The 2026 Oscars, officially the 98th Academy Awards, delivered a night full of historic wins, emotional speeches, and major surprises in Hollywood. Held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the ceremony celebrated the best films released in 2025 and brought together some of the biggest names in the global film industry.
From groundbreaking performances to record-breaking nominations, the 2026 Academy Awards became one of the most talked-about award shows in recent years. Here’s a full recap of the biggest winners, highlights, and everything you need to know.
A Historic Night at the 2026 Academy Awards
The night belonged largely to the epic film “One Battle After Another,” which dominated the ceremony by winning six Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director awards.
Another major contender was “Sinners,” which entered the ceremony with a record 16 nominations and eventually secured four wins, including Best Actor and Best Original Score.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, featured memorable tributes, emotional speeches, and even a rare tie in one of the categories.
Complete Oscars 2026 Winners List
Best Picture:
- Winner: 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
Screenplay Awards
Best Adapted Screenplay:
- Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
Best Original Screenplay:
- Ryan Coogler – Sinners
Technical & Creative Categories
Best Cinematography:
- Autumn Durald Arkapaw – Sinners
Best Editing:
- Andy Jurgensen – One Battle After Another
Best Production Design:
- Frankenstein
Best Makeup and Hairstyling:
- Frankenstein
Best Sound:
- F1
Best Visual Effects:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
Music and Score
Best Original Score:
- Ludwig Göransson – Sinners
Best Original Song:
- “Golden” – KPop Demon Hunters
Animated and Documentary Winners
Best Animated Feature:
- KPop Demon Hunters
Best Animated Short Film:
- The Girl Who Cried Pearls
Best Documentary Feature:
- Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Best Documentary Short:
- All the Empty Rooms
Short Film Awards
Best Live-Action Short (Tie):
- The Singers
- Two People Exchanging Saliva
Biggest Moments From the Oscars 2026
1. Michael B. Jordan Wins His First Oscar
After years of critically acclaimed performances, Michael B. Jordan finally took home his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Sinners.
2. Jessie Buckley Completes Awards Season Sweep
Buckley’s performance in Hamnet earned her the Best Actress Oscar, capping off a season where she had already won several major awards.
3. Historic Cinematography Win
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman and first Black person to win Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners.
4. Amy Madigan’s Remarkable Comeback
Veteran actress Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for Weapons nearly 40 years after her previous nomination, one of the longest gaps in Oscar history.
5. “One Battle After Another” Dominates the Night
The film emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing six Oscars, including the top prize of Best Picture.
Oscars 2026: Key Highlights
The ceremony honored films released in 2025.
It took place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
24 awards were presented across multiple categories.
Sinners had the most nominations (16), while One Battle After Another had the most wins (6).
The Oscars 2026 delivered an unforgettable night for cinema fans worldwide. From record-breaking nominations to historic wins and emotional speeches, the ceremony showcased the incredible talent shaping modern filmmaking.
With films like One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Hamnet dominating the awards, the 98th Academy Awards proved once again why the Oscars remain the most prestigious event in the global film industry.