The 98th Academy Awards delivered one of the most dramatic and memorable nights in recent Hollywood history. At the center of the celebration was the political thriller One Battle After Another, which emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, capturing the coveted Best Picture award and several other major trophies.
Held on March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the ceremony celebrated the best films of 2025 and was hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, who returned to host the Oscars for the second consecutive year.
While several major films competed for top honors—including the heavily nominated Sinners—it was One Battle After Another that ultimately dominated the night, taking home multiple awards and cementing its place in cinema history.
‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Best Picture
The biggest moment of the ceremony came when One Battle After Another was announced as the winner of Best Picture, the most prestigious honor at the Academy Awards. The film also won several additional Oscars, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, making it the most successful film of the night.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, the film received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike for its bold storytelling and sharp political themes. The movie is loosely based on the novel Vineland by author Thomas Pynchon, blending dark humor, political intrigue, and dramatic storytelling.
At the Oscars, the film ultimately secured six awards, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director – Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Supporting Actor – Sean Penn
- Best Film Editing
- Best Casting
This marked Anderson’s first-ever Oscar victories despite decades of critical acclaim and multiple previous nominations.
A Night of Historic Achievements
The Oscars 2026 ceremony was filled with historic moments and notable achievements across several categories.
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
Actor Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor Oscar for his powerful performance in the film Sinners. His portrayal of twin brothers earned widespread acclaim and made him one of the few Black actors to win the category.
The movie itself had a remarkable awards season run, leading the Oscar nominations with 16 nominations, though it ultimately won four awards.
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley
Irish actress Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress award for her performance as Agnes Hathaway in the historical drama Hamnet. Her victory was celebrated widely and marked a significant milestone for Irish performers at the Oscars.
Supporting Acting Awards
Two veteran performers also earned major recognition:
- Sean Penn – Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another
- Amy Madigan – Best Supporting Actress for Weapons
Madigan’s win was particularly remarkable, coming decades after her first Oscar nomination.
Other Major Winners at the 2026 Oscars
Although One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, several other films also earned major awards.
- KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
- Sentimental Value became Norway’s first film to win Best International Feature Film.
- Mr. Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary Feature.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash won Best Visual Effects.
- F1 took home the award for Best Sound.
These wins highlighted the global diversity of cinema and the growing influence of international filmmaking in the Oscars race.
The Awards Season Momentum
The success of One Battle After Another at the Oscars did not come as a complete surprise. The film had already built strong momentum throughout the awards season.
Before the Oscars, it had won several major honors, including:
- Best Film at the National Board of Review Awards
- Best Picture at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
- Best Film at the AACTA International Awards
This consistent recognition from critics and industry groups positioned the movie as one of the strongest contenders for the Academy Awards.
Why the Film Resonated With the Academy
Film critics and analysts believe several factors contributed to the movie’s success at the Oscars.
First, the film’s politically relevant themes resonated strongly with audiences and voters. Its story combines satire and drama while exploring complex social issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Second, the direction of Paul Thomas Anderson played a key role. Known for films such as There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, Anderson has long been regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. Winning the Oscar for Best Director finally gave him the recognition many believed he deserved.
Finally, the performances in the film—especially Sean Penn’s supporting role—were widely praised, helping elevate the movie’s emotional depth and storytelling impact.
A Competitive Race With ‘Sinners’
The road to Best Picture was not easy. The main competition came from Sinners, a vampire-themed epic that led the nominations with a record 16 nominations, the most for any film that year.
Despite the strong buzz around Sinners, the Academy ultimately favored the storytelling and artistic achievements of One Battle After Another. The result underscored the unpredictability of the Oscars and the importance of overall industry support.
The Ceremony and Highlights
The ceremony itself was filled with humor, tributes, and emotional speeches. Host Conan O’Brien opened the show with jokes about Hollywood and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
The event also included tributes to several iconic figures from the film industry, honoring their contributions to cinema and celebrating their lasting legacy.
In addition, presenters from around the world—including major Hollywood stars—took the stage to announce winners and celebrate the achievements of filmmakers.
The Legacy of ‘One Battle After Another’
With six Oscars and the Best Picture trophy, One Battle After Another has firmly established itself as one of the most celebrated films of the year. Its success highlights the continuing power of bold storytelling and visionary filmmaking.
The film’s victory also reinforces the reputation of Paul Thomas Anderson as one of the most important directors in modern cinema. After years of near misses at the Academy Awards, his triumph at the 2026 Oscars represents a career-defining milestone.
For audiences and film lovers around the world, the success of One Battle After Another will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 98th Academy Awards.
