USA (Commonwealth Union)_ The 98th Academy Awards, which was held in the Dolby Theater, will be remembered for its share of big wins, some surprises, and a few historic moments. Accordingly, two films, in particular, shaped the evening, taking home the bulk of the awards, while others, considered frontrunners, left empty-handed. Paul Thomas Anderson‘s One Battle After Another led the charge, snagging six Oscars and becoming the night’s biggest victor. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners followed closely, with four wins and a great deal of critical acclaim. While these two films claimed the spotlight, the ceremony as a whole was marked by several moments that will be remembered for years to come.
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Among the major acting awards, Jessie Buckley received Best Actress for her portrayal in Hamnet, while Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his work in Sinners. Their victories were enthusiastically praised, reflecting the great performances witnessed by this year’s nominees. Meanwhile, Sean Penn secured Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, further adding to the film’s impressive tally. One of the most talked-about moments of the evening came in the Best Cinematography category. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman to win the award. Her work in Sinners was widely praised, and her victory marked an important step forward in recognizing female talent in an area traditionally dominated by men.
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The ceremony also featured a rare tie in the Best Live Action Short Film category, with The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva both being announced as winners. This unusual outcome has only happened a handful of times in Oscar history, making it one of the night’s most surprising highlights. Another notable addition this year was the introduction of a new category for Best Casting. Cassandra Kulukundis won the inaugural award for her work on One Battle After Another, beating the expected frontrunner, Francine Maisler. This new category reflects the growing appreciation for the role casting plays in shaping a film’s success.
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In one of the unexpected wins, Amy Madigan took home Best Supporting Actress for her role in the horror film Weapons. Horror films have rarely been recognized at the Oscars, making her victory a significant moment for the genre. The Best Documentary Feature category also delivered a surprise, with Mr. Nobody Against Putin winning over the much-anticipated The Perfect Neighbor. This result added to the evening’s theme of unpredictability. Beyond the awards, the red carpet was crowded with familiar personalities from the entertainment business. Celebrity couples that attended included Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale, Emma Stone and Dave McCary, and Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Mindy Kaling, and Simone Ashley were among the Indian-origin celebrities who appeared. Here is a look at all the key winners:
- 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 Animated Feature: KPop (Demon Hunters)
- Best International Feature: Sentimental Value
- Best Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- Best Cinematography: Sinners (Autumn Durald Arkapaw)
- Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Best original song: Golden – KPop (Demon Hunters)
- Best sound: F1 – Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A Rizzo and Juan Peralta
- Best film editing: Andy Jurgensen (One Battle After Another)
- Best casting: Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another)
- Best make-up and hairstyling: Frankenstein – Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey
- Best costume design: Frankenstein – Kate Hawley
Overall, the Oscars 2026 delivered a mix of expected victories and surprising outcomes, along with several historic achievements that highlighted the evolving nature of the film industry.
