‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Big at the 98th Academy Awards
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was the dominant force at the 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The film secured six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Anderson. “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, also achieved significant recognition, with Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor and Coogler taking home the award for Best Original Screenplay.
A Night of Firsts and Recognition
The awards ceremony saw several historic moments. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman, and the first person of color, to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography for her work on “Sinners.” The Academy also presented the first-ever Best Casting award, which went to Cassandra Kulukundis for “One Battle After Another,” recognizing a previously overlooked craft in the film industry.
Key Wins and Surprises
While “One Battle After Another” was widely predicted to be a major contender, the night wasn’t without its surprises. Amy Madigan won the award for Best Supporting Actress for “Weapons,” over the expected winner, Wunmi Mosaku. Sean Penn’s win for Best Supporting Actor, though a record third win in the category, was met with a muted response as he was unable to attend due to being in Ukraine.
The Impact of the SAG Awards
The Screen Actors Guild’s (SAG) Actors Awards, held on March 1, played a crucial role in shifting momentum. Michael B. Jordan’s win for Best Actor at the SAG Awards generated significant buzz and contributed to his subsequent Oscar victory. The enthusiasm for “Sinners” surged in the days leading up to the Oscar voting deadline on March 5.
Warner Bros. Dominates the Night
Warner Bros. Emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, with a total of 11 Oscars awarded to “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” and “Weapons.” Netflix also had a successful night, securing seven Oscars, including three craft awards for “Frankenstein,” marking their most significant haul since 2021.
International Vote and Cinematography
The international vote, representing 24% of the Academy’s voters, proved pivotal. The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) results, which favored “One Battle After Another,” indicated strong support for the film among international voters. Despite this, Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s historic win for Best Cinematography highlighted the Academy’s growing recognition of diverse talent.
Looking Ahead
The 98th Academy Awards underscored the power of compelling storytelling and the importance of recognizing both established and emerging talent. The success of “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” signals a continued appetite for thought-provoking and impactful cinema.