The 98th Academy Awards arrived with a blend of classic Hollywood charm and groundbreaking milestones. Held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, the ceremony celebrated a year of exceptional storytelling. Hosted by the witty Conan O’Brien for the second year in a row, the night moved with a brisk energy that kept the global audience engaged from the opening monologue to the final envelope.

One Battle After Another Takes the Top Prize

The biggest story of the night was the sweeping victory of Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece, One Battle After Another. The multi generational saga took home six Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. Paul Thomas Anderson also secured wins for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, marking a long awaited coronation for one of modern cinema’s most respected filmmakers. The film’s success was a testament to its powerful narrative and technical brilliance, proving that grand scale American dramas still resonate deeply with Academy voters.

Historic Wins for Leading Talent

In the acting categories, history was made through emotional and well deserved victories. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his visceral performance in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. His win was one of the most celebrated moments of the evening, marking his first Oscar after a stellar career. Jessie Buckley delivered a touching acceptance speech as she won Best Actress for her role in Hamnet. She made history as the first Irish performer to win in this category, dedicating her award to the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.

Supporting roles also saw veteran talent recognized. Sean Penn earned his third Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in One Battle After Another, while the 75 year old Amy Madigan received a standing ovation for her Best Supporting Actress win in the horror thriller Weapons.

A New Era for Diversity and Technology

The 2026 Oscars celebrated several firsts in the technical and creative fields. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first female director of photography to win Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners. This historic achievement broke a 98 year glass ceiling in one of the most competitive categories.

Animation and music also saw a heavy influence from global pop culture. The Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the hit track Golden. This victory highlighted the Academy’s growing appreciation for streaming successes and international cultural phenomena.

Fashion and Viral Moments on the Red Carpet

The red carpet served as a masterclass in modern glamour. Priyanka Chopra Jonas stunned in a white Dior gown featuring intricate feather detailing, while Nicole Kidman chose a pale pink Chanel creation that embraced the night’s feather trend. Pedro Pascal broke traditional menswear rules by ditching a jacket for a custom 3D floral motif shirt, instantly becoming a social media favorite.

The introduction of the new Best Casting category also provided a fresh highlight, with Cassandra Kulukundis taking home the inaugural trophy for One Battle After Another. This addition reflects the Academy’s effort to modernize and acknowledge every vital part of the filmmaking process.