What's happened
On March 15, 2026, the 98th Academy Awards honored films from 2025. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for "Sinners," which led with a record 16 nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" won Best Picture and six Oscars. Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for "Hamnet," and Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first female cinematography Oscar winner. The ceremony featured political moments, including Javier Bardem's pro-Palestinian statement, and introduced a new casting award.
What's behind the headline?
Historic Wins and Industry Shifts
The 2026 Oscars marked a significant moment for diversity and recognition of original storytelling. Michael B. Jordan's Best Actor win for his dual role in "Sinners" breaks the mold of typical young male Oscar winners, highlighting the Academy's evolving appreciation for complex performances and narratives centered on African American identity. Autumn Durald Arkapaw's win as the first female and Black cinematographer to receive the Oscar underscores a long-overdue acknowledgment of women behind the camera.
The Rise of Original Big-Budget Films
Both "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" represent a rare breed of big-budget, original films driven by personal vision rather than franchise formulas. Their success signals Hollywood's appetite for fresh, ambitious projects despite industry anxieties over studio consolidations and AI's impact on filmmaking.
Political Undertones and Global Context
The ceremony was not without controversy, as Javier Bardem's pro-Palestinian statement and the failure of films about the Gaza war to win awards reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions influencing cultural events. India's ban on the Tunisian film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" due to diplomatic concerns with Israel further illustrates how cinema intersects with international relations.
Marketing and Campaign Strategies
Timothée Chalamet's aggressive and unconventional Oscar campaign for "Marty Supreme" contrasted with Jordan's more traditional approach, ultimately affecting voter sentiment. Chalamet's candid remarks about opera and ballet funding and his high-profile stunts may have alienated some voters, demonstrating the delicate balance required in awards campaigning.
Forecast and Impact
This Oscars ceremony will likely encourage studios to invest in original, socially resonant films and promote diversity both in front of and behind the camera. The introduction of the casting award may elevate the recognition of often overlooked contributors to filmmaking. However, political expressions at such events may continue to provoke debate about the role of art in activism. For audiences, these developments suggest a richer, more varied cinematic landscape ahead.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlighted Michael B. Jordan's win as a breakthrough against historical Oscar trends, noting his dual role in "Sinners" and the film's record 16 nominations. Kyle Buchanan detailed how Jordan's campaign benefited from the film's overall acclaim and his technical skill, contrasting it with Timothée Chalamet's more controversial marketing tactics. Business Insider UK elaborated on Chalamet's aggressive campaign and its mixed reception, suggesting his loss may ultimately benefit his career by avoiding intensified negative press.
The Independent and France 24 focused on Paul Thomas Anderson's long-awaited triumph with "One Battle After Another," emphasizing his three Oscars after decades of nominations. They also noted Autumn Durald Arkapaw's historic cinematography win and the new casting award, underscoring shifts in industry recognition.
The Times of Israel and The New Arab reported on the political dimensions, including Javier Bardem's pro-Palestinian statement and India's ban on the Tunisian film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," highlighting how geopolitical tensions permeate cultural events. All Africa provided context on African cinema's continued struggle for Oscar recognition despite strong entries.
Reuters covered the ceremony's security concerns amid geopolitical tensions and the industry's anxieties over studio sales and AI, framing the Oscars within broader industry challenges. SBS offered an Australian perspective, spotlighting nominees like Rose Byrne and the ceremony's broadcast details.
Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a ceremony that was both a celebration of cinematic achievement and a reflection of contemporary cultural and political complexities.
How we got here
The 98th Academy Awards celebrated films released in 2025, with "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" as frontrunners. "Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, received a record 16 nominations. "One Battle After Another," directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, earned 13 nominations. The ceremony also marked milestones such as the first female cinematography Oscar and a new award for casting.
Go deeper
- Why did Michael B. Jordan win Best Actor over Timothée Chalamet?
- What is the significance of Autumn Durald Arkapaw's cinematography win?
- How did political issues influence the 2026 Oscars ceremony?
Common question
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Who Won at the 2026 Oscars? Winners, Highlights & Political Moments
The 98th Academy Awards showcased incredible talent, historic wins, and some political statements that made headlines. From record-breaking wins to groundbreaking milestones, this year's ceremony was packed with memorable moments. Curious about who took home the biggest awards or what controversies arose? Keep reading for all the key highlights and answers to your burning questions about Oscars 2026.
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What Are the Key Global Political and Security Hotspots Today?
With ongoing conflicts and international tensions shaping the world stage, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest developments. From regional clashes to diplomatic responses, understanding these hotspots helps us grasp the broader implications for global stability. Below, we explore the main issues currently impacting international security and politics, answering common questions about these critical situations.
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What Are the Biggest Current News Stories Today?
Staying updated with today's top news stories is essential to understanding what's happening around the world. From political developments and international conflicts to cultural milestones and humanitarian efforts, the news landscape is constantly evolving. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about today's most significant headlines, helping you stay informed quickly and clearly.
More on these topics
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Michael Bakari Jordan ( bah-KAR-ee; born February 9, 1987) is an American actor, producer, and director. His accolades include an Academy Award, three Actor Awards, and a Producers Guild Award, in addition to nominations for a British Academy Film Award.
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Timothée Hal Chalamet is an American actor. He began his acting career in short films, before appearing in the television drama series Homeland in 2012.
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Paul Thomas Anderson (born June 26, 1970), also known by his initials PTA, is an American filmmaker. Often described as one of the preeminent filmmakers of his generation, he is the recipient of three Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, four BAFTAs..
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Jessie Buckley is an Irish actress and singer. Her career began in 2008 as a contestant on the BBC TV talent show I'd Do Anything in which she placed second. In the same year she appeared in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music.
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Autumn Cheyenne Durald Arkapaw (née Durald; born December 14, 1979) is an American cinematographer. For her work on the film Sinners (2025), she became the first woman of color to be nominated, and the first woman to win, an Academy Award for Best Cine
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Ryan Kyle Coogler is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. His first feature film, Fruitvale Station, won the top audience and grand jury awards in the U.S. dramatic competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
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Barbara Joan "Barbra" Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker. In a career spanning six decades, she has achieved success in multiple fields of entertainment and has been recognized with two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards including the
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Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is an American actor, producer, philanthropist, and environmentalist. He has often played unconventional parts, particularly in biopics, drama, crime, romance, and period films.
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Sean Justin Penn is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. He has won two Academy Awards, for his roles in the mystery drama Mystic River and the biopic Milk.
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Robert Reiner (; March 6, 1947 – December 14, 2025) was an American filmmaker, film producer, screenwriter, actor, and political activist. He directed a series of acclaimed studio films in a career that spanned comedy, drama, romance, and documentary...
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Charles Robert Redford Jr. is an American actor and director, best known for his many Hollywood films. Over his more than 60 year career, he has won several film awards, including an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2002.
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William Edward Crystal (born March 14, 1948) is an American comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He is known as a stand-up comedian and for his film and stage roles. Crystal has received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
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Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem is a Spanish actor. Bardem won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the psychopathic assassin Anton Chigurh in the 2007 Coen brothers film No Country for Old Men.
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Mary Rose Byrne is an Australian actress. She made her screen debut in the film Dallas Doll, and continued to act in Australian film and television throughout the 1990s.
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Kaouther Ben Hania is a Tunisian film director. Beauty and the Dogs, her best-known film, was selected as the Tunisian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.