Paul Thomas Anderson is in the news as DGA and Oscar chatter swirl around his film “One Battle After Another,” a major award-season contender. PTA (born 1970) is a top American filmmaker with multiple nominations and wins.
The 98th Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, with 'Sinners' setting a record with 16 nominations and a new Best Casting category introduced. Host Conan O'Brien returned amid heightened security due to global tensions, including the Iran war backdrop. Major films and industry changes marked the event.
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.
The New York Times has argued that major U.S. awards ceremonies in 2026 have become politically muted compared with past years, with actors and presenters offering restrained or indirect statements. The piece has linked the silence to fear of retaliation, changing public attitudes toward celebrity politics, and historical examples of authoritarian leaders courting cultural figures.