Oscar 2026 Winners: Complete List of Academy Awards Recipients
The 98th Academy Awards have been presented and the dust has settled on a night of celebration for film. One Battle After Another emerged as the big winner, taking home six Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. The ceremony, held Sunday night and broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, too saw significant wins for Sinners, Frankenstein, and the animated blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters. Here’s a breakdown of the key winners and what the night meant for the industry.
The complete list of winners, announced Monday morning in Indonesia, signals a strong showing for Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which dominated the awards with wins for Best Picture and Best Director, among others. Cassandra Kulukundis also made history as the first Casting Director to win an Oscar, recognized for her work on the film. The newly created Best Casting category, a significant addition to the Academy Awards after a 25-year gap, highlights the growing recognition of the crucial role casting plays in filmmaking.
A Night for Breakthroughs and Established Talent
While One Battle After Another took top honors, the night wasn’t without surprises. Michael B. Jordan’s performance in Sinners earned him the Best Actor Oscar, while Jessie Buckley was recognized as Best Actress for her role in Hamnet. Buckley’s win swept the awards season, solidifying her position as a leading actress in contemporary cinema. Sean Penn took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in One Battle After Another, and Amy Madigan was awarded Best Supporting Actress for Weapons.
On the technical side, Alexandre Desplat’s work on Frankenstein was heavily lauded, with the film winning awards for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. This demonstrates a clear appreciation for the artistry and detail that goes into creating visually stunning and immersive cinematic experiences. Ludwig Goransson also continued his winning streak, securing his third Oscar for Best Original Score for Sinners.
K-Pop Makes Oscar History
Perhaps one of the most talked-about moments of the night was the win for KPop Demon Hunters. The Netflix animated film not only won Best Animated Feature Film, but its song “Golden,” performed by HUNTR/X (EJAE, AUDREY NUNA and REI AMI), took home the award for Best Original Song. This marks the first time a K-pop song has ever won an Oscar, a landmark achievement for the genre and a testament to its growing global influence. Billboard notes that “Golden” was an eight-week number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing its cultural impact. The film’s success follows its release in June 2025 and a string of wins throughout the 2026 awards season.
A Rare Tie and a First for Documentary Short Films
The 98th Academy Awards also saw a rare occurrence: a tie in the Best Live Action Short Film category. Both The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva were declared winners, a testament to the strength of the submissions in this category. This marks only the second time in Academy Awards history that a tie has occurred.
In the documentary short film category, All The Empty Rooms was awarded the Oscar. The Best Documentary Feature Film award went to Mr. Nobody Against Putin, highlighting the power of documentary filmmaking to shed light on important global issues.
Beyond the Statuettes: Honorary Awards and Humanitarian Recognition
The Academy also presented Honorary Awards to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas, recognizing their significant contributions to the film industry. Dolly Parton was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic work and dedication to giving back to the community. Entertainment Weekly highlighted these awards as a celebration of individuals who have made a lasting impact both on and off screen.
What’s Next for the Winners?
For Paul Thomas Anderson and the team behind One Battle After Another, the Best Picture win is likely to translate into increased visibility and opportunities for future projects. The film’s success could also spark renewed interest in Anderson’s previous work. Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar win will undoubtedly elevate his status as a leading man in Hollywood, opening doors to more challenging and high-profile roles. Jessie Buckley’s continued success suggests she’s poised to become one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation.
The win for KPop Demon Hunters could pave the way for more animated features incorporating K-pop music and themes, potentially broadening the appeal of the genre to a wider audience. The film’s success also demonstrates the growing influence of Korean culture on the global entertainment landscape.
Looking ahead, the Academy Awards will continue to evolve, with the addition of new categories like Best Casting reflecting the changing dynamics of the film industry. The 99th Academy Awards are already on the horizon, and the race to secure nominations will begin in earnest as filmmakers continue to push creative boundaries and tell compelling stories. You can find more information about the Academy Awards and its history on the official CBS News coverage of the event.
