Paul Thomas Anderson's ambitious action-thriller "One Battle After Another" swept the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, 2026, capturing six Oscars including best picture and best director, capping a fiercely competitive season where Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" entered with a record 16 nominations but ultimately fell short in the top categories.

The ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and hosted by Conan O'Brien for a second consecutive year, featured emotional speeches, surprise moments and calls for peace amid ongoing global conflicts. Broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, the telecast drew a star-studded lineup of presenters including past winners Mikey Madison, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña, alongside Nicole Kidman, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and others.

Anderson's film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as an ex-revolutionary searching for his daughter in a politically charged world, earned best picture, best director for Anderson, adapted screenplay, film editing, best supporting actor (for a cast member in a key role) and one additional technical award. The six wins marked a career milestone for Anderson, long regarded as one of cinema's premier auteurs despite never previously winning an Oscar.

"Sinners," Coogler's genre-blending vampire drama starring Michael B. Jordan, led nominations with 16—the most in Academy history—but secured fewer major prizes. Jordan, however, delivered a historic win in best actor, becoming the sixth Black performer to claim the category in the Oscars' nearly century-long run. His portrayal in the film was hailed for its intensity and depth.

Jessie Buckley took best actress for her role in "Hamnet," marking the first Irish winner in the category and delivering an emotional acceptance speech that touched on representation and perseverance. The win added to a night of notable firsts, including the first woman to win best cinematography in another category.

Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley

Other highlights included a high-energy performance of the original song nominee "Golden" from "K-Pop Demon Hunters," which claimed two awards, and a rare tie in one technical category. Frankenstein earned three Oscars, while emotional tributes and reunions—such as Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman presenting best picture with nods to past collaborations—provided nostalgic moments.

Red carpet arrivals showcased bold fashion choices, with stars using the platform to address humanitarian issues. Several attendees, including actors and filmmakers, called for an end to conflicts in Gaza and Iran, spotlighting the human cost of war amid U.S.-Israeli involvement in regional tensions. Javier Bardem drew applause for an off-script remark emphasizing peace.

O'Brien's opening monologue skewered Hollywood trends and the competitive best picture race, setting a sharp yet celebratory tone. The host's cold open paid homage to nominees in a comedic style that resonated with viewers.

The best picture contest had been one of the tightest in years, pitting "One Battle After Another" against "Sinners" in a two-film showdown. Predictions varied, with some forecasters favoring "Sinners" due to its record nominations and guild support, while others pointed to "One Battle After Another's" Producers Guild win—a strong predictor—and BAFTA success as indicators of momentum.

The full list of best picture nominees included "Bugonia," "F1," "Frankenstein," "Hamnet," "Marty Supreme," "The Secret Agent," "Sentimental Value," "Sinners" and "Train Dreams." High critical acclaim for several—such as "The Secret Agent" at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes—underscored the year's strong cinematic output from 2025 releases.

Voting concluded after the final ballot phase from February 26 to March 5, following nominations announced January 22 by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman. The nominees luncheon on February 10 had set the stage for the high-stakes evening.

Beyond the top prizes, technical categories showcased innovation, with wins reflecting advancements in visual effects, sound and production design across the slate.

The 2026 Oscars arrived amid industry discussions on representation, streaming's role and global box office recovery. The ceremony's international reach—airing in over 200 territories—highlighted Hollywood's enduring influence.

As confetti fell and winners posed with golden statues, the night reinforced the Academy's celebration of artistic achievement while navigating a polarized world. "One Battle After Another's" triumph solidified Anderson's legacy and provided a fitting close to an unpredictable awards season.

Post-show coverage continued online, with highlights including viral clips of speeches, performances and red carpet moments dominating social media. Streamers on Hulu can revisit the full broadcast, preserving the evening's memorable turns.