2026 Oscars: Highlights and Winners from the 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated the best in cinema for films released in 2025. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the ceremony featured emotional speeches, surprise upsets, and historic moments. Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" emerged as the night's biggest winner, taking home six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" followed closely with four wins, despite leading with a record-breaking 16 nominations. Other notable films like "Frankenstein" secured three awards, focusing on technical categories.

Acting Awards

In a shocking Best Actor win, Michael B. Jordan triumphed for his dual role in "Sinners," beating out strong contenders like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Jordan became the sixth Black actor to win in this category, delivering a heartfelt speech about perseverance and representation. Jessie Buckley made history as the first Irish actress to win Best Actress for her portrayal in "Hamnet," directed by Chloé Zhao. Buckley dedicated her award to women storytellers throughout history.

Supporting categories saw veteran actors shine. Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his intense performance in "One Battle After Another," marking his third Oscar overall. Amy Madigan took Best Supporting Actress for "Weapons," ending a 40-year gap since her last nomination and highlighting her enduring career.

Writing, Technical, and Specialty Awards

Writing awards went to the night's top films. Ryan Coogler earned Best Original Screenplay for "Sinners," while Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Adapted Screenplay for "One Battle After Another," based on Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland."

Technical and specialty categories showcased diverse talents. "Frankenstein" dominated with wins in Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Costume Design. "Sinners" also claimed Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, the latter going to Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the first Black woman to win in that category. "F1" revved up Best Sound, and "Avatar: Fire and Ash" won Best Visual Effects. In a new category, Best Casting went to "One Battle After Another."

Animated and documentary films also had their moments. "KPop Demon Hunters" won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden." Norway's "Sentimental Value" took Best International Feature, and "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" won Best Documentary Feature. Short films rounded out the night: "All the Empty Rooms" for Best Documentary Short, "The Singers" for Best Live Action Short, and "The Girl Who Cried Pearls" for Best Animated Short.

The 2026 Oscars highlighted inclusivity, with breakthroughs in representation and a focus on innovative storytelling.