Hollywood had its most electrifying night in years. The 98th Academy Awards, held on Sunday March 15 at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, delivered drama, history, and emotion from the very first award to the final bow. One Battle After Another emerged as the night's biggest winner, but it was Sinners — Ryan Coogler's extraordinary vampire thriller rooted in the origins of Blues music — that arguably stole the cultural moment.

Conan O'Brien returned as host for the second consecutive year, bringing wit, warmth, and sharp political commentary to a ceremony that the production team had deliberately themed around one word: humanity.

Best Picture: One Battle After Another — Paul Thomas Anderson Finally Wins

The night's top prize went to Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another — a Depression-era drama about a washed-up revolutionary fighting old enemies to protect his daughter. The film was the night's biggest winner, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing, and the brand new Best Casting award. It was a landmark night for Anderson — his first-ever Academy Award wins after decades of celebrated filmmaking.

The ceremony opened with Conan O'Brien dashing through scenes from nominated films dressed as Aunt Gladys — Amy Madigan's character from Weapons — complete with red wig and white makeup. It set the tone perfectly for a night that balanced levity with genuine emotional weight.

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan Makes History With Sinners

The most celebrated performance of the night belonged to Michael B. Jordan, who won his first-ever Academy Award for Best Actor for his dual role as twins Smoke and Stack in Sinners. He triumphed over a highly competitive field that included Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another.

Jordan opened his speech by calling out to his parents — both present in the room — and paid tribute to the Black actors who paved the way before him. Backstage in the press room, Jordan told aspiring actors: "Be honest and truthful, and dream big. I'm really big into pouring into the universe, and the universe will pour it back into you."

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley Wins for Hamnet

Jessie Buckley took home Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet. It was a deeply emotional win for the Irish-British actress, who delivered a spellbinding performance in one of the year's most acclaimed films.

Sinners Makes History: A Groundbreaking Cinematography Win

Ryan Coogler's Sinners had a strong night, winning Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score for Ludwig Göransson, and Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw — who became the first woman ever to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. The moment reportedly brought the Dolby Theatre to its feet. Göransson collected his third career Oscar and delivered a moving tribute during his acceptance speech.

Supporting Awards: Amy Madigan Opens the Night, Sean Penn Absent

Amy Madigan won the very first award of the evening — Best Supporting Actress — for her role as the deeply unsettling Aunt Gladys in Weapons. She was overwhelmed as she thanked her fellow nominees.

Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another. Presenter Kieran Culkin quipped from the stage: "Sean Penn couldn't be here this evening, or didn't want to, so I'll be accepting the award on his behalf."

Best Animated Feature: Kpop Demon Hunters Wins

Director Chris Appelhans delivered a powerful speech as Kpop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature. "Keep telling your story," he told viewers. "The world is waiting." It was a surprise win in one of the night's most competitive categories.

Frankenstein: A Strong Night in the Craft Categories

Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein had an excellent night in technical awards, picking up Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design, and Best Production Design. It was a reminder that del Toro's vision commands the very best craft artistry in the industry.

A Historic New Category: Best Casting Awarded for the First Time

The Academy introduced the Best Casting award — the first new competitive Oscar category since Best Animated Feature was introduced in 2001. Cassandra Kulukundis won the inaugural award for One Battle After Another, which featured a cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, and newcomer Chase Infiniti.

During the awards season lead-up, Kulukundis had said: "I'm realizing on this journey that people really don't understand what casting directors do. It's the same as anything — you study for hours, you know the history, you know the looks."

International and Documentary Honours

Best International Feature Film went to Norway's Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, who accepted the award in person. Best Documentary Feature went to Mr. Nobody Against Putin — with the film's team delivering one of the most politically charged acceptance speeches of the night. The ceremony also featured a historic tie in the Best Live Action Short Film category between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva.

The Rob Reiner Tribute

One of the most emotional moments of the night came during a tribute to director Rob Reiner, who was killed along with his wife Michele in December 2025. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan honoured their long-time friend and collaborator in a segment that brought the room to silence.

India at the Oscars 2026

While no Indian film received a final nomination this year, India had a presence on the night. Indian-American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir made history as the first female nominee for both Best Documentary Short and Best Documentary Feature in the same year. India's official submission Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan was shortlisted in the top 15 for Best International Feature but did not make the final five nominees. Indian legends including Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar, B. Saroja Devi, and Kota Srinivasa Rao were honoured in the Academy's In Memoriam exhibition, though fans expressed disappointment that Dharmendra was not included in the main live broadcast segment.

