The 2026 Academy Awards belonged to One Battle After Another. Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller swept the night with six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. It was a historic moment for Anderson, who had never won an Oscar before despite decades of acclaimed work. The ceremony also saw emotional wins for Michael B Jordan, Jessie Buckley, and a historic first for women in cinematography.
Anderson’s Long-Awaited Victory
Paul Thomas Anderson finally has his Oscar. The director, writer, and producer took home three statues for One Battle After Another. In his acceptance speech, he joked about the long wait. “You make a guy work hard for one of these, I really appreciate it,” he said. He described making the film as a “wonderful, wonderful journey.”
The film also won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. Penn was not at the ceremony. He has skipped most awards events since losing at the Golden Globes in January.
Anderson dedicated the screenplay award to his children. “I wrote this movie for my kids, to say sorry for the housekeeping mess we left in this world we’re handing off to them,” he said. But he also offered hope. He encouraged their generation to bring “some common sense and decency” to the world.
Michael B Jordan Joins an Elite Group
The Best Actor race was tight, but Michael B Jordan emerged victorious. He won for his dual role in Sinners, playing twin brothers in 1930s Mississippi whose plans are disrupted by evil forces.
Jordan thanked director Ryan Coogler, his longtime collaborator. “You gave me the opportunity and the space to be seen,” he said. Then he named every Black actor who had won before him in lead categories: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith. “I stand here because of the people who came before me,” he said. “I’m so honored to be amongst those giants.”
Jessie Buckley’s Emotional First Win
Irish actress Jessie Buckley won her first Oscar for Hamnet. She played William Shakespeare’s wife, grieving the death of their 11-year-old son.
“This is really something,” Buckley said. She dedicated the award to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.” She spoke of the lineage of women who continue to create against all odds. She thanked her eight-month-old daughter and her parents. “Thank you for teaching us to dream, and to never be defined by expectation, but to carve from your own passion,” she said.
History for Women in Cinematography
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography. She won for her work on Sinners. Cinematography was the last Oscar category never won by a woman.
“I’ve felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign,” she said. “Moments like this happen because of you guys.”
Sinners also won Best Original Score and Best Original Screenplay for Coogler. He thanked his wife, producer Zinzi, and his parents. To his children, he said, “I apologize for all the time away. Dad loves you.”
Kpop Demon Hunters Shines
The animated hit Kpop Demon Hunters won Best Original Song for Golden and Best Animated Feature. The singers Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna performed the song on stage surrounded by glowing light sticks.
Producer Maggie Kang spoke directly to those who share her heritage. “For those of you who look like me, I am so sorry that it took so long for us to see us in a movie like this,” she said. “But it is here, and that means the next generation don’t have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”
Amy Madigan’s 40-Year Wait Pays Off
Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for Weapons. It was her first nomination since 1986. She became the first horror film actress to win in this category since Ruth Gordon in 1969.
She said she was “very overwhelmed” and called her role a “dream job.” She thanked director Zach Cregger for writing a part she could “grab by the throat.”
Other Notable Wins
Frankenstein won three technical awards: Best Costume Design, Production Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling. F1 won Best Sound. The Best Live Action Short category saw its first tie since 2013, with The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva both winning.
Sentimental Value from Norway won Best International Feature. Director Joachim Trier, a self-described “film nerd,” used his speech to urge responsibility for children. “Let’s not vote for politicians who don’t take this seriously into account,” he said.
Tributes and Political Moments
The In Memoriam segment honored Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Val Kilmer, Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, and others. Barbra Streisand paid tribute to her The Way We Were co-star Robert Redford, who died last year at 89. “Bob had real backbone,” she said. “He was thoughtful and bold. I miss him now more than ever.”
Political speeches were rare. But Javier Bardem said as he presented an award, “No to war, and free Palestine.”
The 2026 Oscars were a night of firsts and long-awaited victories. Paul Thomas Anderson finally won. Women made history. Kpop conquered Hollywood. And through it all, the speeches reminded us of something simple. Movies matter. And the people who make them have stories worth hearing
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