Oscars 2026: Michael B. Jordan pulls off historic win

Amanda Castro

By Amanda Castro

Associate News Editor

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One Battle After Another took home best picture winner, but a huge award was taken home by Michael B. Jordan, who earned his first Academy Award on Sunday night, winning best actor for his dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, the blockbuster vampire allegory reframing America’s racial history. It was Jordan’s first nomination — and a breakthrough in a category where only five Black men had previously won. Jordan topped a formidable slate that included Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Wagner Moura, and Leonardo DiCaprio, defying early-season odds that had favored Moura and Chalamet. His victory at the Actor Awards earlier this month signaled a late surge, and the Oscars confirmed it. The win adds to Sinners’ growing haul. With 16 nominations, the film is now the most‑nominated title in Academy history.

The ceremony also marked a milestone for K‑pop. “Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters, became the first K‑pop song ever to win both a Grammy and an Oscar. Before their speech was abruptly cut off, Ejae managed to share a brief reflection: “Growing up everyone made fun of me for liking K‑pop. And now everyone is singing our song.” She added that the track isn’t about fame — “it’s about resilience.”

What to Know:

One Battle After Another and Sinners dominated the ceremony, each collecting top‑tier awards and driving the night’s suspense.
Paul Thomas Anderson won best director and adapted screenplay, adding supporting actor, casting, and editing wins to his film’s haul.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners secured four Oscars — original screenplay, best actor, cinematography, and score.
Michael B. Jordan became the first performer ever honored for dual roles, playing twins Smoke and Stack.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman and first Black cinematographer to win the category, asking all the women in the Dolby Theatre to stand during her speech.
Anderson used his writing win to address the world his children will inherit, calling for “common sense and decency.”
Coogler credited his cast, studio, and family for believing in him.
Cassandra Kulukundis won the first‑ever Oscar for casting, upsetting favorite Francine Maisler.
Sean Penn won supporting actor for One Battle After Another; Amy Madigan earned supporting actress for Weapons in a late‑career triumph.
KPop Demon Hunters won best animated feature, with director Maggie Kang dedicating the win to Koreans worldwide.
Frankenstein claimed three awards — costume design, makeup and hairstyling, and production design — aided by a cheeky Devil Wears Prada 2 promo moment from Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour.
The live‑action short category ended in a two‑way tie between Two People Exchanging Saliva and The Singers, prompting an awkward attempt by producers to move things along.
Billy Crystal honored Rob Reiner, and Barbra Streisand paid tribute to Robert Redford, underscored by the message, “Art can lead change.”
All the Empty Rooms won short doc; Mr. Nobody Against Putin took feature documentary.
Conan O’Brien opened with a drag parody of Weapons’ Aunt Gladys, earning a standing ovation.

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Mar 15, 2026 at 10:45 PM EDT

‘One battle after another’ closes out the 98th Oscars with six wins

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Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another ended the night as the dominant force at the 98th Academy Awards, taking home six Oscars, including best picture and best director — a career‑defining sweep that firmly cements Anderson among the most influential filmmakers of his era. His political epic about authoritarianism and civic resistance also claimed trophies for adapted screenplay, supporting actor (Sean Penn), casting, and editing.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners remained close on its heels, finishing with four wins for original screenplay, score, cinematography, and Michael B. Jordan’s historic best actor victory. Jordan’s dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack marked the first time an actor has ever won an Oscar for playing two roles in the same film. He thanked Coogler and Warner Bros. for “betting on original ideas and original artistry.”

The night also delivered a landmark behind the camera: Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman — and first Black cinematographer — to win the category, asking every woman in the Dolby Theatre to stand as she dedicated the moment to those who helped her reach it.

Anderson used his screenplay speech to strike a political note, telling his children he hoped their generation would bring “common sense and decency” to a world his own had left in disarray. Coogler, accepting his writing award earlier in the night, thanked his cast, collaborators, and family for giving him the confidence to pursue the film.

The ceremony also marked the Academy’s first‑ever casting Oscar, awarded to Cassandra Kulukundis for assembling the sprawling ensemble of One Battle After Another, an upset over favorite Francine Maisler (Sinners).

Other major moments included Amy Madigan’s late‑career supporting actress win for Weapons, KPop Demon Hunters taking best animated feature, and Frankenstein sweeping three craft categories. A rare tie in live‑action short, a heartfelt in‑memoriam led by Billy Crystal and Barbra Streisand, and a Conan O’Brien cold‑open in full Aunt Gladys drag rounded out a ceremony that mixed spectacle, history, and a few awkward stumbles.

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:35 PM EDT

Best Picture: ‘One Battle after Another’

In an on-stage Moulin Rouge! reunion, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor took the stage to present the award for best picture to:

Bugonia, Ed Guiney & Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone and Lars Knudsen, Producers
F1, Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, Producers
Frankenstein, Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Scott Stuber, Producers
Hamnet, Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, Producers
Marty Supreme, Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Anthony Katagas and Timothée Chalamet, Producers
One Battle after Another, Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, Producers
The Secret Agent, Emilie Lesclaux, Producer
Sentimental Value, Maria Ekerhovd and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, Producers
Sinners, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler, Producers
Train Dreams, Marissa McMahon, Teddy Schwarzman, Will Janowitz, Ashley Schlaifer and Michael Heimler, Producers

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:33 PM EDT

Autumn Durald Arkapaw makes Oscars history and dedicates win to future filmmakers

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, now the first woman and the first Black cinematographer to win the Academy Award in her category, admitted in the press room that she spent her walk to the stage worrying about one thing: time. “Are they going to kick me off?” she remembered thinking. Instead, she delivered one of the night’s most grounded and generous speeches — one aimed squarely at the next generation.

“A lot of little girls who look like me will sleep really well tonight because they’ll want to become cinematographers,” she said, calling the moment bigger than any single trophy.

During her speech, she asked every woman in the Dolby Theatre to stand, explaining later that “moments like this don’t happen without women standing up for you and advocating for you.” The gesture underscored her belief that her win represents a collective breakthrough, not just a personal milestone.

“This isn’t about me anymore,” she said. “It’s about so much more, and I wanted it for all of the ladies in the room — and for all the girls at home.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, winner of the Best Cinematography Award for “Sinners”, poses in the press room during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 10:29 PM EDT

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley

Mikey Madison presented the award for best actress to:

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Emma Stone, Bugonia

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:28 PM EDT

Michael B. Jordan scores first Oscar as ‘sinners’ climbs the leaderboard

Michael B. Jordan earned his first Academy Award on Sunday night, winning best actor for his dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, the blockbuster vampire allegory reframing America’s racial history. It was Jordan’s first nomination — and a breakthrough in a category where only five Black men had previously won.

Jordan topped a formidable slate that included Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Wagner Moura, and Leonardo DiCaprio, defying early-season odds that had favored Moura and Chalamet. His victory at the Actor Awards earlier this month signaled a late surge, and the Oscars confirmed it.

