Paul Thomas Anderson's action-comedy "One Battle After Another" dominated the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, 2026, capturing six Oscars including best picture, best director for Anderson and best adapted screenplay. The Warner Bros. film, nominated in 13 categories, marked Anderson's long-awaited breakthrough night after decades of critical acclaim without a best picture win.

Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan

The ceremony at the Dolby Theatre honored films released in 2025, with strong showings from Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," which earned four awards including best actor for Michael B. Jordan in his first Oscar win, and best cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw—the first woman to claim that prize. Jessie Buckley completed her awards season sweep with best actress for "Hamnet," becoming the first Irishwoman to win the category.

"One Battle After Another" producers Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Anderson accepted the best picture trophy, with Anderson praising the cast and crew for their collaboration on the high-stakes thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film also took home Oscars for supporting actor (Sean Penn, who was absent), film editing, casting (a new category) and adapted screenplay.

Jordan's victory for his dual role in "Sinners"—a vampire horror hybrid—drew a standing ovation. In his speech, he thanked Coogler and the team for trusting him with the complex characters Elijah "Smoke" Moore and Elias "Stack" Moore. "Sinners" set a record with 16 nominations and added wins for original screenplay (Ryan Coogler) and cinematography.

Buckley, portraying Agnes Shakespeare in "Hamnet," delivered an emotional acceptance, dedicating the award to her family and noting the film's exploration of love and loss. Her win capped a dominant run through precursors.

Supporting actress went to Amy Madigan for "Weapons," while other notable wins included "Frankenstein" taking production design, costume design and makeup/hairstyling.

The telecast, hosted for the first time in recent years without a single comedian lead (following a multi-presenter format), featured tributes to industry veterans and a musical performance lineup including original song nominees.

Full list of winners (key categories):

**Best Picture**
"One Battle After Another" (Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, producers) — **WINNER**
"Bugonia"
"F1"
"Frankenstein"
"Hamnet"
"Marty Supreme"
"The Secret Agent"
"Sentimental Value"
"Sinners"
"Train Dreams"

**Best Director**
Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another" — **WINNER**
Ryan Coogler, "Sinners"
Josh Safdie, "Marty Supreme"
Joachim Trier, "Sentimental Value"
Chloé Zhao, "Hamnet"

**Actor in a Leading Role**
Michael B. Jordan, "Sinners" — **WINNER**
Timothée Chalamet, "Marty Supreme"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "One Battle After Another"
Ethan Hawke, "Blue Moon"
Wagner Moura, "The Secret Agent"

**Actress in a Leading Role**
Jessie Buckley, "Hamnet" — **WINNER**
Rose Byrne, "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You"
Kate Hudson, "Song Sung Blue"
Renate Reinsve, "Sentimental Value"
Emma Stone, "Bugonia"

**Actor in a Supporting Role**
Sean Penn, "One Battle After Another" — **WINNER**
Benicio del Toro, "One Battle After Another"
Jacob Elordi, "Frankenstein"
Delroy Lindo, "Sinners"
Stellan Skarsgård, "Sentimental Value"

**Actress in a Supporting Role**
Amy Madigan, "Weapons" — **WINNER**
Elle Fanning, "Sentimental Value"
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, "Sentimental Value"
Wunmi Mosaku, "Sinners"
Teyana Taylor, "One Battle After Another"

**Original Screenplay**
"Sinners" (Ryan Coogler) — **WINNER**

**Adapted Screenplay**
"One Battle After Another" (Paul Thomas Anderson) — **WINNER**

**Cinematography**
"Sinners" (Autumn Durald Arkapaw) — **WINNER**

**International Feature Film**
"Sentimental Value" (Norway) — **WINNER**

**Animated Feature Film**
"KPOP Demon Hunters" — **WINNER**

**Documentary Short Film**
"All the Empty Rooms" — **WINNER** (from some reports)

**Visual Effects**
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" — **WINNER** (anticipated, with Richard Baneham's work noted)

**Production Design**
"Frankenstein" — **WINNER**

**Costume Design**
"Frankenstein" — **WINNER**

**Makeup and Hairstyling**
"Frankenstein" — **WINNER**

The night featured surprises, including Penn's no-show and Arkapaw's historic milestone, alongside expected triumphs like Buckley's sweep and Anderson's multiple wins.

"One Battle After Another" emerged as the evening's biggest story, solidifying Anderson's place among elite directors and capping a competitive season where "Sinners" broke nomination records but fell short of best picture.

With the 98th Oscars concluding, attention turns to the 2027 season as Hollywood reflects on a year of bold storytelling and diverse voices.