Los Angeles, CA – The 98th Academy Awards concluded Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre, celebrating the best in cinematic achievement. “One Battle After Another” emerged as the night’s biggest winner, claiming the coveted Best Picture award, alongside accolades for Best Director, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Supporting Actor, Sean Penn. The ceremony, hosted for the second consecutive year by Conan O’Brien, also saw Michael B. Jordan recognized for his performance in “Sinners” and Jessie Buckley honored for her role in “Hamnet.” The awards broadcast, also available on Hulu, marked a significant moment for the film industry, and the introduction of a new category – Best Achievement in Casting – signaled a continued evolution of the Oscars.
The triumph of “One Battle After Another” was comprehensive, securing six Oscars in total. Paul Thomas Anderson’s win for Best Director marked his first Academy Award, a long-awaited recognition for the acclaimed filmmaker. The film also took home the inaugural Best Casting award, a category added to the Oscars for the first time since Best Animated Feature was introduced in 2001. This expansion of the awards reflects a growing appreciation for the collaborative art of filmmaking and the crucial role casting directors play in bringing stories to life. Sean Penn’s win for Best Supporting Actor, notably, came despite his absence from the ceremony, setting a record for the award. Andy Jurgensen was also recognized for his work on the film, winning the Oscar for Best Film Editing.
A Night of Firsts and Familiar Faces
Beyond “One Battle After Another’s” dominance, the 2026 Oscars were marked by several notable firsts. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography, recognized for her stunning work on “Sinners.” The film itself garnered a record-breaking 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film, ultimately converting two of those nominations into wins – Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Best Cinematography. “KPop Demon Hunters” also made history, with its song “Golden” becoming the first K-pop song to win an Academy Award, taking home the prize for Best Original Song. The addition of the Best Casting category, won by Cassandra Kulukundis for “One Battle After Another,” demonstrates the Academy’s commitment to recognizing a wider range of contributions to the art of filmmaking.
Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress win for “Hamnet” was a highlight of the evening, acknowledging a powerful and nuanced performance. Amy Madigan was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Weapons.” The ceremony also celebrated excellence in technical categories, with “Frankenstein” winning awards for Costume Design, Makeup and Hairstyling, and Production Design. The awards showcased a diverse range of films and talent, reflecting the evolving landscape of the film industry.
The Full List of Winners
Here’s a comprehensive appear at the winners across all categories at the 98th Academy Awards:
- 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 Casting: “One Battle After Another”
- Best Animated Feature Film: “KPop Demon Hunters”
- Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw (“Sinners”)
- Best Original Song: “Golden” (“KPop Demon Hunters”)
Conan O’Brien’s Second Turn as Host
Conan O’Brien returned to host the Oscars for a second year, bringing his signature wit and energy to the ceremony. He was joined by Matt Berry, known for his roles in “The IT Crowd” and “What We Do in the Shadows,” who handled announcing duties. The combination of O’Brien’s comedic timing and Berry’s distinctive voice provided a memorable backdrop to the awards presentation. The event, broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, drew a global audience eager to celebrate the year’s best films. ABC News provided comprehensive coverage of the event.
A Look at the Nominees
The competition was fierce across all categories, with a strong slate of nominees vying for recognition. “Sinners” led the pack with its record-breaking 16 nominations, while “One Battle After Another” followed closely with 13. Other nominees for Best Picture included “Bugonia,” “F1,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” and “Train Dreams.” The nominees reflected a diverse range of genres and storytelling approaches, showcasing the breadth and creativity of the film industry. The full list of nominees can be found on CBS News.
The 98th Academy Awards concluded on a high note, celebrating cinematic excellence and innovation. The wins for “One Battle After Another” and the groundbreaking achievements of individuals like Autumn Durald Arkapaw and the creators of “KPop Demon Hunters” underscored the evolving nature of the film industry and its continued ability to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide. The introduction of the Best Casting category further solidifies the Academy’s commitment to recognizing the collaborative artistry that brings stories to the screen.
Looking ahead, the film industry will undoubtedly continue to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues. The success of films like “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” demonstrates the enduring power of compelling storytelling and exceptional filmmaking. The Academy Awards will continue to serve as a platform for recognizing and celebrating these achievements, inspiring future generations of filmmakers and artists.
The next major event in the film calendar will be the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, where new films and emerging talent will be showcased. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the film industry and the latest developments in cinematic arts. We encourage you to share your thoughts on the Oscar winners and the future of film in the comments below.
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