Paul Thomas Anderson Wins Best Picture: 2026 Oscars Recap

The 98th Academy Awards concluded last night with a surprising, yet perhaps inevitable, outcome: Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” took home Best Picture, edging out the widely-anticipated win for Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.” While “Sinners” enjoyed a surge of momentum leading up to the ceremony – fueled by a record 16 nominations and a powerful SAG Award win for Michael B. Jordan – it ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome the established support for Anderson’s film, a culmination of a decades-long, critically-acclaimed career. The question now is, what tilted the scales in favor of “One Battle After Another,” and why couldn’t the late surge of enthusiasm for “Sinners” translate into the night’s biggest prize?

The narrative surrounding the Oscars this year was one of two dominant forces. “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” collectively grossed over $579 million worldwide, making them the clear commercial and critical frontrunners. Despite this, many believed an underdog story was brewing, with “Sinners” poised to disrupt the expected outcome. Inside the Dolby Theatre, the energy surrounding each “Sinners” win was palpable, but the pre-ordained favorite prevailed. Anderson secured three Oscars – Best Picture, Director, and Adapted Screenplay – bringing his total to six, including wins for Sean Penn (Supporting Actor, though he was absent, reportedly in Ukraine), Editing, and a historic first-ever Oscar for Casting.

The Extended Season and a Pivotal SAG Win

The Academy Awards schedule was adjusted this year, pushed back to March 15 due to the Olympics and the Los Angeles Marathon. However, this extension wasn’t enough time for “Sinners” to fully close the gap. A key moment came at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 1, where Michael B. Jordan’s win for Best Actor generated significant buzz. The standing ovation he received, coupled with the emotional weight of the moment, seemed to ignite a fresh wave of support. Many voters, perhaps influenced by this momentum, cast their ballots in the subsequent four days before Oscar voting closed on March 5.

A History of Overdue Recognition for Paul Thomas Anderson

For Paul Thomas Anderson, the win for “One Battle After Another” felt like a long-overdue coronation. This marked his first Best Picture Oscar after 14 previous nominations. His previous operate, including “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “Phantom Thread,” had consistently garnered critical acclaim and numerous nominations, but the Academy Award had always eluded him. This history likely played a role in the voting, with many Academy members feeling a sense of obligation to finally recognize his contributions to cinema.

The International Vote: A Decisive Factor

While the domestic buzz surrounding “Sinners” was undeniable, the international vote proved to be a crucial factor in “One Battle After Another’s” victory. Approximately 24% of Academy voters are international members, and their preferences often align with the results of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). At the BAFTAs, held on February 22, “One Battle After Another” secured six awards, including Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, and Supporting Actor (for Penn, beating Stellan Skarsgård). This strong showing at the BAFTAs signaled that the international vote was leaning towards Anderson’s film, ultimately proving to be a decisive advantage.

Breaking Barriers and Celebrating Firsts

Despite not winning Best Picture, “Sinners” still made history. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman – and person of color – to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Her win was a powerful moment, prompting a spontaneous standing ovation from all the women in the room. This historic achievement underscored the growing recognition of diverse voices and perspectives within the film industry.

Warner Bros. Dominance and Industry Shifts

The night was a significant win for Warner Bros., which took home a total of 11 Oscars across “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” and “Weapons.” This success comes at a time of shifting dynamics within the industry, with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav facing scrutiny over his leadership. The studio’s strong performance at the Oscars could be seen as a validation of its creative strategy and a boost to its overall standing in Hollywood.

What Comes Next: A Look Ahead for the Winners

For Paul Thomas Anderson, the Best Picture win solidifies his position as one of the most important filmmakers of his generation. He’s already begun preliminary work on a new, untitled project, though details remain scarce. Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar win is expected to further elevate his status as a leading man, opening doors to a wider range of roles, and opportunities. He is currently attached to star in and direct a sequel to “Creed III,” which is expected to initiate production later this year. Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s historic win will undoubtedly lead to increased demand for her talents, and she is already fielding offers for several high-profile projects.

The 98th Academy Awards were a celebration of cinematic achievement, but also a reminder of the complex factors that influence the outcome. While “Sinners” captured the hearts of many, “One Battle After Another” ultimately prevailed, thanks to a combination of critical acclaim, industry support, and a strong showing with international voters. The night served as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of recognizing both established masters and emerging voices in the world of film.

A complete list of the 2026 Oscar winners can be found on IndieWire.

More coverage of the 98th Academy Awards is available on the Motion Picture Association website.

NPR’s Mandalit del Barco provides a detailed recap of the evening’s events.