The 98th Academy Awards delivered a night of historic wins, emotional speeches and political moments, as One Battle After Another emerged as the biggest winner of the evening with six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony celebrated a year of bold filmmaking and standout performances. Hosted for the second year running by comedian Conan O’Brien, the show blended humour with powerful moments as the industry reflected on a changing world.
A big night for ‘One Battle After Another’
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another dominated the night, securing six awards including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson and Best Film Editing.
The sweeping victory confirmed Anderson’s film as the standout production of the year, combining critical acclaim with awards success.
Anderson also took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, using his acceptance speech to reflect on the future generation.
“I wrote this movie for my kids to say sorry for the housekeeping mess we’ve left in this world,” he said. “But also with the encouragement that they will be the generation that hopefully brings us some common sense and decency.”
Michael B. Jordan makes history
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening came when Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his performance in Sinners.
Jordan’s win marked a historic milestone and capped a hugely successful night for the film, which had entered the awards with a record-breaking 16 nominations and ultimately secured four Oscars.
An emotional Jordan thanked director Ryan Coogler, with whom he has collaborated on multiple projects.
“God is good,” Jordan said. “Ryan, you gave me the opportunity and the space to be seen.”
Coogler also took home the award for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, further cementing the film’s impact.
Powerful performances recognised
The Best Actress award went to Jessie Buckley for her emotionally charged performance in Hamnet, portraying a mother grappling with the loss of her young son.
Buckley noted the significance of the moment, dedicating her win to mothers everywhere.
“I’d like to dedicate this to the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” she said. “We all come from a lineage of women who continue to create against all odds.”
Meanwhile, veteran actor Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another, becoming only the fourth male performer to win three Oscars. Penn did not attend the ceremony, prompting presenter Kieran Culkin to joke that the famously awards-averse star “couldn’t be here this evening — or didn’t want to”.
Best Supporting Actress went to Amy Madigan for her striking performance in Weapons.
Historic wins and milestones
The evening also marked several historic moments.
Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners.
Another milestone came when casting director Cassandra Kulukundis received the inaugural Academy Award for Casting for her work on One Battle After Another.
There was also a rare tie in the Best Live Action Short category, with both films sharing the prize.
International and animation highlights
The Best Documentary Feature went to Mr. Nobody Against Putin, a powerful look at political repression during the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Accepting the award, co-director David Borenstein warned of the dangers of complacency in the face of authoritarianism.
Meanwhile, Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for its anthem “Golden”.
Co-director Maggie Kang said the win was a landmark moment for representation.
“I’m sorry it took us so long to see ourselves in a movie like this,” she said. “But it’s here now — and the next generation won’t have to wait.”
Politics and humour on the Oscars stage
Host Conan O’Brien opened the show with a comedy sketch parodying several nominated films before delivering a monologue packed with political jokes.
The ceremony also featured several political statements from presenters and winners, reflecting ongoing global tensions and debates.
Actor Javier Bardem used his time on stage to call for peace, saying: “No to war and free Palestine.”
Key winners at the 2026 Oscars
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 Original Screenplay – Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
Best Adapted Screenplay – Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Best International Feature – Sentimental Value
Best Documentary – Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Best Animated Feature – KPop Demon Hunters
With emotional speeches, historic milestones and blockbuster wins, the 98th Academy Awards proved once again why Hollywood’s biggest night continues to capture the world’s attention.