The ceremony held yesterday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre was meant to be the grand climax of the film year. But long before the red carpet rolled out, debates were already swirling. Nominations were announced on January 22, 2026, by actress Danielle Brooks and actor Lewis Pullman at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

The lineup was impressive: Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” racked up a record-breaking 16 nominations (the most ever for a single film), Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” dominated the dramatic categories, and Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” drew attention for its literary depth.

Controversies arrived right on cue.

The big one this year: the Academy’s new rule requiring members to watch all films in a category before voting – or face abstention. Some wryly dubbed it the “cinematic PAC,” since in the past people often voted based on reputation alone. Geopolitics added tension too: amid FBI warnings of potential threats (linked to the Iranian conflict backdrop), the Dolby Theatre was surrounded by thousands of security personnel, drones, and cameras. Another sore point – only two of the five nominated original songs were performed live. Diane Warren voiced her frustration: “This is disrespectful to fellow songwriters.”

The Academy opted for montage packages instead, but the sense of unfairness lingered. And, as always, the usual blacklists: Will Smith, Harvey Weinstein, and others remain persona non grata.

What set the 98th ceremony apart?

First, host Conan O’Brien returned for a second consecutive year. The comedian brought sharp humor without excessive provocation (though his opening jab about “certain royal scandals” left the room blushing).
Second, a brand-new category debuted – Best Casting (the first addition since 2001). Cassandra Kulukundis won for “One Battle After Another” – a genuinely historic moment.
Third, for the first time ever, a woman took home the cinematography Oscar: Autumn Durald Arkapaw for “Sinners”.

Presenters included A-list names: Zoe Saldaña, Anne Hathaway with Anna Wintour, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver, Demi Moore, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya – even Barbra Streisand and Billy Crystal made appearances. Announcer Matt Berry delivered with his signature British sarcasm. Among the standout guests: Kylie Jenner (who caused a stir on the carpet), Timothée Chalamet (once again meme fodder), and virtually every nominee. The atmosphere was celebratory, yet carried that subtle undercurrent of “we’re here to honor art… and a bit of politics too.”

Main Winners

Best Picture went to “One Battle After Another” (producers Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, and Paul Thomas Anderson). The film also claimed Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson), Best Adapted Screenplay (Anderson, based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel), and Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn). Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan in “Sinners”. His speech about “those who walked before us” became one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments.
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley in “Hamnet”.
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn in “One Battle After Another”.
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan in “Weapons”—the 70-year-old actress earned a standing ovation for her first-ever statuette.
Best Animated Feature: “KPop Demon Hunters”.
Best International Feature Film: “Sentimental Value” (Norway, directed by Joachim Trier).
Best Documentary Feature: “Mr Nobody Against Putin” by David Borenstein – a film about the Russian opposition that became perhaps the most political moment of the night. Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw for “Sinners” (first woman to win in this category).
Best Original Song: “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters”.

Surprises and Disappointments

Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”) both came up empty in the Best Actor race, despite heavy betting odds. Emma Stone (“Bugonia”) also missed out. Benicio del Toro and Delroy Lindo couldn’t topple Penn. “Sinners” swept many technical categories but lost the top prizes to “One Battle After Another”. And in a rare twist, the Academy awarded a shared win in one category (details still being debated). Conan O’Brien quipped: “Hollywood loves drama, but it loves drama that wins even more.” A bit ironic, isn’t it?

Controversies with a “Russian Accent”

No direct awards went to Russians under sanctions this year – Russia has effectively boycotted the process since 2022. But the victory of the documentary “Mr Nobody Against Putin” in the Best Documentary Feature category delivered a strong political statement. Produced by an American-Czech-Norwegian team using smuggled material from Russia, the film chronicles the anti-Putin movement. The winners stressed: “This isn’t about politics; it’s about people.”

In the Ukrainian context, though, it was widely seen as another Hollywood gesture of solidarity. With no Russian actors or directors in major categories and no debates over “should we allow them or not,” the Academy quietly signaled: we remember. Perhaps the most honest note of the entire evening.

Overall, the 98th ceremony felt restrained yet substantial. No over-the-top pomp, but plenty of new records, the first female cinematographer winner, and a documentary that reminded everyone: cinema isn’t just entertainment. “One Battle After Another” earned its victory – a story of struggle that resonated deeply with the times. And Hollywood, as ever, showed it can be both glamorous and political at once. There’s a certain irony in that – but it’s exactly this mix that keeps the Oscars eternal.