The 98th Academy Awards delivered a night of celebration and recognition for cinematic achievement, culminating in One Battle After Another taking home the coveted Best Picture award. But the evening wasn’t solely about the winners; it was also a showcase of powerful performances, including a moving tribute featuring the cast of the nominated film Sinners, led by music legend Buddy Guy. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, unfolded live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
The awards show was marked by several historic moments, including Michael B. Jordan’s first Best Actor win for his role in Sinners, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw becoming the first woman – and first woman of color – to win the Best Cinematography Oscar. The evening underscored the power of storytelling and the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, with heartfelt acceptance speeches and a palpable sense of gratitude throughout the Dolby Theatre.
Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler Honored for ‘Sinners’
The impact of Sinners was undeniable, extending beyond its record-breaking 16 nominations. Michael B. Jordan’s performance resonated deeply, earning him the Best Actor award. In his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed profound gratitude to Ryan Coogler, his longtime collaborator, acknowledging the opportunity and space Coogler provided him to shine. “I’m so honored to call you a collaborator and a friend,” Jordan said. He also thanked his supporters, stating, “I desire to thank everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career. I feel it. I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to do that because you guys bet on me.”
Coogler himself received the award for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, receiving a standing ovation. He dedicated the award to the entire cast and crew, calling them “winners in my book.” He also acknowledged his wife and collaborator, Zinzi Coogler, his parents, and his children, expressing his love, and appreciation. “You’re the best wife and mom in the world. Every day I get to spend with you is better than the one that came before,” Coogler shared. He also spoke to his children, apologizing for his time away and emphasizing the importance of family memories.
The Sinners cast’s performance of “I Lied to You” during the ceremony was a highlight of the night. Miles Caton, Buddy Guy, Shaboozey, Misty Copeland, and other members of the cast recreated the juke joint scene from the film, bringing the power of the music to life on the Oscars stage. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, Buddy Guy wore a black and white polka dot shirt under black leather overalls during the performance.
Additional Key Wins of the Evening
Beyond Sinners, several other films and individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to cinema. Paul Thomas Anderson took home the award for Best Director for One Battle After Another, which also won Best Picture. Jessie Buckley was named Actress in a Leading Role for Hamnet, while Sean Penn received the award for Actor in a Supporting Role for One Battle After Another. Amy Madigan won Actress in a Supporting Role for Weapons.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s historic win for Best Cinematography for Frankenstein was a particularly moving moment. She acknowledged Coogler’s belief in her and his support in bringing his vision to life, stating, “Thank you for believing in me and for trusting me.” The film Frankenstein also won for Best Costume Design, awarded to Kate Hawley, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, awarded to Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, and Cliona Furey.
Here’s a complete list of the night’s winners:
- Best Picture: Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Actress in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
- Actor in a Supporting Role: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
- Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Madigan, Weapons
- Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Animated Feature Film: Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle L.M. Wong, KPop Demon Hunters
- Animated Short Film: Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, The Girl Who Cried Pearls
- Costume Design: Kate Hawley, Frankenstein
- Best Casting: Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another
- Best Sound: Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta, F1
- Live Action Short Film (Tie): Sam A. Davis and Jack Piatt, The Singers and Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata, Two People Exchanging Saliva
- Makeup and Hairstyling: Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey, Frankenstein
- Original Song: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon and Teddy Park, Golden
- Documentary Feature Film: A Pink Production, Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- Documentary Short Film: Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones, All the Empty Rooms
- Film Editing: Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another
- International Feature Film: A Mer Film/Eye Eye Pictures Production; Norway, Sentimental Film
- Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau, Frankenstein
- Visual Effects: Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett, Avatar: Fire and Ash
The 98th Academy Awards concluded on a high note, celebrating the artistry and dedication of filmmakers and performers. With One Battle After Another taking home the top prize, and the powerful performances from the Sinners cast resonating with audiences, the evening served as a reminder of the enduring power of cinema. Buddy Guy is scheduled to continue his tour with a stop at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, Connecticut on August 7, as noted by El-Balad, demonstrating the continued synergy between film and live music.
What will be the lasting impact of these wins on the careers of the honorees? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
