The 98th Academy Awards concluded Sunday night with a stunning victory for “One Battle After Another,” securing the coveted Best Picture award. The win, a surprise to some who predicted a sweep for Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, marked a high point for the complex and genre-bending production. The evening also saw Michael B. Jordan take home the Best Actor award for his performance in “Sinners,” and Autumn Durald Arkapaw make history as the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography.
The awards ceremony, held Sunday, March 15, 2026, was filled with emotional moments and celebrated achievements in filmmaking. While many anticipated a win for Anderson, “One Battle After Another” resonated with voters, praised for its ambitious scope and unconventional storytelling. The film, described by The Independent as a work that “doesn’t play it safe,” blends elements of family drama, political satire, and action, creating a uniquely compelling cinematic experience. The 2026 Oscars also honored significant contributions to international cinema and original song, though the latter was met with a somewhat abrupt conclusion.
“One Battle After Another” Takes Top Honors
The announcement of “One Battle After Another” as Best Picture was met with a standing ovation. The film’s director, Ryan, was lauded for creating opportunities for women within the production, as highlighted by Autumn Durald Arkapaw in her acceptance speech. Durald Arkapaw’s historic win was particularly poignant, as she noted the inspiration it would provide to young girls aspiring to careers in cinematography: “A lot of little girls who look like me will sleep really well tonight because they want to be cinematographers.” She also credited Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer Karen O with inspiring her, stating, “You have to see you to be you.”
Michael B. Jordan’s Breakthrough Performance
Michael B. Jordan delivered a powerful performance in “Sinners,” portraying twins Smoke and Stack. His portrayal earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, his first Oscar nomination and win. Accepting the award, Jordan offered a confident message to his supporters: “Keep betting on me.”
Anderson Honored for Directing, “Golden” Wins Original Song
Paul Thomas Anderson was recognized for his directing prowess, winning the Oscar for Best Director. This marked his second Oscar win overall. However, the presentation of the award for Best Original Song, won by “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters,” was reportedly cut short, with the musicians being “loudly played off the stage” despite the show running 12 minutes over schedule.
International Recognition and a Moving In Memoriam Segment
“Sentimental Value” was awarded Best International Feature Film, beating out “The Secret Agent,” “It Was Just an Accident,” “Sirat,” and “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” The film remains in contention for additional awards. The ceremony also included a deeply moving In Memoriam segment, honoring those lost in the film industry. Billy Crystal opened the segment with a tribute to director Rob Reiner, who tragically passed away in December 2025 along with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Crystal shared a heartfelt message about Reiner’s lasting impact on cinema, saying, “My friend Rob Reiner’s films will last for a lifetime…buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.”
As the celebrations continue at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, with stars like Mick Jagger and Nikki Glaser gracing the red carpet, the 98th Academy Awards will be remembered as a night of surprises, historic wins, and heartfelt tributes. The success of “One Battle After Another” signals a willingness to embrace bold and unconventional filmmaking, setting an intriguing precedent for future awards seasons.
The after-party scene is in full swing, with Caitlin Hornik reporting live from the Vanity Fair red carpet. Stay tuned for more updates as the night unfolds.
This year’s Oscars were a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of those who shape the cinematic landscape. What are your thoughts on the winners? Share your opinions in the comments below!
