Oscars 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates, Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley Seize Top Acting Honors
The 2026 Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, saw Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerge as the night’s biggest winner, securing six awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley were recognized for their leading roles in Sinners and Hamnet, respectively, taking home the Best Actor and Best Actress awards.
‘One Battle After Another’s’ Historic Win
One Battle After Another, a political thriller inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, marked the first Best Picture and Best Director win for Paul Thomas Anderson. The film also won awards for supporting actor (Sean Penn), adapted screenplay, editing, and casting – the first-ever Oscar awarded in that category. Anderson joked during his acceptance speech that making the film was a “wonderful, wonderful journey” and appreciated the recognition after years of critical acclaim without an Oscar win.
Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley Crowned Best Actors
Michael B. Jordan beat out Timothée Chalamet to win the Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners, playing twins whose plans to open a music venue in 1930s Mississippi are thwarted by an evil force. Jessie Buckley won her first Oscar for her portrayal of William Shakespeare’s wife in Hamnet, a role depicting a mother’s grief after the death of her 11-year-old son. Buckley dedicated her award to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” acknowledging the lineage of women who create “against all odds” and gave an emotional tribute to her eight-month-old daughter and her parents.
Key Wins and Notable Moments
- Best Picture: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
- Best Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another
Sean Penn was absent from the ceremony to accept his award, prompting a joke from presenter Kieran Culkin. The awards season had been a close competition between One Battle After Another and Sinners, with the latter receiving a record 16 nominations.