The win adds to Sinners’ growing haul. With 16 nominations, the film is now the most‑nominated title in Academy history.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Michael B. Jordan accepts the Actor in a Leading Role award for "Sinners" onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 10:20 PM EDT

Actor in a Leading Role: Michael B. Jordan

Adrien Brody presented the award for Best Actor to:

Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle after Another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:18 PM EDT

‘Golden’ winners cut off mid-speech as play-off music overpowers the stage

The team behind “Golden” barely made it to the microphone before their Oscars moment unraveled. As the group accepted the award for Best Original Song, EJAE stepped forward to speak — only for the orchestra to immediately swell. “Please stop,” she said, raising her hand in a plea for silence. The music didn’t budge.

As her fellow winners tried to continue, the play‑off cue only grew louder. Moments later, the lights dimmed and the broadcast abruptly cut to commercial, leaving two members still attempting to speak to a visibly frustrated audience.

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:16 PM EDT

Achievement in directing: ‘One Battle after Another’

Stars of upcoming film The Drama, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, presented the award for achievement in directing to:

Hamnet, Chloé Zhao
Marty Supreme, Josh Safdie
One Battle after Another, Paul Thomas Anderson
Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier
Sinners, Ryan Coogler

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:11 PM EDT

Best Original Song makes history with first-ever KPop song to win award

Lionel Richie just presented the historic award for best original song to:

“Dear Me,” from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
“Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park
“I Lied To You,” from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson
“Sweet Dreams Of Joy,” from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike
“Train Dreams,” from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave

This marks the first time a K-pop song has won an Oscar.

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:09 PM EDT

Recreating the famous Oscar Selfie?

The 98th Academy Awards delivered a nostalgic jolt when Danny Fujikawa, joined by Dave McCary, Demi Moore, Kate Hudson, and Emma Stone, paused to snap a crowd selfie — a playful nod to the viral Oscars photo that once broke the internet.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: In this handout photo provided by The Academy, Emma Stone, Dave McCary, Demi Moore, Kate Hudson and Danny Fujikawa pose for a selfie in the crowd during the 98th Oscards at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Richard Harbaugh / The Academy via Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 10:05 PM EDT

What is ‘Sentimental Value’ about?

Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value has emerged as one of 2025’s most acclaimed international dramas, a quietly devastating family story centered on two sisters reconnecting with their estranged father. Led by Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Stellan Skarsgård, with Elle Fanning in a key supporting role, the film traces the emotional fallout of abandonment, artistic ambition, and inherited trauma as the family reunites after years of distance.

Premiering in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film drew immediate praise for its precision and emotional clarity, ultimately winning the Grand Prix. Its September release in Norway cemented its status as one of Trier’s most resonant works, blending intimate character study with the director’s signature psychological nuance.

The awards response has been sweeping. Sentimental Value earned major nominations at the 83rd Golden Globes, where Skarsgård won for supporting actor, and went on to secure nine nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and dual supporting actress nods for Fanning and Lilleaas.

At its core, the film follows a fractured family forced to confront old wounds: a father whose career eclipsed his responsibilities, daughters carrying the weight of his absence, and a home filled with memories both cherished and painful. As the characters circle one another — through grief, resentment, and the possibility of reconciliation — Trier crafts a drama that feels both deeply Norwegian and universally human.

Mar 15, 2026 at 10:04 PM EDT

Best international feature film: ‘Sentimental Value’

Pryanka Chopra Jonas and Javier Bardem presented the award for best international feature film to:

Brazil
The Secret Agent
France
It Was Just an Accident
Norway
Sentimental Value
Spain
Sirāt
Tunisia
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:59 PM EDT

HUNTR/X performs ‘Golden’ from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as the fictional K‑pop trio Huntrix performed their hit "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters tonight.

“Golden" quickly emerged as one of the signature tracks from the 2025 animated musical KPop Demon Hunters.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna perform onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 09:49 PM EDT

Achievement in Cinematography: ‘Sinners’

Actress Demi Moore is presenting the award for achievement in cinematography:

Frankenstein, Dan Laustsen
Marty Supreme, Darius Khondji
One Battle after Another, Michael Bauman
Sinners, Autumn Durald Arkapaw
Train Dreams, Adolpho Veloso

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:46 PM EDT

Achievement in film editing: ‘One Battle after Another’

Bill Pullman and Lewis Pullman presented the award for achievement in film editing to:

F1, Stephen Mirrione
Marty Supreme, Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie
One Battle after Another, Andy Jurgensen
Sentimental Value, Olivier Bugge Coutté
Sinners, Michael P. Shawver

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:43 PM EDT

Who is the president of the Academy Awards?

Producer Lynette Howell Taylor officially stepped into the role of President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in July 2025, succeeding Janet Yang and becoming the organization’s top elected leader for the 2025–2026 term. A veteran filmmaker with credits including A Star Is Born, Blue Valentine, Captain Fantastic, and The Accountant, Howell Taylor now oversees the Academy’s Board of Governors while Bill Kramer continues to run day‑to‑day operations as CEO.

Her election marks a return to familiar territory: Howell Taylor previously served as a Vice President and chaired the Awards Committee, and she produced the 92nd Oscars in 2020. Now, she’s tasked with guiding the Academy through a rapidly shifting industry — one grappling with evolving distribution models, labor upheaval, and viewership that has dipped and only recently begun to rebound.

President of the Academy of Motion Picture British producer Lynette Howell Taylor speaks onstage during the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 09:36 PM EDT

Achievement in sound: ‘F1’

The ladies of Bridesmaids also presented the award for achievement in sound to:

F1, Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta
Frankenstein, Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke and Brad Zoern
One Battle after Another, José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio and Tony Villaflor
Sinners, Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor and Steve Boeddeker
Sirāt, Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas and Yasmina Praderas

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper speak onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 09:32 PM EDT

Best original score: ‘Sinners’

The cast of Bridesmaids introduced the winner of best original score to:

Bugonia, Jerskin Fendrix
Frankenstein, Alexandre Desplat
Hamnet, Max Richter
One Battle after Another, Jonny Greenwood
Sinners, Ludwig Goransson

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:31 PM EDT

Newly minted Oscar winner cheers onstage reunion of comedy powerhouses

The night’s newest Oscar winner didn’t stay seated for long — he rose to applaud a star‑studded lineup of presenters that included his partner Maya Rudolph, adding a personal spark to the moment.

The stage quickly filled with familiar comedic heavyweights: nominee Rose Byrne, along with Kristen Wiig, Ellie Kemper, and Melissa McCarthy, turning the presentation into an unexpected mini‑reunion of some of Hollywood’s sharpest comic talents.

The stars red out hilarious notes from celebrities such as Benicio del Toro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:24 PM EDT

What is ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ about

Mr Nobody Against Putin has quickly become one of the most talked‑about documentaries of 2025, offering an unfiltered look at how the Russian government sought to shape public perception during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin, the film follows Talankin’s work at a school in Karabash, a struggling mining town near the Ural Mountains, where he quietly recorded the state’s expanding demands for “patriotic displays” and government‑approved lessons.