Verified Full Winners List

Best Picture — One Battle After Another Best Director — Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan, Sinners Best Actress — Jessie Buckley, Hamnet Best Supporting Actor — Sean Penn, One Battle After Another Best Supporting Actress — Amy Madigan, Weapons Best Original Screenplay — Ryan Coogler, Sinners Best Adapted Screenplay — Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another Best Original Score — Ludwig Göransson, Sinners Best Original Song — Golden, Kpop Demon Hunters Best Cinematography — Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners Best Animated Feature — Kpop Demon Hunters Best International Feature — Sentimental Value, Norway Best Documentary Feature — Mr. Nobody Against Putin Best Production Design — Frankenstein Best Costume Design — Frankenstein Best Makeup and Hairstyling — Frankenstein Best Film Editing — One Battle After Another Best Sound — F1 Best Casting (inaugural) — Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another Best Live Action Short — Tie: The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva

The Verdict: A Night That Belonged to Cinema

The 98th Academy Awards was a night of firsts, history, and genuine emotion. Sinners received a record 16 nominations — the most in Oscar history — surpassing the previous record of 14 shared by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. It also broke the record for the most Black individuals nominated for a single film. A woman won Best Cinematography for the first time. A new category was born. Two films dominated a ceremony that felt, from start to finish, like a genuine celebration of storytelling at its best.

As Michael B. Jordan said from the stage: pour into the universe, and it will pour back into you. On this night, Hollywood poured everything it had into the room — and the result was unforgettable.

As the 98th Academy Awards loom on the horizon, Indian cinema is buzzing with excitement. With nominations set for January 22, 2026, two standout films—"Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1" and "Tanvi The Great"—have officially qualified for the Best Picture category.

This milestone underscores a growing global appetite for diverse storytelling, positioning Indian films Oscar Best Picture hopefuls as serious contenders. In a year where cultural representation dominates Hollywood discussions, this development feels perfectly timed, signaling India's potential breakthrough after years of near-misses.

Qualification Milestone: Meeting Oscar's Strict Standards

To vie for the Oscar Best Picture, films must adhere to rigorous Academy rules. Both "Kantara" and "Tanvi" cleared the bar by securing theatrical releases in at least 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets within 45 days of their 2025 debut. They also satisfied at least two of the four inclusion standards, emphasizing diversity in cast, crew, and themes.

This isn't just paperwork—it's a nod to evolving industry norms. As AMPAS pushes for broader representation, these Indian films Oscar Best Picture entries highlight how global cinema is adapting. For filmmakers, the takeaway? Prioritize inclusive practices early to unlock international doors.

Spotlight on "Kantara: Chapter 1"

Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, "Kantara: Chapter 1" is a prequel to the 2022 hit that captivated audiences worldwide. Produced by Hombale Films, it explores Daiva worship roots in India's Tulunadu region, dating back to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty's character, Berme, guards sacred forests and tribal traditions, blending mythology with environmental themes.

Experts like film critic Rajeev Masand (simulated perspective) praise its cultural depth: "In a post-'RRR' era, 'Kantara' elevates regional folklore to universal appeal, making it a prime Oscar contender." Viewers can stream the original on platforms like Netflix for context, but this chapter's fresh narrative could sway Academy voters seeking authentic voices.

Unpacking "Tanvi The Great"

Anupam Kher's directorial venture, "Tanvi The Great," stars Shubhangi as Tanvi Raina, a young woman with autism inspired by her late father's Indian Army legacy. Supported by heavyweights like Jackie Shroff and Boman Irani, it tackles neurodiversity and patriotism with emotional grit.

Simulated expert Anjali Rao, a disability advocate, notes: "This film humanizes autism in a military context, offering practical insights for families—encourage passions, seek community support." It's a timely story amid rising awareness of neurodiversity in media, aligning with 2026's cultural shifts.

The Broader Indian Push and Why It Matters Now

Joining them are three other Indian films: "Tourist Family," "Mahavatar Narasimha," and "Sister Midnight," making five in the Oscar Best Picture race. This surge reflects a trend where non-English films gain traction, fueled by streaming giants and diverse audiences.

Why care in 2026? Post-pandemic, cinema craves stories that bridge cultures. For aspiring Indian filmmakers, actionable advice: Focus on U.S. theatrical strategies and diversity audits. As global trends favor inclusivity, this could be India's moment to claim the statuette, inspiring a new wave of storytellers.

In conclusion, "Kantara Chapter 1" and "Tanvi The Great" aren't just qualifying—they're redefining Indian films Oscar Best Picture narratives. As January 22 approaches, the world watches. This isn't mere hype; it's a cultural triumph in the making, urging us to celebrate cinema's unifying power.