned as host for the second consecutive year. His opening monologue mixed humor with social commentary, joking about Hollywood trends and current politics.
Despite the jokes, O’Brien struck a serious tone during the ceremony.
“These are chaotic and frightening times,” he said. “The Oscars remind us that people from dozens of countries can work together to create something beautiful.”
Key Oscar Winners 2026
Best Picture
🏆 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
🏆 KPop Demon Hunters
Best International Feature
🏆 Sentimental Value
Best Documentary Feature
🏆 Mr Nobody Against Putin
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