Shot over two years, the documentary captures the moment when schools were ordered to upload footage proving compliance with Kremlin messaging — a requirement that gave Talankin cover to film meetings, classroom sessions, and officials without raising suspicion. As surveillance around him intensified, he ultimately fled Russia in 2024 with the help of the filmmakers and international partners.

The film premiered at Sundance, winning a Special Jury Award, and went on to claim major honors, including the BAFTA for Best Documentary and the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Critics praised its rare undercover access and Talankin’s courage, with outlets like IndieWire, The Guardian, Variety, and The Daily Beast highlighting its clarity and urgency. Some reviewers noted its narrow focus on a single school, but the consensus remained overwhelmingly positive.

With a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and strong festival momentum, Mr Nobody Against Putin stands as a stark, human‑scale portrait of life inside an increasingly controlled Russia — and of one man’s determination to document the truth before it disappeared.

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:22 PM EDT

Kimmel aims sharp free-speech joke at North Korea — and CBS

Jimmy Kimmel slipped in one of the night’s edgiest lines while reflecting on the risks some people take simply to tell the truth. “Telling a story that could get you killed for telling it is real courage,” he said, before pivoting to a pointed punchline about where free expression can be deadly.

“Which country could people get killed for free speech?” he asked, pausing just long enough for the audience to brace for a geopolitical jab. Instead, he delivered a two‑beat zinger: “Let’s just leave it at North Korea and CBS.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 09:20 PM EDT

Documentary Feature Film: ‘Mr. Nobody against Putin’

Kimmel also presented the award for Documentary Feature Film, which "is like a short film but longer," to:

The Alabama Solution, Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman
Come See Me in the Good Light, Ryan White, Jessica Hargrave, Tig Notaro and Stef Willen
Cutting through Rocks, Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni
Mr. Nobody against Putin, David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin, Helle Faber and Alžběta Karásková
The Perfect Neighbor, Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, Nikon Kwantu and Sam Bisbee

Kimmel also said, before introducing the award, in a jab to Trump: "Oh man, is he going to be mad his wife wasn't nominated for this."

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:17 PM EDT

Documentary Short Film: ‘All the Empty Rooms’

Kimmel presented the award for best documentary short film to:

All the Empty Rooms, Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones
Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud, Craig Renaud and Juan Arredondo
Children No More: "Were and Are Gone,” Hilla Medalia and Sheila Nevins
The Devil Is Busy, Christalyn Hampton and Geeta Gandbhir
Perfectly a Strangeness, Alison McAlpine

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:16 PM EDT

Jimmy Kimmel returns to the Oscars after a turbulent year off-air

Jimmy Kimmel’s surprise appearance on the Oscars stage — joking, “Wait, am I not hosting?” — came at the end of one of the most dramatic years of his career. The late‑night host, who has helmed the ABC telecast four times, spent part of the fall suspended after ABC and Disney pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! in September over remarks he made following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The suspension was loudly celebrated by President Donald Trump, but the move backfired almost immediately. Kimmel returned to air less than a week later with stronger ratings than before, and his renewed jabs at Trump prompted the president to demand that ABC “get the bum off the air.”

Instead, Kimmel received a contract extension in December — a sharp reversal that underscored both his resilience and his continued relevance in the late‑night landscape.

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:13 PM EDT

Oscars winners so far tonight

The first half of the 98th Academy Awards delivered a wide spread of victories across some of the year’s most celebrated films. One Battle After Another and Frankenstein emerged as early leaders, each collecting multiple trophies across major and craft categories.

Sean Penn won best supporting actor for One Battle After Another, while Amy Madigan opened the night with best supporting actress for Weapons. Ryan Coogler continued Sinners’ awards‑season dominance with a win for best original screenplay, and Paul Thomas Anderson claimed best adapted screenplay for One Battle After Another.

In animation, KPop Demon Hunters took best animated feature, and The Girl Who Cried Pearls earned best animated short. Frankenstein swept key craft categories, winning costume design, production design, and makeup and hairstyling.

The newly established best casting award went to Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another. A rare tie marked the best live action short category, with The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva sharing the honor. Rounding out the early technical awards, Avatar: Fire and Ash won best visual effects.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle L.M. Wong, winners of the Best Animated Feature Film Award for “KPop Demon Hunters”, pose in the press room during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Brianna Bryson/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 09:08 PM EDT

Best visual effects: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’

Weaver and Pascal also presented the award for best visual effects to:

Avatar: Fire and Ash, Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett
F1, Ryan Tudhope, Nicolas Chevallier, Robert Harrington and Keith Dawson
Jurassic World Rebirth, David Vickery, Stephen Aplin, Charmaine Chan and Neil Corbould
The Lost Bus, Charlie Noble, David Zaretti, Russell Bowen and Brandon K. McLaughlin
Sinners, Michael Ralla, Espen Nordahl, Guido Wolter and Donnie Dean

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:04 PM EDT

Achievement in production design: ‘Frankenstein’

Sigourney Weaver and Pedro Pascal presented the award for achievement in production design to:

Frankenstein, Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau
Hamnet, Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton
Marty Supreme, Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis
One Battle after Another, Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino
Sinners, Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Monique Champagne
Sound
F1, Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta
Frankenstein, Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke and Brad Zoern
One Battle after Another, José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio and Tony Villaflor
Sinners, Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor and Steve Boeddeker
Sirāt, Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas and Yasmina Praderas

Mar 15, 2026 at 09:00 PM EDT

Oscars In Memoriam finds power in stillness and personal tribute

The Oscars’ In Memoriam segment unfolded with an unusual sense of calm this year, allowing each name to land with real weight. Rather than rushing through the montage, the producers let the moment breathe, creating a pace closer to a memorial service than a standard awards‑show interlude.

Actors including Billy Crystal, Rachel McAdams, and Barbra Streisand stepped forward to offer brief, personal tributes, giving the segment a human texture that elevated it beyond a simple list of losses. The result was mournful but elegant. It was a quiet, deliberate honoring of the artists the industry has lost, and a reminder that remembrance can be as meaningful as celebration.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Barbra Streisand speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 08:57 PM EDT

Celebrities pay tribute to fallen stars

In the In Memorium, stars such as Rachel McAdams, who starred in The Family Stone with late actress Diane Keaton, and Barbra Streisand, who starred in The Way We Were with Robert Redford, who died late last year, honored groups of actors who also fell before this year's ceremony.

Streisand also performed a portion of the film's titular song, "The Way We Were."

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Rachel McAdams speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Rachel McAdams speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Barbra Streisand speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 08:51 PM EDT

Oscars In Memoriam in photos

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Billy Crystal speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Billy Crystal speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 08:49 PM EDT

Billy Crystal honors Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer

For many who grew up watching the Oscars, Billy Crystal once felt like a permanent fixture — the face of the ceremony itself.

