Sunday night’s Academy Awards—officially the 98th Oscars—brought Hollywood together for a memorable celebration of film, filled with emotional speeches, major milestones, and a few standout winners that defined the night. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 2026 ceremony struck a balance between humor, heart, and cinematic excellence.
Taking center stage was One Battle After Another, which won Best Picture and emerged as the night’s biggest overall winner. The film earned multiple awards and capped off a strong awards season run, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most celebrated films.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: Michael B. Jordan, winner of the Best Actor Award for “Sinners”, poses in the press room at the 98th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
In the acting categories, the spotlight shined brightly on both breakthrough moments and well-earned recognition. Michael B. Jordan took home Best Actor for his powerful performance in Sinners, marking a major milestone in his career and one of the night’s most talked-about wins. Meanwhile, Best Actress went to Jessie Buckley for her role in Hamnet, a performance widely praised for its emotional depth and nuance.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: Jessie Buckley, winner of the Best Actress Award for “Hamnet”, poses in the press room during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Supporting categories delivered equally memorable moments. Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another, adding to the film’s dominance throughout the evening. And Best Supporting Actress went to Amy Madigan for her performance in Weapons, a win that was celebrated both inside the theater and across social media.U.S. actress Amy Madigan accepts her Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Weapons” onstage during the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)
Beyond the major awards, the night reflected a dynamic year in film. Movies like Sinners also made a strong showing, earning multiple awards and demonstrating the Academy’s growing recognition of bold, genre-blending storytelling. The ceremony even introduced a brand-new category—Best Casting—highlighting the evolving nature of filmmaking and the importance of behind-the-scenes talent.
Of course, the Oscars are never just about who wins. From the red carpet fashion to the candid, unscripted moments on stage, the evening felt like a true celebration of creativity and collaboration. Acceptance speeches ranged from heartfelt to humorous, reminding viewers why the Oscars remain one of the most anticipated nights in entertainment.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, winner of the Best Cinematography Award for “Sinners”, poses in the press room during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
In the end, the 2026 Oscars showcased a film industry that continues to evolve—embracing diverse voices, powerful storytelling, and fresh perspectives. And if this year’s winners are any indication, the future of cinema looks incredibly compelling.
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