What the data shows

The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 16, 2026, raised the question of which films and performances would stand out in a competitive year. The answer was clear: ‘One Battle After Another’ dominated the night, winning six Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director awards.

In addition to ‘One Battle After Another’, the film ‘Sinners’ also made a significant impact, securing four Oscars, including Best Actor for Michael B Jordan. His performance was widely praised, contributing to the film’s overall success. Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress award for her role in ‘Hamnet’, further highlighting the strong performances of the evening.

Amy Madigan won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in ‘Weapons’, showcasing the depth of talent present at this year’s ceremony. The recognition of these actors reflects a growing appreciation for diverse storytelling and character portrayals in contemporary cinema.

Another notable winner was ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, which won both Best Animated Film and Best Original Song, indicating a shift towards more varied genres being celebrated at the Oscars. Meanwhile, ‘Frankenstein’ received three Oscars, including Best Production Design, demonstrating the film’s artistic achievements.

The night also saw a tie for Best Live Action Short Film between ‘The Singers’ and ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’, a rare occurrence that highlights the competitive nature of short films in the awards circuit. Additionally, ‘Mr Nobody Against Putin’ won Best Documentary Feature, further emphasizing the importance of documentary storytelling in today’s media landscape.

In the technical categories, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ won Best Visual Effects, showcasing the advancements in cinematic technology. Ludwig Göransson’s work on ‘Sinners’ earned him the award for Best Original Score, adding to the film’s accolades. Cassandra Kulukundis also received recognition for her casting work on ‘One Battle After Another’.

As the dust settles from the ceremony, the impact of these wins on future projects and the industry’s direction remains to be seen. The celebration of such a diverse array of films and performances suggests a promising future for the film industry, though details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term effects of these awards on the careers of the winners.