In a surprising turn of events at the 98th Academy Awards, the winners largely matched expectations in what was perceived to be one of the most unpredictable Oscars in history. The highly acclaimed film “One Battle After Another” secured wins in several categories, including the prestigious Best Picture award, while the popular blockbuster “Sinners” achieved success in four categories, with Michael B. Jordan triumphing over the early favorite Timothée Chalamet for Best Actor.
Host Conan O’Brien entertained the audience with a series of amusing jokes targeting various personalities such as Donald Trump, Prince Andrew, and Timothée Chalamet throughout the night. The Oscars showcased a year of original and popular films, standing out from the typical franchise-dominated landscape of recent years.
The ceremony began with a skit featuring O’Brien paying tribute to movies that captivated audiences and garnered box office success. The night unfolded with expected wins in several categories, including a tie in the Live-Action Short Film category between “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva.” Additionally, Canadians Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski won the Animated Short Film category for “The Girl Who Cried Pearls.”
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman and first Black person to win Best Cinematography for “Sinners,” delivering an empowering speech acknowledging the significance of her achievement for aspiring cinematographers.
The awards ceremony proceeded smoothly with anticipated wins in various categories, including honors for exceptional craftsmanship and performances. Notable moments included Maggie Kang expressing gratitude for representation in film and James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” winning for Visual Effects.
Despite speculations of a potential sweep by “Sinners,” “OBAA” dominated the top categories, with director Paul Thomas Anderson breaking his losing streak and clinching wins across multiple categories. The evening also saw the recognition of underappreciated films and artists, including songwriter Diane Warren’s remarkable string of unsuccessful Oscar nominations.
While the 2026 Oscars featured fewer overt political statements compared to other award shows, notable figures like Javier Bardem and Joachim Trier used their platform to address important social issues. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Black actors and a memorable musical performance that resonated with both the audience and critics.
Overall, the Oscars celebrated the art of filmmaking with a mix of expected wins, historic achievements, and poignant moments that encapsulated the spirit of the industry.