One Battle After Another Dominates at Oscars 2026
Historic wins and global storytelling mark the 98th Academy Awards
The 98th Academy Awards celebrated cinematic excellence on Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It is organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The prestigious awards ceremony honours the finest achievements in global cinema. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the event witnessed major milestones, emotional acceptance speeches, roasts, memes and reunions.
Conan O’Brien Source: Rolling Stone
The award ceremony took place at a time when the world is facing tensions and geopolitical conflicts, especially the Russia-Ukraine war and escalating tensions in the Middle East. The global situation significantly influenced the tone, speeches, films and public reactions during the ceremony. Many filmmakers and artists used the global platform of the Oscars to reflect on conflict-driven themes and humanitarian concerns, signalling how cinema continues to respond to real-world crises. While presenting the award for the Best International Feature Film, Spanish actor Javier Bardem drew global attention when he declared “No to war and free Palestine” during the ceremony.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Javier Bardem
In the opening monologue by host Conan O’Brien he offered a playful warning to the audience “I warn you, tonight could get political” which later proved to be somewhat true as the film One Battle After Another won six awards. It won awards in the category of Best Picture, while its director Paul Thomas Anderson secured the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay honour. Accepting the Best Director award, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson said, “Cinema continues to be a space where stories challenge us and bring us together. This recognition belongs to every artist who believed in the film.” Sean Pean won the Best Supporting Actor for the same film.
Paul Thomas Anderson Source: The Guardian
The thriller Sinners also enjoyed a successful night, with actor Michael B. Jordan winning his first Oscar for Best Actor. In his acceptance speech, Jordan remarked, “This moment is a reminder that persistence and passion can shape destinies. I share this honour with audiences who connect with our stories.”In the Best Actress category, Jessie Buckley was recognised for her performance in the period drama Hamnet. Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for Weapons.The ceremony also marked a historic moment as cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win Best Cinematography for her work in Sinners. Composer Ludwig Göransson received the Best Original Score award. Among other notable winners, K-Pop Demon Hunters was named Best Animated Feature, while Norway’s Sentimental Value won Best International Feature Film. The documentary Mr. Nobody Against Putin took home the Best Documentary Feature award.
As far as the Indian presence is concerned at the Oscars 2026, it was visible but limited in terms of final wins. However, Indian filmmakers, films, and cultural influence still made notable headlines globally. Indian-American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir created history by receiving two Oscar nominations in the same year for Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short. Although she did not win, her achievement marked an important milestone for Indian representation in global documentary cinema. Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a major return as a in the Oscars as a presenter, sharing the stage with Javier Bardem.
There were some funny moments such as when the Oscar host jokes about Leonardo DiCaprio’s long awards-season history and iconic reactions.
Leonardo DiCaprio Source:People.com
Overall film experts noted that the Oscars 2026 reflected a growing emphasis on diverse storytelling, technological innovation and international recognition in cinema. With dominant wins by One Battle After Another and strong competition from Sinners, the ceremony reaffirmed the Academy Awards’ global cultural influence.