Crystal took the Oscars stage to remember his longtime collaborator and friend Rob Reiner, who was killed in December, delivering one of the ceremony’s most heartfelt moments. Crystal guided viewers through Reiner’s extraordinary directing career — from Stand by Me to The Princess Bride to their own classic, When Harry Met Sally — underscoring just how deeply Reiner’s films shaped generations of moviegoers.

“My friend Rob’s movies will last a lifetime, because they’re about what make us laugh and cry, and what we aspire to be,” Crystal said, his voice steady but unmistakably emotional.

He also paid tribute to Michele Singer Reiner, the filmmaker’s wife, a photographer and political activist. The couple were found stabbed to death on Dec. 14; their son Nick Reiner has been charged in the killings.

He then introduced all those who had the honor of working with Reiner, including Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, and Kathy Bates, among others.

A screen shows a photo of late US director Rob Reiner and US actor Billy Crystal during the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 08:45 PM EDT

What to know about Sean Penn’s award show skipping

Sean Penn’s absence from the 98th Academy Awards came as little surprise to those following this year’s campaign. The actor did virtually no awards‑season promotion and skipped both the Actor Awards and the BAFTAs — ceremonies where he still managed to win.

It’s also far from the first time Penn has missed Hollywood’s biggest night. He previously no‑showed as a best actor nominee in 1996, 2002, and 2003, underscoring a long‑standing ambivalence toward the pageantry of awards season.

Penn has attended the Oscars only when absolutely necessary, including his best actor wins for “Mystic River” in 2004 and “Milk” in 2009. At 65, he remains famously indifferent to the trophies themselves; he even gave one of his Oscars to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, a gesture that reflected his political commitments more than any attachment to Hollywood accolades.

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:39 PM EDT

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners becomes a 2025 breakout, earning record Oscar recognition

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Ryan Coogler attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Julian Hamilton/Getty Images)

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Ryan Coogler’s Sinners emerged as one of 2025’s most acclaimed films — a supernatural horror drama set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, anchored by Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as identical twin brothers confronting both their past and a lurking evil. The film blends period detail, genre tension, and social history, supported by a cast that includes Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo.

Developed through Coogler’s Proximity Media and acquired by Warner Bros. after a competitive bidding war, Sinners was shot in 2024 and premiered the following spring. Composer Ludwig Göransson, a longtime Coogler collaborator, crafted the score and served as an executive producer, helping shape the film’s atmospheric world.

Upon its April 2025 release, Sinners became both a critical and commercial hit, earning more than $370 million worldwide and landing on year‑end top‑ten lists from the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. Awards bodies responded in kind: the film received a record‑breaking 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, along with major recognition from BAFTA, the NAACP Image Awards, the Critics’ Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, and the Actor Awards. Coogler ultimately won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

The film’s success further solidified Coogler’s status as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. From Fruitvale Station to Black Panther and now Sinners, his work continues to shape contemporary cinema — and his latest achievement marks a new high point in an already remarkable career.

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:37 PM EDT

Best original screenplay: ‘Sinners’

After more banter from Downey Jr. and Evans, the pair—who Evans says is celebrating their anniversary—presented the award for best original screenplay to:

Blue Moon, Written by Robert Kaplow
It Was Just an Accident, Written by Jafar Panahi; Script collaborators - Nader Saïvar, Shadmehr Rastin, Mehdi Mahmoudian
Marty Supreme, Written by Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie
Sentimental Value, Written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier
Sinners, Written by Ryan Coogler

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans speak onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 08:33 PM EDT

Best adapted screenplay: ‘One Battle After Another’

In a mini-Marvel reunion, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans have presented the award for best screenplay to:

Bugonia, Screenplay by Will Tracy
Frankenstein, Written for the Screen by Guillermo del Toro
Hamnet, Screenplay by Chloé Zhao & Maggie O'Farrell
One Battle after Another, Written by Paul Thomas Anderson
Train Dreams, Screenplay by Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:30 PM EDT

Early Oscars Tally: ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Frankenstein’ lead the pack

The first wave of winners at the 98th Academy Awards has taken shape, and two films have quickly emerged as early leaders. One Battle After Another and Frankenstein each secured two awards, putting them at the front of the night’s scoreboard.

KPop Demon Hunters added a win in animated feature, continuing its record‑breaking run from 2025, while Weapons claimed a key victory with Amy Madigan’s supporting actress triumph.

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:27 PM EDT

Sean Penn absent from Oscars as Kieran Culkin accepts on his behalf

Sean Penn was nowhere to be seen at the 98th Academy Awards, continuing a season in which he has largely skipped public appearances. When Penn’s name was announced, Kieran Culkin stepped in to accept the award for him, joking dryly, “Sean Penn couldn’t be here this evening — or didn’t want to.”

Behind the humor was a more serious explanation. According to reporting by the New York Times, two anonymous sources said that, as of late last week, Penn's plan was to be in Ukraine during Oscars week, consistent with his long‑running involvement in documenting and supporting the country amid the ongoing war.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Kieran Culkin speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 08:22 PM EDT

Best supporting actor: Sean Penn

Kieran Culkin has presented the award for best supporting actor to:

Benicio Del Toro, One Battle after Another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Sean Penn, One Battle after Another
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

Penn was unable to attend the ceremony, so Culkin accepted the award on his behalf.

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:19 PM EDT

Oscars mark rare seventh tie, first since 2013

The 98th Academy Awards added a bit of statistical intrigue to the night, delivering the seventh tie in Oscars history. It’s an uncommon outcome — the last time two nominees shared a win was in 2013, when Skyfall and Zero Dark Thirty split the award for sound editing.

Ties remain one of the Academy’s quirkiest traditions, surfacing only when voting margins land in a perfect deadlock. With so few in nearly a century of ceremonies, each one becomes a small piece of Oscars lore, reminding viewers that even Hollywood’s biggest night can still surprise.

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:18 PM EDT

Second award for best live action short film: ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’

The second Oscar for best live action short film goes to Two People Exchanging Saliva from Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata.

Musteata said that the film was "made by a majority of women."

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:15 PM EDT

Best live action short film: It’s a tie!

Kumail Nanjiani took the stage to present the award for best live action short film to two films in a tie. However, we will find out the next winner shortly.

