Oscars 2026 winners quickly became the center of conversation across the global film industry after the Academy Awards ceremony celebrated a year defined by ambitious filmmaking, bold storytelling, and performances that pushed the craft forward.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre, brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, and industry veterans from across the world. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the evening blended humor with recognition for some of the most influential films released during the past year.
By the time the night concluded, one film had clearly emerged as the dominant force of the ceremony. One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, walked away with six Academy Awards. The film secured victories in major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. For Anderson, long regarded as one of the most meticulous filmmakers of his generation, the recognition represented both critical validation and a reminder of how powerfully auteur-driven cinema can resonate with audiences and voters alike.
Yet the ceremony was not defined by a single film alone. Sinners arrived at the Oscars with remarkable momentum, earning an extraordinary sixteen nominations, one of the highest nomination counts in recent Academy history. While it did not dominate the top categories, it still secured four major wins, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Jordan’s performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and disciplined restraint, confirming his evolution from blockbuster star to a serious dramatic presence.
The film’s creator, Ryan Coogler, also earned recognition for Best Original Screenplay, reinforcing his reputation as a director who can balance commercial success with thoughtful storytelling. Over the past decade Coogler has steadily expanded his influence in Hollywood, and the Academy’s recognition suggests that his creative voice continues to gain deeper institutional respect.
One of the evening’s most talked about wins came in the Best Actress category. Jessie Buckley claimed her first Academy Award for her performance in Hamnet. Buckley’s portrayal was widely regarded as one of the year’s most emotionally layered performances. Critics noted how she carried the film’s quiet grief and resilience through subtle gestures rather than theatrical dramatics, a style that often resonates strongly with Academy voters.
Supporting categories delivered their own moments of recognition for veteran talent. Amy Madigan secured the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her work in Weapons, adding a prestigious milestone to a career that has long been respected within the industry. Meanwhile, Best Supporting Actor went to Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another, reinforcing the film’s dominance across multiple performance categories.
Beyond the acting awards, the ceremony also highlighted the technical artistry that defines modern filmmaking. Cinematography honors went to Autumn Durald Arkapaw for her striking visual work on Sinners. The film’s atmospheric imagery helped establish its distinct mood and contributed significantly to its critical acclaim.
The craft categories further demonstrated how large-scale productions continue to push creative boundaries. Frankenstein performed strongly in design-related awards, winning recognition for production design, costume design, and makeup and hairstyling. These categories often receive less mainstream attention, yet they represent thousands of hours of creative work that shape the visual identity of a film.
Animation also had its moment during the ceremony. KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature, standing out among a competitive field that included Zootopia 2 and Elio. The win highlights the growing global appeal of animation that blends pop culture influence with ambitious storytelling.
International cinema remained strongly represented as well. Sentimental Value secured the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The film also appeared across several other categories, demonstrating how global filmmakers continue to expand the artistic conversation within Hollywood’s most visible awards platform.
Documentary storytelling also played a powerful role during the evening. Mr Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary Feature, reflecting the Academy’s ongoing interest in films that confront political realities and contemporary global conflicts.
Technical categories delivered recognition to films that pushed cinematic spectacle. Visual effects honors went to Avatar: Fire and Ash, a continuation of the visually groundbreaking universe created by James Cameron. Sound design recognition went to the racing drama F1, whose immersive audio engineering helped audiences feel every turn and roar of the track.
The 2026 Oscars ultimately revealed a film industry balancing large-scale spectacle with deeply personal storytelling. From independent drama to blockbuster filmmaking, the winners reflected a year in cinema where creative ambition remained the defining force.
Below is the complete list of nominees and winners from the 98th Academy Awards.
Best Picture
Winner: One Battle After Another
Nominees: Bugonia, Frankenstein, F1, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, Train Dreams
Best Actress
Winner: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
Nominees: Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue, Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value, Emma Stone – Bugonia
Best Actor
Winner: Michael B Jordan – Sinners
Nominees: Timothee Chalamet – Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon, Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent
Best Supporting Actress
Winner: Amy Madigan – Weapons
Nominees: Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value, Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners, Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another
Best Supporting Actor
Winner: Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
Nominees: Benicio del Toro – One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein, Delroy Lindo – Sinners, Stellan Skarsgard – Sentimental Value
Best Director
Winner: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
Nominees: Ryan Coogler – Sinners, Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme, Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value, Chloe Zhao – Hamnet
Best Animated Feature
Winner: KPop Demon Hunters
Nominees: Arco, Elio, Little Amelie or the Character of Rain, Zootopia 2
Best International Feature Film
Winner: Sentimental Value
Nominees: It Was Just an Accident, Sirat, The Secret Agent, The Voice of Hind Rajab
Best Documentary Feature
Winner: Mr Nobody Against Putin
Nominees: Come See Me in the Good Light, Cutting Through the Rocks, The Alabama Solution, The Perfect Neighbor
Best Original Screenplay
Winner: Sinners – Ryan Coogler
Nominees: Blue Moon, It Was Just an Accident, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value
Best Adapted Screenplay
Winner: One Battle After Another – Paul Thomas Anderson
Nominees: Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Train Dreams
Best Original Song
Winner: “Golden” – KPop Demon Hunters
Best Original Score
Winner: Sinners – Ludwig Goransson
Best Cinematography
Winner: Sinners – Autumn Durald Arkapaw
Best Film Editing
Winner: One Battle After Another – Andy Jurgensen
Best Sound
Winner: F1
Best Visual Effects
Winner: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Best Production Design
Winner: Frankenstein
Best Casting
Winner: One Battle After Another
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Winner: Frankenstein
Best Costume Design
Winner: Frankenstein
Best Animated Short
Winner: The Girl Who Cried Pearls
Best Live Action Short
Winner (Tie): The Singers
Winner (Tie): Two People Exchanging Saliva
Best Documentary Short
Winner: All the Empty Rooms
