The 98th Academy Awards concluded Sunday evening with a mix of expected triumphs and surprising wins, celebrating the best in film from the past year. From a veteran actress claiming her first Oscar to a groundbreaking animated feature, the ceremony highlighted both established talent and emerging voices. The awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, saw “Weapons” star Amy Madigan and the animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters” among the early winners, setting the tone for a night of celebration.
This year’s Oscars saw a diverse range of nominees, with films like “Sinners” leading the pack with 16 nominations. However, it was “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Weapons” that captured the initial spotlight. The evening also recognized achievements in technical categories, including costume design, makeup, and casting, showcasing the collaborative artistry behind filmmaking. Here’s a complete rundown of the winners as of the latest updates:
Key Wins of the Evening
Amy Madigan’s win for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Aunt Gladys in Zach Cregger’s horror film, “Weapons,” was a highlight of the night. Madigan, a seasoned performer, delivered a memorable performance as the “ginger wig-donning witch,” as described by the Los Angeles Times, and beat out a competitive field including Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Sinners”), Elle Fanning (“Sentimental Value”), and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (“Sentimental Value”). As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Madigan humorously acknowledged the long wait for this recognition, quipping, “What’s different is I have this little gold guy.”
The animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters” also secured a major win, taking home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. This victory came as a surprise to some, given the presence of other contenders like “Elio,” but the film’s popularity and critical acclaim resonated with voters. The Detroit News noted that “KPop Demon Hunters” was one of the first awards presented during the ceremony. Adding to the film’s success, its original song, “Golden,” became the first K-Pop song to win an Oscar in the Best Original Song category. ABC7 reported on this historic win.
A Full List of Oscar Winners
- Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan, “Weapons”
- Best Animated Feature: “KPop Demon Hunters”
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another”
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
- Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler, “Sinners”
- Best Costume Design: Frankenstein (Kate Hawley)
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein
- Best Casting: “One Battle After Another” (Cassandra Kulukundis)
- Best Live Action Short Film (Joint Winners): “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva”
- Best Visual Effects: “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
- Best Documentary Feature: “Mr Nobody Against Putin”
- Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson, “Sinners”
- Best Sound: “F1”
- Best Film Editing: “One Battle After Another”
- Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, “Sinners”
- Best International Feature Film: “Sentimental Value” (Norway)
- Best Original Song: “Golden,” “KPop Demon Hunters”
Other Notable Wins
Sean Penn was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “One Battle After Another,” though he was not present to accept the award. Paul Thomas Anderson secured his first Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, also for “One Battle After Another.” Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win the Best Cinematography Oscar for her work on “Sinners.” And, “Sentimental Value” became the first Norwegian film to win Best International Feature Film.
The awards also recognized excellence in technical categories. “Frankenstein” took home awards for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, while “One Battle After Another” was recognized for Best Casting. The documentary “Mr Nobody Against Putin” was awarded Best Documentary Feature, highlighting its impactful storytelling.
As the dust settles on the 98th Academy Awards, the industry now turns its attention to upcoming projects and the continued evolution of cinematic storytelling. The success of films like “KPop Demon Hunters” and the recognition of diverse talent signal a changing landscape in Hollywood. The coming months will reveal how these wins influence future productions and the direction of the film industry.
What were your favorite moments from the 2026 Oscars? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