For now, winner Number One is:

Butcher's Stain, Meyer Levinson-Blount and Oron Caspi
A Friend of Dorothy, Lee Knight and James Dean
Jane Austen's Period Drama, Julia Aks and Steve Pinder
The Singers, Sam A. Davis and Jack Piatt
Two People Exchanging Saliva, Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:04 PM EDT

Best Casting: ‘One Battle after Another’

Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chase Infiniti, Wagner Moura, and Delroy Lindo introduced their movies as nominees for the inaugural best casting award. The winner is:

Hamnet, Nina Gold
Marty Supreme, Jennifer Venditti
One Battle after Another, Cassandra Kulukundis
The Secret Agent, Gabriel Domingues
Sinners, Francine Maisler

Mar 15, 2026 at 08:00 PM EDT

Conan O’Brien skewers phone culture with hilarious ‘vertical cut’ film lab bit

Conan O’Brien took aim at screen‑addicted audiences during the Oscars with a pre‑taped segment imagining a film lab that “optimizes” classic movies for smartphone viewing — with predictably disastrous results. The fictional technology isolates the “most visually interesting” part of a frame for a vertical‑only version, but as O’Brien gleefully pointed out, that rarely aligns with what actually matters in the shot.

The bit’s standout example came from the late Rob Reiner’s When Harry Met Sally. Instead of Meg Ryan’s iconic diner moment, the vertical crop fixates on a completely oblivious woman in the background, calmly sipping a drink. The joke landed as a sharp jab at the way phone‑first viewing can flatten cinema into something unrecognizable.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:54 PM EDT

Makeup and hairstyling: ‘Frankenstein’

Wintour and Hathaway also presented the award for Makeup and Hairstyling to:

Frankenstein, Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey
Kokuho, Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino and Tadashi Nishimatsu
Sinners, Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine and Shunika Terry
The Smashing Machine, Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin and Bjoern Rehbein
The Ugly Stepsister, Thomas Foldberg and Anne Cathrine Sauerberg

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:52 PM EDT

Kate Hawley reinvents Gothic style in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein

Costume designer Kate Hawley crafted one of the most visually arresting worlds of 2025 with her neo‑gothic designs for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Blending 1850s silhouettes with lush, organic textures, Hawley built a wardrobe that feels both historically grounded and eerily alive — a perfect match for del Toro’s reimagining of the classic tale.

At the center of her work is the Creature, whose wardrobe is intentionally fragmented. His “dead man’s coat,” stitched together from pieces meant to evoke Crimean War burial grounds, looks like the memory of another life. The drained palette and worn materials emphasize his disconnection from humanity.

Elizabeth’s costumes move in the opposite direction: vivid, biological, and unsettlingly beautiful. Her gowns echo blood cells, beetle shells, malachite patterns, and Victorian anatomical drawings. Iridescent fringing, elaborate bonnets, and veiled accessories heighten the story’s uncanny tone.

Victor Frankenstein’s look breaks from strict period accuracy, channeling the glam‑rock energy of David Bowie and Prince. His opulent yet rebellious wardrobe gives the character a modern edge within the film’s gothic frame.

Hawley avoided traditional black, instead building a symbolic palette of deep purples, greens, blues, and blood‑reds, shifting with the film’s environments — rain, snow, and shadow. Heavy embroidery, velvet, and distressed fabrics complete the worn, lived‑in authenticity of the world.

Working with 1850s shapes like pagoda sleeves and halo‑like bonnets, Hawley created costumes that feel both romantic and foreboding. The result is a visual language that mirrors the film’s themes: beauty s

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Mar 15, 2026 at 07:51 PM EDT

Best costume design: Frankenstein

Ana Wintour and Anne Hathaway, after a funny skit on-stage, presented the award for best costume design to:

Avatar: Fire and Ash, Deborah L. Scott
Frankenstein, Kate Hawley
Hamnet, Malgosia Turzanska
Marty Supreme, Miyako Bellizzi
Sinners, Ruth E. Carter

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway speak onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 07:49 PM EDT

‘Sinners’ tribute keeps going off-air with extended song-and-dance break

The Sinners tribute turned out to be one of the night’s most electric surprises — and it didn’t stop when the cameras did.

After the televised performance wrapped, the ensemble kept singing and dancing for another 30 seconds during the commercial break, turning the Dolby Theatre into a full‑blown juke‑joint encore.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:47 PM EDT

Conan O’Brien takes a jab at Donald Trump during Oscars

Comedian Conan O'Brien took a jab at President Donald Trump during the Academy Awards on Sunday without even mentioning his name.

O'Brien welcomed people back to the Oscars by announcing that they were taking place in the "small penis theater." He then challenged "him" to put his name on a theater that's called the "small penis theater."

The joke landed just months after Trump‑appointed trustees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted to rename the institution the “Trump‑Kennedy Center,” a move announced by the White House in December 2025 and confirmed by the center’s leadership. The decision immediately sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, members of the Kennedy family and arts advocates, many of whom argued the board lacked legal authority to change the name of a building designated by Congress as a memorial to former President John F. Kennedy.

O’Brien’s Oscars moment fit squarely within a long‑running, complicated relationship with Trump as a political figure. While the former late‑night host has frequently mocked Trump over the years — including subtle jabs during previous Oscars ceremonies — he has also warned comedians against letting anger overwhelm humor. In multiple interviews and public appearances, O’Brien has said that constant, explicit attacks on Trump can dull comedy’s effectiveness, urging comics instead to remain sharp, inventive and funny rather than purely confrontational.

"You've been lulled into just saying 'F Trump. F Trump. F Trump. Screw this guy,' and I think you've now put down your best weapon, which is being funny, and you've exchanged it for anger," O'Brien previously said.

Read more here.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:46 PM EDT

Misty Copeland brings ballet core to the Oscars — and gracefully responds to Chalamet controversy

Copeland performed “I Lied to You” as part of the ceremony’s Sinners tribute, but her appearance comes on the heels of a very different spotlight. Days earlier, she publicly pushed back after Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet dismissed ballet and opera as art forms “no one cares about.” Speaking at Aveeno and TOGETHXR’s Strength Issue launch, Copeland noted the irony of being invited to help promote his film while he minimized her discipline.

She emphasized that ballet’s cultural relevance isn’t measured by popularity. “There’s a reason opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years,” she said, adding that access and opportunity — the mission of her own foundation — are what allow people to understand their impact. Copeland also pointed out that film itself owes a debt to those classical traditions.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Artists including (L-R) Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Misty Copeland, Miles Caton, Brittany Howard, Raphael Saadiq and Raphael Thomas perform onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 07:42 PM EDT

‘Sinners’ montage delivers one of only two musical performances of the night

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Miles Caton and Jayme Lawson perform onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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The 98th Oscars kept musical moments to a minimum this year, but the ceremony made them count. One of the night’s only two performances was a sweeping Sinners montage, a genre‑spanning tribute that moved through blues, jazz, folk and soul — echoing the film’s own cross‑era musical identity.

The only other performance on the program was the blockbuster hit “Golden” from the newly crowned Oscar winner KPop Demon Hunters, making the Sinners showcase stand out even more. With its blend of archival textures and modern energy, the montage served as a reminder of how deeply music is woven into the film’s storytelling — and why it has become one of the year's most talked‑about soundtracks.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:41 PM EDT

‘Sinners’ soundtrack and score bring 1930s blues back to life

The music of Sinners — Ryan Coogler’s 2025 period supernatural horror film — arrived as two companion albums that quickly became as celebrated as the movie itself. Released by Sony Music on April 18, 2025, the original soundtrack and original score showcase a sweeping blend of blues, jazz, soul and roots music, all shaped by composer Ludwig Göransson, one of Coogler’s closest collaborators.

