The Academy Awards (Oscars) are organized and presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences [3] to encourage outstanding film creation and development awards [4]. It is not only the most important annual event in the American film industry but also one of the most prestigious film awards in the world. Currently, there are over 20 different awards covering various film genres. As the world's oldest performing arts award, its status in the American performing arts industry is comparable to the Grammy Awards for popular music, the Emmy Awards for television, and the Tony Awards for stage plays, all of which were created based on the Academy Awards.
2026 Oscar Winners (Major Awards)
Best Picture: One Battle After Another
As the absolute core of this awards season, *One Battle After Another*'s victory was almost a foregone conclusion. Paul Thomas Anderson weaves complex political struggles and subtle human drama into the film, demonstrating a dominant momentum from the very beginning.
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson - One Battle After Another
After years of being nominated but never winning an Oscar, Anderson finally redeemed himself with this film. This is not merely a fitting tribute to this "film fanatic," but also a collective return by the Oscar jury to the solid, rigorous, and classic narrative style.
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan - Sinners
Michael B. Jordan's portrayal of a dual character in the film is far from a simple, stereotypical performance. His destructive explosiveness lends this commercial thriller a rare emotional depth. As the leading film with 16 nominations this year, *Sinners*' Best Actor trophy is truly deserving.
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley
Hamnet
Directed by Chloé Zhao, this film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell's novel, telling the story of Shakespeare's son, Hamnet. Jessie Buckley's victory lies in her remarkably resilient vitality. In *Hamnet*, she precisely captures the essence of a heartbroken yet resolute mother against the backdrop of history.
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn
One Battle After Another
Even without being present, veteran actor Sean Penn's portrayal of "Lockjaw" in this epic production was undeniable. This is his third Oscar, demonstrating the almost obsessive dominance of top actors in portraying marginalized characters.
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan
Weapons
The award win by 75-year-old Amy Madigan was the most moving moment of the night. Her performance in Weapons was not only a display of skill, but also a culmination of years of experience and growth. She proved that screen charisma is never limited by age.
What are the highlights of the 2026 Oscars?
Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) finally achieves a "Grand Slam"
After years of being nominated and receiving 11 nominations, Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) finally broke through this year with his epic masterpiece *One Battle After Another*. The film not only won the most prestigious "Best Picture" and "Best Director" awards, but also garnered six other awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing. The film's 15-minute pseudo-long take was hailed by critics as "the highest level of cinematic achievement in the last decade."
A Historic Breakthrough for Female Cinematographers
The most significant milestone at this year's Oscars was undoubtedly Autumn Durald Arkapaw's Best Cinematography award for *Sinners*. For nearly a century since its inception, the Oscars have been dominated by men. She proved with her powerful use of light and shadow that a female perspective can also be incredibly effective in hardcore thrillers.
Michael B. Jordan's Breakthrough in Actor Awards
Michael B. Jordan delivered a devastating performance in Ryan Coogler's *Sinners*. It's rare for a commercial thriller with supernatural elements to produce an Oscar winner. This reflects a growing shift in the Oscar judges' aesthetic towards "commercially successful films with solid acting."