2026 Oscars: How 'One Battle' Beat 'Sinners,' Jordan Overcame Chalamet The 98th Oscars concluded on Sunday evening, marking the end of an awards season that many described as a series of intense competitions. Despite significant changes in the Academy’s demographics over the past decade—including a more diverse membership in terms of race, gender, nationality, and age—the traditional indicators of Oscar success remained largely accurate. While there was speculation about a late surge for Sinners, One Battle After Another ultimately secured the top prize, best picture, continuing its dominance across major award ceremonies this season, including the Gothams, Golden Globes, guilds, critics groups, and BAFTA. The only exception was the Actor Awards, where Sinners won best cast. The outcome raised questions about why Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another triumphed over Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, despite both films being Warner Bros. releases that bypassed the festival circuit and enjoyed critical and audience acclaim. Sinners even outperformed One Battle in box office revenue and Oscar nominations, securing 16 nods—two more than the previous record. However, the analysis suggested that the number of nominations alone was not decisive. In recent years, films with the most Oscar nods have not always won, as seen in cases like Emilia Pérez vs. Anora or The Power of the Dog vs. CODA. Both films received nominations for nearly every category they could have realistically hoped for, with One Battle missing out on original song, makeup/hairstyling, and visual effects, which Sinners claimed. Genre also played a role.#one_battle_after_another #sinners #oscar_awards #ryan_coogler #paul_thomas_anderson
Oscars 2026 Winners: Complete List of Honorees The 98th Academy Awards ceremony concluded with a list of winners spanning all major categories, celebrating the year’s most acclaimed films and artists. Among the standout films, "One Battle After Another" emerged as a dominant force, securing six awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson. The film’s success marked a significant milestone, as it became one of the most decorated entries in the awards’ history. Other notable winners included "Sinners," which claimed four Oscars. Ryan Coogler earned the Best Original Screenplay award, while Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor in a Leading Role trophy. The film’s record-breaking 16 nominations set a new benchmark for the Oscars, though it ultimately fell short of matching its own previous achievements. Jesse Buckley, Sean Penn, and Amy Madigan also received acting accolades, with Buckley winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in "Hamnet." Animated films were well-represented, with "KPop Demon Hunters" winning the Animated Feature Film category. The film’s hit song "Golden" also captured the Original Song award, highlighting its crossover appeal. Meanwhile, "Frankenstein" earned three Oscars, including Best Cinematography, while "The Secret Agent" triumphed in the International Feature Film category, representing Brazil. The acting categories saw a mix of established and rising stars. Timothée Chalamet, known for his role in "Marty Supreme," won Best Actor in a Leading Role, while Wagner Moura took the Supporting Actor prize for his work in "The Secret Agent.#one_battle_after_another #sinners #oscars_2026 #ryan_coogler #paul_thomas_anderson
Oscars 2026: 'One Battle After Another' Wins Best Picture at 98th Academy Awards The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien in Los Angeles, concluded with "One Battle After Another" claiming the best picture award. The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, also secured the best director honor for Anderson and best actress for Jessie Buckley in her role as the protagonist of "Hamnet." Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win the best cinematography award, while Michael B. Jordan took home best actor for his performance in "Sinners." The ceremony saw a historic tie for best live action short film, with "The Singers" and "Two People Exchanging Saliva" sharing the accolade—a rare occurrence in the event's nearly century-long history. Cassandra Kulukundis became the first recipient of the best casting award, recognizing her work on "One Battle After Another," while "Avatar: Fire and Ash" earned the best visual effects prize. On the red carpet, best actress nominee Rose Byrne opted for a custom Chanel ensemble, while KPop group Demon Hunters made a fashion statement with their appearance. The ceremony also highlighted the global impact of documentary filmmaking, as Pavel Talankin’s "Mr Nobody Against Putin" won the documentary feature award. Talankin, a Russian teacher who fled his homeland in 2024 after resisting President Vladimir Putin’s war machine, documented his experiences under the regime’s propaganda pressures. His film reveals how he became a whistleblower, risking his life to expose the system. The Academy’s voting process, which determines Oscar winners, is governed by its 19 branches representing film crafts. Membership is typically sponsored, though winning an Oscar automatically qualifies candidates for membership.#conan_o_brien #jessie_buckley #oscars_2026 #paul_thomas_anderson #autumn_durald_arkapaw
The tightest race in years: Predictions for the 98th Academy Awards The 98th Academy Awards, set for Sunday, are shaping up as one of the most fiercely contested events in recent memory. With multiple films vying for top honors and actors competing for major categories, the night promises to deliver surprises and standout performances. As the film industry continues to thrive in theaters, the awards ceremony will highlight the year’s most impactful storytelling. Among the most anticipated races is the Best Picture category, where "One Battle After Another" faces stiff competition from "Sinners." Paul Thomas Anderson’s long-awaited film, which explores complex themes of family and societal conflict, is expected to dominate the night. Its ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, is seen as a key factor in its favor. Meanwhile, "Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler, is tipped to win Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, who delivers a dual performance as twins with distinct emotional arcs. In the Best Actress race, Jessie Buckley’s role in "Hamnet" is considered a near-lock after sweeping precursor awards. Her portrayal of a grieving mother is described as emotionally resonant and pivotal to the film’s success. For Best Actor, Michael B. Jordan’s performance in "Sinners" is highlighted as a breakthrough, with critics praising his ability to balance two contrasting characters. Paul Thomas Anderson is also predicted to win Best Director for "One Battle After Another," with analysts noting his meticulous craftsmanship and the film’s relevance to contemporary issues. The film’s blend of drama and humor, along with its stellar cast, is seen as a strong contender for the top honor. Supporting roles are equally competitive.#academy_awards #one_battle_after_another #sinners #ryan_coogler #paul_thomas_anderson
