The 98th Academy Awards delivered Hollywood’s most competitive Oscar battle in years, with “One Battle After Another” claiming the coveted Best Picture award—a landmark moment for director Paul Thomas Anderson, who had never won an Oscar before this historic night. Held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, the ceremony proved that exceptional storytelling about political resistance and human resilience still captures the Academy’s heart.
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What You Need to Know: 98th Oscars Winners at a Glance
| Award Category | Winner | Film | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Best Picture | One Battle After Another | Anderson’s first-ever Oscar win |
| Best Director | Paul Thomas Anderson | One Battle After Another | Historic coronation for legendary filmmaker |
| Best Actor | Michael B. Jordan | Sinners | Jordan wins in closest races of the night |
| Best Actress | Jessie Buckley | Hamnet | Buckley shines as Agnes Shakespeare |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sean Penn | One Battle After Another | Notably absent during acceptance |
| Best Cinematography | Autumn Durald Arkapaw | Sinners | First female cinematographer to win |
The Night’s Biggest Winner: One Battle After Another
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” a comic, multi-generational American saga of political resistance, won six Oscars total—the most of any film that evening. Beyond Best Picture, the film secured victories in Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay (for Anderson), Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn), Best Editing, and notably the Academy’s inaugural award for Best Casting.
The film’s triumph marks a defining moment for Anderson, a San Fernando Valley native whose career spans decades of acclaimed filmmaking. The 98th Academy Awards marked the first time casting directors received competitive recognition, with the new category debuting after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences established the Casting Directors Branch in 2013.
History Made: “Sinners” Breaks Records Despite Second Place
While “One Battle After Another” took the crown, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” received sixteen nominations—the most in Oscar history, surpassing the previous record of fourteen held by “All About Eve” (1950), “Titanic” (1997), and “La La Land” (2016).
The film’s impact proved profound: cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made Oscar history as the first female director of photography to win the award, prompting her to call for all women in the room to stand as recognition of their collective contribution. Additionally, Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor in one of the night’s closest races, while Ryan Coogler earned his first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Conan O’Brien Hosts with Sharp Wit and Political Edge
Conan O’Brien returned for his second consecutive year hosting, delivering memorable zingers and pointed commentary. O’Brien joked about Netflix’s Ted Sarandos attending a theater “for the first time” and humorously lamented Amazon MGM’s limited wins, questioning why “the website I order toilet paper from” wasn’t winning more Oscars.
Check out our complete 2026 Oscars winners guide for extended analysis and red carpet moments from Hollywood’s biggest night!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was “One Battle After Another” considered the favorite?
A: The film featured acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson’s first Oscar win combined with a compelling narrative about political resistance and a stellar ensemble cast, making it the betting favorite throughout awards season.
Q: Did “Sinners” win any awards despite losing Best Picture?
A: Absolutely! “Sinners” secured four Oscars including Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Original Screenplay (Ryan Coogler), Best Cinematography (Autumn Durald Arkapaw), and Best Original Score, celebrating its groundbreaking visual and storytelling achievements.
