The 2026 Oscar ceremony delivered a night largely shaped by two major films, with One Battle After Another and Sinners dominating the main categories.

By the end of the ceremony, One Battle After Another secured six major awards, including best picture, best director, adapted screenplay and editing, confirming its position as the strongest overall winner of the evening.

Paul Thomas Anderson Finally Claims Top Academy Honors

Paul Thomas Anderson earned one of the most significant victories of his career by taking best director and adapted screenplay.

His film also received recognition in casting and supporting actor categories, making it the night’s most decorated production.

Michael B. Jordan Wins Best Actor for Sinners

Michael B. Jordan won best actor for his dual performance in Sinners, a film that entered the ceremony with one of the highest nomination totals.

The award marked one of the most celebrated moments of the evening.

Jessie Buckley Completes Awards Season Sweep

Jessie Buckley won best actress for Hamnet after a strong awards season campaign that had already positioned her as the leading favorite.

Her victory had been widely expected by industry observers.

Sean Penn Adds Another Oscar to His Career

Sean Penn secured best supporting actor for One Battle After Another, adding another Academy Award to his long career.

Amy Madigan Surprises in Supporting Actress Category

Amy Madigan earned best supporting actress for Weapons, creating one of the evening’s unexpected outcomes.

Sinners Wins Writing and Music Awards

Ryan Coogler received best original screenplay for Sinners, while Ludwig Göransson won best original score.

Historic Cinematography Victory

Autumn Durald Arkapaw won best cinematography for Sinners, marking a historic achievement in the category.

International Feature Goes to Norway

Sentimental Value from Norway won best international feature, giving director Joachim Trier one of the major international honors of the night.

Frankenstein Dominates Technical Categories

Frankenstein performed strongly in craft categories, winning:

• production design
• makeup and hairstyling
• costume design

Animated and Visual Effects Winners

KPop Demon Hunters won best animated feature and best original song.

Avatar: Fire and Ash captured best visual effects.

Major Oscars 2026 Winners at a Glance

• Best Picture: One Battle After Another
• Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
• Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
• Best Actress: Jessie Buckley
• Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn
• Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan