The 98th Academy Awards delivered a dramatic night of surprises, historic wins and emotional speeches as One Battle After Another emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 Oscars.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien, was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday night, bringing together the biggest names in global cinema to celebrate excellence in filmmaking.
Political thriller One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, claimed the coveted Best Picture award and led the night with six wins, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing, and the newly introduced Best Casting category.
The film’s star-studded cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro, and its sweeping victory capped an awards season where the film consistently dominated major ceremonies.
Michael B. Jordan’s Emotional First Oscar
One of the night’s biggest moments came when Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his performance in the supernatural thriller Sinners, marking the first Oscar of his career.
Jordan received a standing ovation as he accepted the award for his dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, thanking his family and longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, who directed the film.
Sinners entered the Oscars with a record 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film in Academy Awards history, and converted several of them into major wins, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography.
Jordan’s victory places him among a small group of Black actors who have won the Best Actor Oscar, joining legends such as Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington.
Jessie Buckley Makes History with Hamnet
Another major highlight of the night was Jessie Buckley, who won Best Actress for her performance in the historical drama Hamnet.
Her victory marked a historic milestone, making her the first Irish performer to win the category.
In the supporting acting categories, Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, while Amy Madigan claimed Best Supporting Actress for her role in Weapons.
International and Animation Wins Add Global Flair
Beyond the headline categories, the Oscars also celebrated filmmaking from across the world.
Norway’s Sentimental Value won Best International Feature Film, highlighting the growing influence of global cinema within the Academy.
Meanwhile, animated musical fantasy KPop Demon Hunters captured Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, becoming one of the standout family-friendly hits of the night.
Other notable winners included:
- Frankenstein, which dominated several technical categories including production design and costume design.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash, which took home Best Visual Effects.
- Mr. Nobody Against Putin, which won Best Documentary Feature.
A Night of Historic Records
This year’s ceremony also reflected shifting trends in the film industry.
The massive nomination haul for Sinners broke a long-standing Oscar record, while the Academy also introduced a new Best Casting category — the first new competitive award added in decades.
With blockbuster spectacles, independent dramas and international films sharing the spotlight, the 2026 Oscars showcased one of the most diverse and competitive fields in recent years.
The Academy Awards, organised annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, remain one of the most prestigious honours in global cinema.