The 98th Academy Awards delivered a mix of expected wins and surprising upsets on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Whereas “One Battle After Another” took home top honors including Best Picture, Director, and four others, several films and individuals were notably absent from the winners’ circle. Beyond the awards themselves, a playful moment between Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour referencing “The Devil Wears Prada” captivated audiences, though it overshadowed some of the night’s biggest surprises.
The evening wasn’t without its unexpected turns, from the inaugural Oscar for casting to a tie in the Live Action Short Film category. Several highly-anticipated contenders, including “Marty Supreme” and “Bugonia,” ultimately left the Dolby Theatre empty-handed, prompting discussion about the Academy’s choices. The awards season culminated in a night that celebrated cinematic achievement, but also highlighted the subjective nature of artistic recognition.
One of the first surprises of the night came with Cassandra Kulukundis’ win for Best Casting for “One Battle After Another.” Introduced by star Chase Infiniti, Kulukundis joked about winning an Oscar before director Paul Thomas Anderson, who went on to win three awards himself. The win was considered an upset, as Francine Maisler, who won a Casting Society Artios Award for her function on the film, was widely favored to take home the Oscar, according to reports.
Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet, failed to secure a single win despite receiving nominations for Best Actor in a Lead Role, Best Directing, and Best Picture. Chalamet, who had previously won at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, lost out to Michael B. Jordan for his performance in “Sinners.”
Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour playfully referenced “The Devil Wears Prada” during the Oscars presentation. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)
In a surprising turn, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” won the Documentary Feature award, beating out films like “The Perfect Neighbor,” “Come Witness Me in the Good Light,” and “The Alabama Solution.” Directed by David Borenstein and Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, the film gained traction after being acquired by Kino Lorber in early January, despite a lack of U.S. Distribution for much of awards season.
Ryan Coogler, despite winning Best Original Screenplay for “Sinners,” was overlooked in the Best Directing category, with the award going to Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another.” “Sinners” also missed out on the Best Picture award, despite a late surge in momentum, including a Best Ensemble win at the Actor Awards.
The Live Action Short Film category saw a rare tie between “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva.” Presenter Kumail Nanjiani handled the announcement with composure, urging the audience to “focus up” as he revealed the unprecedented result. This marks the seventh tie in Oscars history, with the most recent occurring in 2013 in the Sound Editing category for “Skyfall” and “Zero Dark Thirty.”
Stellan Skarsgård was considered a strong contender for Best Supporting Actor, having won at the Golden Globes, but ultimately lost to Sean Penn for his role in “One Battle After Another.” Penn did not attend the ceremony.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia,” starring Emma Stone, also failed to convert its nominations into wins, despite being nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Original Score, and Original Screenplay. Netflix’s “Train Dreams” similarly went home empty-handed, despite nominations for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Original Song, and Cinematography.
Cannes Film Festival double winner “The Secret Agent,” and its star Wagner Moura, were also shut out of the awards, despite nominations for Best Picture, International Feature, Best Actor, and Casting, as well as two Golden Globe wins.
The 98th Academy Awards showcased both predictable victories and unexpected outcomes, leaving audiences to reflect on the films and performances that resonated most throughout the awards season. As the dust settles, the industry now looks ahead to the next cycle of cinematic storytelling and the potential contenders for future accolades.
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