Oscars 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Big – Full Winners List

The 98th Academy Awards belonged to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which secured six Oscars on Sunday, including the coveted Best Picture award. The win marks a long-awaited coronation for Anderson, a critically acclaimed filmmaker who had previously received 14 nominations without a victory.

The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, also saw significant wins for Michael B. Jordan and Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for his dual performance in “Sinners,” a film that ultimately garnered four Oscars. He used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the legacy of Black actors who paved the way for his success, stating he thanked the Black actors “who came before me.” Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography, also for her work on “Sinners.”

“One Battle After Another” didn’t just win Best Picture. it also secured awards for Best Directing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn, who was absent from the ceremony), Best Editing, and the inaugural Oscar for Best Casting. Accepting the award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Anderson offered a poignant reflection on the world he’s leaving for his children. “I wrote this movie for my kids to say sorry for the housekeeping mess that we left in this world — we’re handing off to them,” he said, adding, “But also with the encouragement that they will be the generation that hopefully brings us some common sense and decency.” He also jokingly acknowledged his long wait for an Oscar, stating, “You craft a guy work hard for one of these, I really appreciate it.”

While “One Battle After Another” dominated the night, “Sinners” proved to be a major contender, earning four awards in total. The film’s success signals a significant moment for Jordan, who began his career in 2013 with “Fruitvale Station.”

Other films recognized at the ceremony included “Frankenstein,” which won three awards, and “KPop Demon Hunters,” which took home two, including the Oscar for Best Original Song. A tie occurred in the Best Live Action Short Film category, with both “Two People Exchanging Saliva” and “The Singers” sharing the honor.

The ceremony also included a moving tribute to actors, writers, and filmmakers who died in 2025. Billy Crystal led the remembrance, specifically honoring Rob Reiner, the actor and director whose death in December following a stabbing was a shock to the industry.

Anderson’s win is particularly noteworthy given his decades-long career and consistent critical acclaim. According to a list of awards and nominations, Anderson had previously won three Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and four British Academy Film Awards, but had never secured the top prize of Best Picture. His films have consistently been recognized at major film festivals, including Berlin, Cannes, and Venice.

The success of “One Battle After Another” represents a culmination of Anderson’s artistic vision and a recognition of his enduring influence on American cinema. The film, described as a “comic, multi-generational American saga of political resistance,” resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place as a landmark achievement in his filmography. The win for Best Casting also highlights a growing recognition of the crucial role casting directors play in bringing a film to life, and the Academy’s decision to introduce a dedicated award for this discipline.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s historic win for Best Cinematography breaks a significant barrier for women in the film industry. Her achievement is a testament to her talent and a step towards greater representation behind the camera. The win is likely to inspire a new generation of female cinematographers and challenge existing gender imbalances in the field.

Michael B. Jordan’s Best Actor win further cements his status as one of the leading actors of his generation. His performance in “Sinners” has been widely praised for its complexity and emotional depth. His acknowledgement of the actors who came before him underscores the importance of honoring the legacy of Black artists in Hollywood.

The 98th Academy Awards, not only celebrated artistic excellence but also marked moments of historical significance and a renewed commitment to inclusivity within the film industry. The night belonged to “One Battle After Another,” but the ripple effects of the awards will be felt throughout Hollywood for years to come.