The 98th Academy Awards, one of the most prestigious events in global cinema, were held on 15th March 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, the ceremony honoured the finest films of the year 2025 across 24 categories, bringing together leading actors, directors, and industry professionals. Hosted by comedian Conan O’ Brein for the second year consecutively, the Oscar event came out as an event blending cinematic celebration with cultural commentary and global appeal.
This year’s Oscars were dominated by the movie ‘One Battle After Another’, which emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing six academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Another major contender was the movie ‘Sinners’, which delivered a strong performance, winning four awards. Among its most notable achievements was Michael B. Jordan’s win for Best Actor, marking a defining moment in his acting career. The film also earned accolades for Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score, further establishing its artistic impact.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress award for her outstanding performance in the movie Hamnet. The supporting acting awards were equally noteworthy, with Sean Penn winning Best Supporting Actor and Amy Madigan taking home Best Supporting Actress. These performances reflected the Academy’s recognition of both established talent and compelling storytelling across genres.
Adding a global highlight from the ceremony, Priyanka Chopra returned to the Oscars stage after almost a decade. She along with Javier Bardem presented the Academy Award for International Feature Film to Sentimental Value, marking a significant moment of Indian representation on one of cinema’s biggest platforms.
The ceremony also highlighted diversity in cinematic storytelling. Films such as Frankenstein secured multiple technical awards, while KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, demonstrating the emerging global influence of non-traditional narratives. Additionally, Mr. Nobody against Putin won Best Documentary Feature, underscoring the continued relevance of politically charged and socially conscious cinema.
Overall, the 98th Academy Awards reflected an evolving film industry that balances blockbuster spectacle with meaningful storytelling. With a mix of veteran filmmakers and emerging voices, the 2026 Oscars showcased the breadth of contemporary cinema, reinforcing the Academy’s role in recognising the artistic excellence while adapting to changing audience preferences worldwide.
