Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller One Battle After Another was the big winner at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, taking home six Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn), Best Film Editing, and the inaugural Best Casting award. Anderson, earning his first Oscars after multiple nominations, praised his cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, and reflected on classic films, noting that no single "best" exists.
Ryan Coogler’s vampire blockbuster Sinners followed with four wins, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan (playing twins), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography (historic win for Autumn Durald Arkapaw, first woman of color), and Best Original Score. Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for Hamnet, dedicating her emotional speech to motherhood.
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein secured three technical Oscars, while Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters made history with Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for K-pop. Other winners included Amy Madigan (Weapons) for Best Supporting Actress, Norway’s Sentimental Value for Best International Feature, and Mr Nobody Against Putin for Best Documentary.
The ceremony also saw a rare tie in Best Live Action Short Film, political undertones, and host Conan O’Brien’s signature humor. Despite snubs like Marty Supreme, the night celebrated diversity, global collaboration, and human artistry in cinema.
