The 98th Academy Awards took place on March 17, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where ‘One Battle After Another’ emerged as the big winner, taking home six Oscars, including Best Picture. This film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has made a significant impact both critically and commercially, grossing $210 million globally.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s direction was recognized with the Best Director Oscar, further solidifying his reputation in the industry. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his performance in ‘Sinners’, which also garnered four Oscars and achieved a global box-office total of $370 million.
Jessie Buckley was awarded Best Actress, although the specific film for her performance was not disclosed in the announcements. Additionally, ‘Frankenstein’ won awards in three craft categories, showcasing its technical achievements.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ was another standout, winning both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, with Maggie Kang expressing her gratitude, stating, “This is for Korea, and for Koreans everywhere.” This reflects the growing influence of Korean cinema in the global film landscape.
In the documentary category, ‘All the Empty Rooms’ won Best Documentary Short Film, while ‘The Singers’ tied for Best Live Action Short Film, highlighting a diverse range of storytelling at this year’s ceremony.
During the event, Tamara Deverell praised the artistry of the nominees, saying, “Thank you for your humanity and your artistry. You are truly a master storyteller.” This sentiment echoed throughout the evening as filmmakers celebrated their craft.
Tragically, the ceremony also remembered Jackie Cazales, a victim of a mass shooting, with her mother Gloria Cazales stating, “Jackie is more than just a headline. She is our light and our life.” This poignant moment underscored the importance of addressing social issues within the entertainment community.
As the ceremony concluded, observers noted the continued evolution of the Academy Awards, reflecting broader societal changes and the increasing diversity of voices in film. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future initiatives aimed at enhancing representation within the industry.