Oscars 2026 Winners: Complete List, Highlights and Historic Moments from the 98th Academy Awards
Oscars 2026 Winners: Complete List, Highlights and Historic Moments from the 98th Academy Awards
The 98th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars 2026, took place on March 15, 2026, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony honored the best films, performances, and technical achievements in cinema released during 2025. As always, the Oscars brought together the biggest stars in Hollywood for a glamorous evening filled with emotional speeches, historic wins, and memorable moments.
Hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien, the ceremony delivered entertainment, humor, and celebration of the film industry. The night was dominated by “One Battle After Another,” which emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, taking home several major awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
From breakthrough performances to groundbreaking achievements, the Oscars 2026 celebrated a diverse range of films and artists. Here is a complete overview of the winners, highlights, and key moments from the biggest night in cinema.
Biggest Winner of the Night
The biggest winner at the Oscars 2026 was “One Battle After Another,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and performances. It ultimately won six Academy Awards, making it the most awarded film of the ceremony.
The movie’s success included wins in the most prestigious categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor, solidifying its place as one of the most celebrated films of the year.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s victory for Best Director further strengthened his reputation as one of the most respected filmmakers in modern cinema.
Best Actor and Actress Winners
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Michael B. Jordan winning his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film “Sinners.”
Jordan delivered a powerful and emotionally intense performance that impressed both critics and audiences. His victory was widely celebrated across Hollywood and social media, marking a major milestone in his career.
Meanwhile, the Best Actress award went to Jessie Buckley for her remarkable performance in “Hamnet.” Buckley’s portrayal received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and authenticity. Her win at the Oscars confirmed her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Historic Moments at the Oscars 2026
The 2026 Academy Awards were also notable for several historic achievements.
One of the biggest milestones came when Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for “Sinners.” Her victory made her the first woman ever to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, a category that had historically been dominated by male cinematographers.
This historic win was widely praised across the film industry and seen as an important step toward greater diversity and representation behind the camera.
The ceremony also highlighted the global reach of cinema, with international films and artists receiving major recognition across multiple categories.
Full List of Major Oscar Winners 2026
Below is the list of the major winners from the 98th Academy Awards.
Best Picture
One Battle After Another
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
Best Actor (Leading Role)
Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
Best Actress (Leading Role)
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 Cinematography
Autumn Durald Arkapaw – Sinners
Best Original Score
Ludwig Göransson – Sinners
Other Major Award Winners
In addition to the main acting and directing categories, several other films received recognition across technical and creative categories.
Best Animated Feature
KPop Demon Hunters
Best International Feature Film
Sentimental Value – Norway
Best Documentary Feature
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Best Visual Effects
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Best Sound
F1
Best Original Song
Golden – KPop Demon Hunters
These awards highlight the diversity of filmmaking styles and storytelling techniques across the global film industry.
Red Carpet Highlights
Before the awards ceremony began, the Oscars 2026 red carpet featured stunning fashion and memorable celebrity appearances.
Many Hollywood stars impressed fans and fashion critics with elegant outfits and bold designs. Designers from around the world showcased their latest creations, making the red carpet one of the most talked-about aspects of the event.
Some of the most notable appearances included:
-
Michael B. Jordan in a classic black tuxedo
-
Jessie Buckley wearing a sophisticated designer gown
-
Several rising stars making their Oscars debut
The red carpet remains one of the most anticipated parts of the Oscars every year.
Memorable Speeches and Emotional Moments
Like every Oscars ceremony, Oscars 2026 featured several emotional acceptance speeches.
Michael B. Jordan’s speech was particularly memorable as he thanked his family, colleagues, and fans who supported him throughout his career. His emotional reaction resonated with audiences around the world.
Jessie Buckley also delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to the filmmakers and cast members who helped bring her character to life in Hamnet.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s speech after winning Best Director highlighted the importance of storytelling and creativity in cinema.
Impact on the Film Industry
The winners of the Academy Awards often influence the global film industry, and the 2026 ceremony was no exception.
Winning an Oscar can significantly increase a film’s popularity, box office performance, and streaming viewership. Films that receive major awards often gain international attention and become part of cinematic history.
The success of “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” is expected to boost their global recognition and further strengthen the careers of the filmmakers and actors involved.
The Global Influence of the Oscars
The Academy Awards remain the most prestigious film awards in the world, attracting millions of viewers every year.
The ceremony celebrates not only Hollywood productions but also international films and diverse storytelling. Over the years, the Oscars have increasingly recognized global cinema, allowing filmmakers from different countries to gain worldwide exposure.
The 2026 Oscars continued this tradition by honoring international films and artists across multiple categories.
Conclusion
The Oscars 2026 delivered another unforgettable night in the world of cinema. With major wins for “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” and “Hamnet,” the ceremony celebrated outstanding filmmaking and powerful performances.
Historic achievements, emotional speeches, and memorable moments made the 98th Academy Awards a landmark event in Hollywood. As the film industry continues to evolve, the Oscars remain a symbol of excellence and recognition for artists who push the boundaries of storytelling.
Fans and critics alike will continue discussing the winners and highlights of the Oscars 2026 for years to come.
