The 98th Academy Awards, Hollywood’s most prestigious cinematic celebration, unfolded on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, honoring the finest films and artists from 2025. Hosted once again by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony combined glamour, groundbreaking achievements, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable moments that will resonate throughout film history.
At the center of the evening’s acclaim was the film One Battle After Another, which emerged as the big winner of the night, capturing a remarkable six Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. The film’s sweeping triumph underscored its resonance with both critics and Academy voters, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated motion pictures of 2025.
Broadway‑scale wins and memorable moments
Director Paul Thomas Anderson helmed One Battle After Another to multiple victories, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, showcasing his artistic vision and mastery of narrative complexity. The film also won Best Film Editing and made history by securing the first-ever Best Casting award, with Cassandra Kulukundis earning the inaugural Oscar in that category.
In the acting categories, the evening blended celebrated performances with emotional milestones:
- Best Actor was awarded to Michael B. Jordan for his dual portrayal in Sinners, marking his first Oscar win after a record-setting 16 nominations for the film. Jordan’s performance, balancing intensity and emotional depth, garnered universal acclaim and cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling leading actors.
Best Actress honors went to Jessie Buckley for her moving performance in Hamnet, a film celebrated for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Buckley’s win highlighted a career-high moment and added to the film’s artistic legacy.
Best Supporting Actor was claimed by Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another. In a remarkable third Oscar win, Penn joined a rarefied tier of actors with multiple Academy Awards, solidifying his enduring influence in cinematic performance.
Best Supporting Actress was awarded to Amy Madigan for her work in Weapons, marking a high point in a career rich with acclaimed performances outside the Oscar spotlight.
The Academy also celebrated technical achievements and global storytelling. Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song were both won by the energetic and innovative film KPop Demon Hunters, bridging genre boundaries and capturing audiences with its vibrant creativity. Norway’s Sentimental Value took home Best International Feature Film, showcasing the Academy’s continued recognition of global cinematic voices. Documentary fans saw Mr. Nobody Against Putin recognized as Best Documentary Feature, underlining urgent real-world narratives.
Behind‑the‑scenes and artistic accolades
Beyond the headliners, several films scored in technical categories, reinforcing the Oscars’ celebration of craft excellence. F1 received Best Sound, Avatar: Fire and Ash won Best Visual Effects, and Frankenstein earned multiple honors, including Best Production Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Moreover, composer Ludwig Göransson was honored with Best Original Score for Sinners, adding another layer of artistic acknowledgment to the film’s achievements.
This year’s ceremony also balanced tradition with evolution. The introduction of the Best Casting award underscored the Academy’s efforts to honor previously overlooked areas of film production. Additionally, Honorary Oscars were presented to industry legends including Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas a testament to longstanding contributions to the art and craft of filmmaking.
A Celebration of storytelling and community
The 2026 Oscars were more than an awards show they were a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. In a year marked by a wide array of cinematic styles, voices, and cultural perspectives, the film community came together to honor work that inspired, challenged, and entertained audiences worldwide. While winners understandably shone brightest, the collective spirit of collaboration and artistic ambition remained the ceremony’s true hallmark.
As audiences and industry insiders reflect on the night’s highlights, the legacy of One Battle After Another, Sinners, Hamnet, and other celebrated films will continue to influence discussions of cinematic excellence for years to come.
The Oscars once again reminded the world that film remains a universal language uniting viewers through shared emotion, imagination, and creative achievement.