The soundtrack features 22 tracks performed by an array of blues musicians and cast members, recorded across iconic studios in Memphis, New Orleans, Los Angeles and New York. Göransson drew heavily from early‑20th‑century American blues — a sound he grew up with through his father — and worked closely with Coogler to make the film’s 1930s musical world feel authentic. The pair studied rare recordings from artists like Robert Johnson and Tommy Johnson, aiming to recreate the raw, live energy of juke‑joint performances.

Production took Göransson and his wife, producer Serena Göransson, deep into the American South. They collaborated with blues legend Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell at Royal Studios and recorded with musicians including Cedric Burnside, Brittany Howard, Buddy Guy, and Raphael Saadiq. Much of the film’s music was performed live on set, adding to its visceral sound. The soundtrack also includes the original song “Dangerous” by Hailee Steinfeld and the title track “Sinners” by Rod Wave.

The original score, released through Sony Classical, continues Göransson’s signature fusion of textured instrumentation and emotional storytelling. Critics praised both albums, calling the music inventive, atmospheric and essential to the film’s world‑building.

With its mix of historical influence, modern artistry and powerhouse collaborators, the Sinners soundtrack stands as one of the most ambitious musical projects of the decade — a sonic tapestry that cuts straight through time.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:38 PM EDT

What is ‘The Girl Who Cried Pearls’ about?

The Girl Who Cried Pearls, a haunting and meticulously crafted stop‑motion film from Canadian directors Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, claimed the Best Animated Short Film Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards. The win caps a long creative journey that began with an accident on the set of their 2007 short Madame Tutli‑Putli, when a broken necklace scattered pearls across the floor — a moment that eventually inspired this new tale.

The film follows a young girl who discovers a single pearl in her grandfather’s study, prompting him to recount its story. Set in early‑20th‑century Montreal, the narrative centers on a poor boy who falls in love with a girl whose tears turn into pearls — a secret she hides out of shame. As the boy scavenges the pearls and sells them to a ruthless pawnbroker, the story evolves into a meditation on exploitation, love, and the value we assign to objects.

The plot takes a bittersweet turn when the girl disappears after her father’s death, leaving behind a hidden trove of pearls. The boy uses them to secure a small fortune, only for the jeweler to later discover that identical pearls — mass‑produced plastic imports — are flooding the harbor. The grandfather’s tale ends with a twist: the pearls’ worth came not from rarity, but from the story he invented to deceive the pawnbroker.

Celebrated for its tactile animation, emotional depth, and fable‑like structure, The Girl Who Cried Pearls has been praised as a standout achievement in contemporary stop‑motion. Its Oscar win cements Lavis and Szczerbowski as two of the medium’s most imaginative storytellers — and underscores the film’s central message that meaning is something we create, not something we find.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:36 PM EDT

Animated Short Film: ‘The Girl Who Cried Pearls’

Arnett and Tatum also presented the award for best animated short film to:

Butterfly, Florence Miailhe and Ron Dyens
Forevergreen, Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears
The Girl Who Cried Pearls, Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski
Retirement Plan, John Kelly and Andrew Freedman
The Three Sisters, Konstantin Bronzit

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:33 PM EDT

‘KPOP Demon Hunters’ becomes a global sensation, blending mythology, music and Monster Mayhem—now, it’s an Oscar winner

KPop Demon Hunters emerged as one of 2025’s most unexpected cultural juggernauts — an animated musical urban‑fantasy film that fused K‑pop spectacle with Korean mythology and supernatural action. Co‑written and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film follows Huntrix, a K‑pop girl group who moonlight as demon hunters battling their rivals, the secretly demonic Saja Boys.

Inspired by Kang’s Korean heritage, the movie draws heavily on folklore, demonology, and the visual language of modern pop culture. Its aesthetic — shaped by concert lighting, editorial photography, anime, and K‑dramas — helped create one of the most distinctive animated worlds of the decade. The voice cast includes Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo‑seop, May Hong, Ji‑young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung‑hun, with a soundtrack that went on to break records.

Released on Netflix on June 20, 2025, the film became the streamer’s most‑watched original title ever, surpassing 500 million views. A sing‑along edition later hit theaters in limited runs, ultimately becoming the first Netflix film to top the U.S. box office. Its soundtrack made history too, landing four songs in the Billboard Hot 100’s top ten simultaneously and earning double‑platinum certification.

Critics praised the film’s animation, voice performances, and genre‑bending energy. Awards bodies followed suit: KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Golden”) at both the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes, and earned Oscar nominations in the same categories at the 98th Academy Awards.

With a sequel already in development, the franchise shows no signs of slowing — and its blend of pop stardom, mythology, and monster‑fighting flair has cemented it as a defining hit of the streaming era.

A trio of KPop singers perform on stage

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Mar 15, 2026 at 07:32 PM EDT

Best Animated Feature: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

Will Arnett and Channing Tatum are presenting the award for Best Animated Feature to:

Arco, Ugo Bienvenu, Félix de Givry, Sophie Mas and Natalie Portman
Elio, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina and Mary Alice Drumm
KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, Maïlys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han, Nidia Santiago and Henri Magalon
Zootopia 2, Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Yvett Merino

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:28 PM EDT

Amy Madigan delivers shaking, joyful speech after long-awaited Oscar win

Amy Madigan capped her historic comeback with a warm, funny and visibly emotional acceptance speech after winning Best Supporting Actress for Weapons. Noting the extraordinary span between her nominations, she reminded the audience that her last trip to the category came “about 40 years ago,” before breaking into a grin: “What’s different now is that I got this little gold guy!”

Madigan thanked writer‑director Zach Cregger, praising the alt‑comedy veteran for crafting one of the year’s most surprising horror‑comedies. The moment clearly overwhelmed her. “I’m flummoxed,” she admitted. “My legs are shaking.”

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:23 PM EDT

Amy Madigan marks a historic comeback with first Oscar win for ‘Weapons’

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Amy Madigan accepts the Actress in a Supporting Role award for "Weapons" onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Amy Madigan has officially entered Oscars history. The veteran actress won Best Supporting Actress for her chilling performance in Weapons, securing her first Academy Award exactly 40 years after her debut nomination — one of the longest gaps ever recorded between nods.

Madigan, born in Chicago in 1950, has built a four‑decade career defined by intensity and emotional precision. She first broke through with Twice in a Lifetime (1986), earning her initial Oscar nomination, and went on to deliver memorable turns in Field of Dreams, Uncle Buck, Places in the Heart, and the Golden Globe–winning Roe vs. Wade.

