“One Battle After Another” Wins Big at the 98th Oscars: Full Winners List

“One Battle After Another” Claims Oscar Glory, Shifting Industry Momentum

The awards season culminated Monday night with a resounding victory for “One Battle After Another” (معركة تلو الأخرى), claiming the coveted Best Picture award at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, a dark comedy thriller, edged out the vampire drama “Sinners” in a closely watched contest, ultimately dominating the evening with a total of six wins. The ceremony, held Sunday evening, marked a significant moment for director Paul Thomas Anderson, who secured his first three Oscars for the politically charged film, tackling themes of immigration and white supremacy.

The wins weren’t limited to the top prize. Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for his dual performance in “Sinners,” while Jessie Buckley was recognized as Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife, in “Hamnet.” Sean Penn secured his third Oscar and first in the Best Supporting Actor category, for his role as the villainous Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw in “One Battle After Another.” Notably, Penn has a history of skipping awards ceremonies and was absent from the Dolby Theatre on Monday night, having previously won Best Actor for “Mystic River” (2003) and “Milk” (2008).

A Veteran Actress Finally Recognized

Adding to the emotional weight of the evening, veteran actress Amy Madigan (75) received the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in the horror film “Webs.” This win marked her first Oscar after a 40-year wait since her initial nomination. The night also saw “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” a Netflix production, awarded Best Animated Feature.

Anderson, visibly moved during his acceptance speeches, offered a moment of self-deprecating humor, stating, “One puts in a lot of effort to win one of these things.” He also delivered a poignant message, explaining he wrote the film “for my sons to apologize for the mess we’ve made in the world that we’re handing to them,” while also encouraging them to “bring some common sense and integrity” to the future. Emirates Today reports on these quotes directly from the ceremony.

The Story Behind the Victory

“One Battle After Another” centers on a former revolutionary, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, forced back into action when he and his daughter are targeted by a corrupt military officer, portrayed by Sean Penn. The ensuing conflict escalates into a larger political struggle. The film also secured wins for Best Editing and Best Ensemble Cast. Paul Thomas Anderson, considered one of contemporary American cinema’s most critical directors, had been nominated for 11 Oscars previously without a win, including for acclaimed films like “There Will Be Blood” and “Boogie Nights.”

Breaking Barriers in Acting Recognition

Michael B. Jordan’s Best Actor win carried particular significance, as he acknowledged the legacy of Black actors who paved the way for his success. He specifically thanked past winners like Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith, stating, “I stand here because of the people who came before me.” Lebanon News highlighted this moment as a particularly moving part of the ceremony.

A Night of Remembrance and Celebration

The ceremony wasn’t solely focused on awards. Veteran broadcaster Conan O’Brien brought his signature wit and sarcasm to the proceedings. A lengthy tribute was paid to those recently lost in Hollywood, including a poignant remembrance of director Rob Reiner, who died in December, and actor Robert Redford. The tribute culminated in a rare performance by Barbra Streisand.

What’s Next for the Winning Team?

The Oscar wins for “One Battle After Another” are expected to significantly boost the film’s visibility and commercial prospects. While already a critical success, the Best Picture award often translates into increased viewership on streaming platforms and renewed interest in theatrical releases. For Paul Thomas Anderson, the win solidifies his position as a leading voice in American cinema and likely grants him greater creative freedom for future projects.

DiCaprio, already a highly sought-after actor, will likely see even more offers for challenging and prestigious roles. Sean Penn’s win could also lead to a resurgence in his career, potentially opening doors to more prominent parts.

The success of “Sinners” and Michael B. Jordan’s win also position both the film and the actor for continued success. Jordan is already attached to several upcoming projects, and his Oscar win will undoubtedly increase his leverage in future negotiations. Al-Awsat reports on the overall dominance of “One Battle After Another” at the awards.

The Academy Awards, as always, serve as a bellwether for the industry, highlighting trends and signaling shifts in power. This year’s ceremony underscored the continued importance of politically and socially relevant storytelling, as well as the growing recognition of diverse voices in front of and behind the camera. The ripple effects of these wins will undoubtedly be felt throughout Hollywood in the months and years to come.

Looking ahead, industry observers will be watching to see how these wins influence upcoming award seasons and the types of projects that studios choose to greenlight. The success of “One Battle After Another” suggests that audiences are receptive to complex, challenging films that tackle difficult themes.