The Academy Awards Oscars ceremony for 2026 ended with Paul Thomas Anderson’s film “One Battle After Another” winning Best Picture at the 98th Academy Awards. The ceremony took place Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The film dominated the evening with multiple wins, while Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” also emerged as one of the most talked-about productions of the night. The awards ceremony combined major industry achievements with moments of cultural commentary and tributes.

Best Picture Victory Defines the 2026 Academy Awards Oscars

“One Battle After Another” became the biggest winner of the Academy Awards Oscars ceremony, securing the Best Picture trophy along with several major categories. The film also earned awards for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The story follows a former revolutionary navigating past conflicts while trying to protect his daughter. Its combination of political drama and personal storytelling resonated strongly with Academy voters.

The ceremony also highlighted the strong performance of “Sinners,” a period horror film blending supernatural elements with themes connected to blues music and Southern Black culture. The film earned multiple Oscars during the evening.

academy awards oscars — Paul Thomas Anderson accepts the directing award for “One Battle After Another.” Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Historic Moments And Major Performances At The Ceremony

Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his role in “Sinners,” marking a milestone in his career. The film also received recognition for its cinematography and original screenplay.

Another notable moment involved cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who received the Oscar for Best Cinematography for her work on “Sinners.” The win represented a historic achievement in the category.

Jessie Buckley completed a successful awards season by winning Best Actress for her role in the film “Hamnet.” Her performance had already received recognition at several earlier ceremonies.

The show was hosted by Conan O’Brien, who returned for a second consecutive year. The program included humor, commentary on changes in the entertainment industry, and several speeches addressing cultural and global issues.

Tributes, Speeches And Cultural Moments During The Oscars

The Academy Awards Oscars ceremony included a tribute segment honoring film figures who passed away during the year. Several actors participated in the memorial presentation, remembering influential artists from across the industry.

The show also featured musical performances and stage presentations celebrating cinema history. One standout moment included the song “Golden” from the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” which won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Several presenters and winners used their speeches to speak about global issues and social themes. The ceremony reflected a blend of celebration for filmmaking achievements and commentary on the changing role of cinema in culture.

The Academy Awards Oscars concluded with “One Battle After Another” standing as the biggest winner of the night. The 2026 ceremony highlighted both established filmmakers and new creative voices shaping the future of the film industry.