Her 2026 win caps a major resurgence sparked by her role as Aunt Gladys in Weapons, a performance that earned her widespread critical acclaim and a Critics’ Choice Award ahead of the Oscars. The film’s success reintroduced Madigan to a new generation of viewers while reminding longtime fans of her formidable range.

Married to actor Ed Harris since 1983, Madigan now stands as one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents — a performer whose longevity, craft, and late‑career triumph have cemented her status as a true industry icon.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:22 PM EDT

Actress in a supporting role: Amy Madigan

The nominees for best actress in a supporting role is:

Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
Amy Madigan, Weapons
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners Teyana Taylor, One Battle after Another

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:19 PM EDT

Conan O’Brien strikes a hopeful note in reflective Oscars moment

After a string of sharp jokes and political zingers, Conan O’Brien shifted into a more reflective gear during his Oscars monologue, reminding the audience why the ceremony still resonates in turbulent times. The host said the Academy Awards carry particular weight “in moments like these,” framing the night as a celebration not just of film but of the values that sustain the art form.

“We pay tribute tonight not just to film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience and that rarest of qualities today: optimism,” he told the crowd, drawing warm applause.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:18 PM EDT

Conan O’Brien mocks Super Bowl spinoff with ‘alternate Oscars’ joke

Conan O’Brien kept the political humor rolling during his Oscars monologue, riffing on this year’s much‑discussed alternate Super Bowl halftime show. With a perfectly timed deadpan, he warned the audience that the ceremony “could get political,” then immediately offered an escape hatch for anyone uneasy about that prospect.

“If that makes you uncomfortable,” he said, “there’s an alternate Oscars hosted by Kid Rock — it’s at the Dave & Buster’s down the street.”

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:14 PM EDT

Conan O’Brien draws laughs with sharp ‘Hamnet’ healthcare joke in Oscars monologue

Conan O’Brien kept the crowd roaring during his Oscars monologue, delivering one of the night’s first big laugh lines with a pointed reference to Hamnet.

Highlighting a scene in which Agnes gives birth alone in the woods, O’Brien quipped that such a moment “would be called affordable healthcare in America,” a joke that landed with both the audience’s laughter and a knowing wince.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:10 PM EDT

Conan O’Brien earns standing ovation

Conan O’Brien returned to the Oscars stage to a roaring standing ovation, kicking off the 98th Academy Awards with the kind of dry, self‑skewering humor only he can deliver. “I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” he deadpanned.

O’Brien nodded to last year’s chaotic ceremony, which occurred following the Los Angeles wildfires, before pivoting with a perfectly timed shrug: “This year everything is going great.” The crowd laughed.

He also took aim at Timothée Chalamet, riffing on the actor’s recent comments about opera singers and dancing productions.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:05 PM EDT

Show kicks off with scenes featuring Conan O’Brien

The Oscars have kicked off just now with Conan O'Brien being featured in the nominated films.

He is wearing a bright red wig, green glasses, red lips, and white face paint, while being chased by a crowd of fans.

Mar 15, 2026 at 07:00 PM EDT

The Oscars start right now

The 98th annual Academy Awards are kicking off right now, so get your predictions out and your bragging ready.

This year's Oscars ceremony will be followed by The Bachelorette.

Mar 15, 2026 at 06:55 PM EDT

Activists project anti-ICE messages across Hollywood ahead of Oscars

On the eve of the Oscars, the coalition behind the ICE Out and Be Good pins seen throughout awards season took its message far beyond the red carpet. In a bold, guerrilla‑style action, organizers projected anti‑ICE messages onto some of Hollywood’s most recognizable buildings, including the Academy Museum, the Loews Hollywood Hotel, and several nearby structures.

The unauthorized projections carried stark warnings: “ICE is building an army to deport our neighbors,” “ICE is building an AI‑powered police state,” and “ICE OUT of LA.” Some images featured photos of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Others urged passersby to “Join Us,” linking to a new campaign website via QR code.

The action is backed by a coalition that includes the A.C.L.U., MoveOn, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and Latino civic group Maremoto. Jess Morales Rocketto, Maremoto’s executive director, said the groups intend to keep the pressure on long after the awards show ends.

“We will continue to take our demands to every possible stage,” she said. “Awards season is ending but our demand remains the same: ICE OUT.”

Mar 15, 2026 at 06:41 PM EDT

Horror finally gets its Oscars moment as ‘Sinners’ leads the pack

For decades, horror fans have joked that their favorite genre gets “no respect” from the Academy — and history backs them up. Aside from landmark wins like The Silence of the Lambs in 1992 or the occasional breakthrough such as Get Out’s screenplay victory, the Oscars have largely kept horror at arm’s length. Even classics like The Exorcist and Nosferatu had to settle for scattered nominations or technical trophies.

This year marks a dramatic shift. Sinners, a blood‑soaked vampire epic set in the Jim Crow South, leads the entire field with 16 nominations, the most in Oscars history. It may not be the statistical favorite for best picture, but its momentum — and Michael B. Jordan’s strong best actor prospects — signal a genre finally being taken seriously.

Horror’s presence doesn’t stop there. Amy Madigan is a major contender for supporting actress thanks to her unhinged turn in Weapons, and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is positioned to collect multiple technical awards, with nominee Jacob Elordi emerging as the season’s unexpected gothic breakout.

Mar 15, 2026 at 06:28 PM EDT

Stars question whether Oscars still matter as industry shifts

As Hollywood gathers for the 98th Academy Awards, a growing number of actors are openly challenging whether the Oscars still hold the power they once did. The debate isn’t new, but this year’s ceremony arrives amid unusually blunt criticism from performers across generations.

Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo argues the awards have lost cultural influence, saying the Oscars’ prestige has faded due to “streaming and terrible choices made by the Academy.” In the document, he adds that “the Oscars and its influence have waned,” noting that younger audiences “don’t care” about the show anymore.

Veteran actor Dennis Quaid echoed that sentiment, saying he’s enjoying his career more now that he’s no longer chasing awards. “I’m not trying to push, you know, get an Oscar because who cares about that?” he said.

Amanda Seyfried, who was controversially left out of this year’s nominations, said the win itself “isn’t necessary,” arguing that longevity comes from smart choices, not trophies. “It’s not the win that’s important. It’s the nomination,” she said.

Even two‑time Oscar winner Denzel Washington downplayed the significance of the statuette, saying, “I don’t care about that kind of stuff… On my last day, [Oscars] aren’t going to do me a bit of good.”

Others criticize the machinery behind awards season. Matt Damon said campaigning feels “completely backwards,” while Anthony Hopkins called the process “disgusting,” describing the flattery and lobbying as “sick‑making.”

And some reject the premise entirely. Joaquin Phoenix once said he doesn’t “believe in” awards, calling the whole system “total, utter bulls---.”

