The 98th Academy Awards celebrated the best achievements in filmmaking from around the world. The Oscars 2026 ceremony honored outstanding performances, direction, storytelling, and technical excellence across multiple categories.
This year’s awards highlighted both established Hollywood stars and new creative voices. The night was filled with memorable speeches, emotional moments, and several historic wins.
Best Picture Winner at Oscars 2026
The biggest award of the night, Best Picture, went to One Battle After Another. The film received widespread praise for its powerful storytelling, performances, and cinematic scale.
Its victory confirmed the film’s strong presence throughout the awards season. The movie’s themes and ambitious filmmaking made it one of the most talked-about projects of the year.
Paul Thomas Anderson Wins Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson won the Best Director award for One Battle After Another. The filmmaker was recognized for his masterful direction and ability to create a deeply immersive cinematic experience.
His win added another major milestone to his already respected career. Anderson’s direction played a key role in the film’s dominance at the Oscars.
Michael B. Jordan Wins Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Sinners. His portrayal of a complex and emotionally driven character impressed both critics and audiences.
The actor’s performance was widely considered one of the most powerful of the year. His win marks a significant moment in his career and further strengthens his position among Hollywood’s top actors.
Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress
Jessie Buckley took home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Hamnet. Her portrayal brought emotional depth and intensity to the historical drama.
Critics praised Buckley for delivering one of the most compelling performances of the year. Her win was one of the standout highlights of the ceremony.
Supporting Acting Winners Shine
The supporting acting categories also delivered notable wins at the Oscars 2026. Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another.
Amy Madigan won the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Weapons. Both actors were recognized for their impactful roles that strengthened their respective films.
Major Screenplay Awards
The screenplay categories honored two of the most acclaimed films of the year. Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay for Sinners.
Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson also won Best Adapted Screenplay for One Battle After Another. These wins highlighted the importance of strong storytelling in modern cinema.
Animated Feature and Documentary Winners
The Best Animated Feature Film award went to KPop Demon Hunters. The animated film stood out for its creative storytelling and unique visual style.
In the documentary category, Mr. Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary Feature. The film gained attention for its bold subject matter and powerful real-world narrative.
Short Film Category Highlights
The short film categories also brought attention to remarkable storytelling. All the Empty Rooms won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film.
The Best Animated Short Film award went to The Girl Who Cried Pearls. These films demonstrated how impactful storytelling can be delivered in shorter formats.
Technical Awards That Shaped the Night
Several technical categories celebrated excellence behind the camera. Avatar: Fire and Ash won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
The film impressed voters with its groundbreaking visual work and large-scale cinematic presentation. The award highlighted the continued importance of advanced technology in modern filmmaking.
Best Cinematography and Production Design
Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners. Her visually striking approach helped bring the film’s dramatic story to life.
Tamara Deverell won Best Production Design for Frankenstein. Her detailed and imaginative set designs played a crucial role in creating the film’s distinctive atmosphere.
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Best Sound and Technical Craft
The Best Sound award went to F1. The film was praised for its immersive audio design that enhanced the high-speed racing experience.
Technical awards like sound, cinematography, and visual effects showcased the collaborative effort required to bring major productions to life. These categories highlighted the craftsmanship behind modern filmmaking.
Complete List of Major Oscars 2026 Winners
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | One Battle After Another | 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 Original Screenplay | Ryan Coogler | Sinners |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Paul Thomas Anderson | One Battle After Another |
| Best Animated Feature | KPop Demon Hunters | KPop Demon Hunters |
| Best Documentary Feature | Mr. Nobody Against Putin | Mr. Nobody Against Putin |
| Best Visual Effects | Avatar Fire and Ash | Avatar Fire and Ash |
| Best Cinematography | Autumn Durald Arkapaw | Sinners |
| Best Production Design | Tamara Deverell | Frankenstein |
| Best Sound | F1 | F1 |
Memorable Moments From the Ceremony
The Oscars 2026 ceremony delivered several memorable moments throughout the night. From emotional acceptance speeches to surprise wins, the event kept audiences engaged across the globe.
The strong performance of films like One Battle After Another and Sinners became a defining theme of the evening. These movies led the awards conversation and received recognition across multiple categories.