2026 Oscars: Nominees, Winners & Everything to Know About the 98th Academy Awards

If April is the cruelest month, as T.S. Eliot famously wrote, then the stretch leading up to the Oscars is surely a close second. The 98th Academy Awards took place Sunday at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and while the red carpet has been rolled up and the envelopes tallied, the afterglow – and the debates – will linger for weeks. Conan O’Brien hosted for the second consecutive year, guiding the ceremony as awards were handed out across 23 categories.

The night’s biggest prize, Best Picture, went to “Bugonia,” a win that perhaps surprised some given the strong showing of “One Battle After Another” at earlier awards ceremonies. “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, edged out a competitive field that included Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” which entered the night with a record-breaking 16 nominations.

A Night for New Faces and Familiar Stars

The acting categories saw a mix of established talent and rising stars recognized for their perform. Jessie Buckley took home the award for Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in “Hamnet,” while Timothée Chalamet was named Actor in a Leading Role for “Marty Supreme.” Rose Byrne was recognized as Actress in a Supporting Role for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” and Benicio del Toro earned the Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar for his work in “One Battle After Another.” Last year’s winners – Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña – were on hand to present, passing the torch to a new generation of honorees.

Several presenters added to the evening’s star power, including Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Chase Infiniti, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Maya Rudolph, Will Arnett, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sigourney Weaver. The sheer breadth of talent on stage underscored the Academy’s commitment to celebrating the industry’s brightest lights.

Behind the Camera: Craft and Vision Honored

The Oscars aren’t just about the actors; they also recognize the artistry and skill that goes into filmmaking. Chloé Zhao was awarded the directing Oscar for “Hamnet,” a film that also earned recognition for its cinematography, courtesy of Dan Laustsen. “Frankenstein,” directed by Guillermo del Toro, also received accolades for its visual effects and costume design. The newly added casting category saw “Sinners” take home the award, highlighting the importance of finding the right performers to bring a story to life. You can find more about the casting category’s addition here.

Streaming’s Growing Role and the Future of the Broadcast

For viewers, the 2026 Oscars were accessible through traditional broadcast channels – ABC, as well as streaming platforms like Hulu, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. However, a significant shift is on the horizon. Beginning in 2029, the Academy Awards will move exclusively to YouTube, a move that signals the growing influence of streaming in the entertainment landscape. This transition reflects a broader trend of content migrating to digital platforms, and it will be engaging to see how it impacts the ceremony’s reach and viewership.

International Voices and Documentary Storytelling

The Academy Awards also celebrated international cinema, with “It Was Just an Accident” (France) winning the award for Best International Feature Film. The documentary feature category recognized “The Alabama Solution,” a film that likely sparked important conversations about complex social issues. The short film categories, both animated and live-action, provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity.

What’s Next for the Winners?

For the winners, the Oscar represents a career high point, but it’s also a launching pad for future opportunities. Jessie Buckley and Timothée Chalamet, already established stars, will likely see increased demand for their services. Chloé Zhao’s win further solidifies her position as a leading voice in independent cinema. And for films like “Bugonia” and “Sinners,” the Oscar recognition will undoubtedly boost their visibility and longevity. Ryan Coogler, despite not taking home Best Picture, continues to be a force in Hollywood, with several projects already in development. You can read more about Coogler’s work on “Sinners” here.

The complete list of winners, as announced on Sunday, is a testament to the diverse and vibrant world of filmmaking. The 98th Academy Awards offered a night of celebration, recognition, and a glimpse into the future of the industry. The full list of winners can be found at the Los Angeles Times.