Leonardo DiCaprio is trending as Oscar buzz heats up; the actor, born in 1974, has won an Academy Award and is known for intense biographical roles.
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards, held at Beverly Hilton, reaffirmed predictions for the upcoming Oscars. Nine of the last ten DGA winners have gone on to win Best Director at the Oscars. The event also highlighted industry challenges, with new DGA president Christopher Nolan addressing declining employment for filmmakers amid a stable entertainment market.
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.
Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket saw betting spikes on Oscar winners before the ceremony, suggesting some gamblers may have had early insights. Shifts in odds occurred for categories including Best Actor and Supporting Actress, with notable changes just hours before the awards.