Mar 15, 2026 at 06:15 PM EDT

Nominees set to receive gift bags worth $350,000

Even before a single statuette is handed out, this year’s Oscar nominees are already walking away with something extravagant: a gift bag reportedly valued at around $350,000, according to Reuters. The tradition of over‑the‑top swag continues in 2026, and this year’s haul may be one of the most lavish yet.

The contents read like a catalog of high‑end indulgences. Nominees will be offered luxury travel packages, including a group getaway to Ibiza and an Arctic villa retreat for prime Northern Lights viewing. The bag also includes a slate of premium beauty and wellness offerings — among them body‑sculpting liposuction sessions and a full smile makeover courtesy of Beverly Hills Dental Arts.

Mar 15, 2026 at 06:02 PM EDT

Oscars In Memoriam segment expected to be one of the largest in years

This year’s Oscars are preparing for an especially emotional moment: a significantly expanded In Memoriam segment honoring some of the most influential figures the film industry lost over the past year. The tribute is expected to feature a sweeping montage that includes Diane Keaton, Val Kilmer, Robert Duvall and Catherine O’Hara, marking one of the most star‑studded remembrance reels in recent memory.

The ceremony may also include rare live tributes. According to industry chatter, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are expected to reunite onstage to honor their When Harry Met Sally director Rob Reiner, who died earlier this year. In another emotional highlight, Barbra Streisand is rumored to perform a musical tribute to Robert Redford, her longtime friend and co‑star.

The In Memoriam segment has long been one of the Oscars’ most anticipated traditions, but this year’s lineup — filled with icons whose work shaped generations of moviegoers — suggests a particularly poignant reflection on Hollywood’s past.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Catherine O'Hara attends Apple TV+'s Primetime Emmy Party Red Carpet at Ysabel on September 14, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 05:49 PM EDT

Free Press warns Ellison takeover threatens jobs, creativity and democracy

Free Press Co‑CEO Jessica J. González issued a sharp warning ahead of the Oscars, arguing that the Ellison family’s expanding control over Hollywood and major news outlets poses risks far beyond the entertainment industry. In a statement, González said many inside the Dolby Theatre on Sunday are already uneasy about “Hollywood’s new billionaire overlords,” and she urged Academy members to take those concerns seriously.

According to González, the proposed merger, backed by David Ellison, would further consolidate an already concentrated film industry, shrinking opportunities for writers, directors, actors, and below‑the‑line workers. She pointed to Ellison’s own promises of deep job cuts to service the debt required to complete the deal, warning that such consolidation historically leads to fewer creative jobs and less diverse storytelling.

But González argued the cultural impact is only part of the problem. She said the merger represents “an even graver threat to democracy,” citing the Ellisons’ close ties to President Donald Trump and their reported assurances of favorable media coverage in exchange for regulatory support. She pointed to past incidents — including Paramount’s multimillion‑dollar settlement with Trump in 2025 and the firing of Stephen Colbert after he criticized it — as evidence of a pattern of political pressure shaping corporate decisions.

González also referenced reports that the Ellisons have promised “sweeping changes” at CNN, a network frequently targeted by Trump, warning that such moves could lead to the firing of journalists, the suppression of critical reporting and the elevation of partisan messaging.

“The Ellisons’ takeover casts a shadow on Sunday’s Oscar celebrations,” she said, arguing that unchecked mergers erode both creative freedom and the public’s access to independent news. Free Press is calling on state attorneys general — including California AG Rob Bonta — to investigate the deal and for Hollywood to take a stand against what González described as corruption and censorship.

Mar 15, 2026 at 05:43 PM EDT

IN PICTURES: Conan O’Brien hits the Academy Awards’ carpet with his wife

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Liza Powel O'Brien and Conan O'Brien attend the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 05:38 PM EDT

IN PICTURES: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ cast’s presence is strong tonight

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Audrey Nuna attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Arden Cho attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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US actress Ji-young Yoo attends the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 05:36 PM EDT

Free speech group warns of ‘escalating attacks’ ahead of Oscars night

The Committee for the First Amendment — a Hollywood‑born free speech coalition dating back to the McCarthy era — issued an unusually stark warning ahead of the March 15 Oscars, saying this year’s ceremony unfolds against a backdrop of “escalating attacks” on press freedom.

In a statement, the group said, “today is not a normal Oscars,” citing recent remarks from President Donald Trump and senior administration officials. Their concerns center on a series of high‑profile threats and proposals targeting media outlets, including FCC chair Brendan Carr’s suggestion that broadcasters could lose licenses over their Iran war coverage, War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for CNN to be taken over by Trump ally David Ellison, and Trump’s own pledge to “reshape the media.”

“These are direct attacks on the First Amendment and part of a deliberate march toward authoritarianism,” the Committee wrote, warning that such a climate encourages punishment of journalists, pressure on news organizations to align with government messaging, and the framing of dissent as disloyalty.

Still, the group stressed that the outcome is not predetermined. “That future is not inevitable,” the statement read. “Do not obey in advance. Speak loudly, stand with journalists, and defend the very freedoms that make moments like today possible.”

The message lands on Hollywood’s biggest stage — a night historically intertwined with political expression — and signals that concerns about press freedom will be part of the conversation long before the first award is handed out.

Mar 15, 2026 at 05:25 PM EDT

IN PICTURES: Men in brooches are dominating

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Kieran Culkin attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Benoit Falletti, Nia Vardalos and Spiros Katsagans attend the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Raphael Saadiq attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 05:23 PM EDT

How much do Oscar hosts really make? Conan O’Brien’s 2026 gig explained

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 11: Conan O'Brien poses on the carpet during the 98th Oscars red carpet roll out at Ovation Hollywood on March 11, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)

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When the Oscars return on March 15, viewers can expect a little bit of everything: a live performance of “Golden” by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, a handful of razor‑thin races, and Conan O’Brien doing his best to keep the show moving. And he’ll need to — the Oscars are famous for stretching into a long, buttoned‑up night where a sharp host can make all the difference.

But for all the pressure and visibility, hosting the Oscars isn’t the lucrative job many assume it is.

Hosting the ceremony is a prestigious assignment, but it’s not a financial windfall. Past hosts have been candid about the economics: Wanda Sykes once revealed she was paid “scale,” the minimum rate for SAG‑AFTRA performers, and joked that the gig actually cost her money after factoring in prep time.

Jimmy Kimmel has said he earned $15,000 for hosting — a number that sounds generous until you consider the months of writing, rehearsing, and press that come with the job. He even turned down the 2025 ceremony because the workload pulled too much focus from his nightly show.

The Oscars are enormously expensive to produce, and the host fee is a tiny fraction of the overall budget. A decade‑old breakdown from The Hollywood Reporter estimated that the Academy spent more than $38 million on the show and its surrounding events — including tens of thousands of dollars on statuettes, envelopes, and honoraria. Even with inflation, the host’s paycheck remains one of the smallest line items.

Mar 15, 2026 at 05:20 PM EDT

Arden Cho is the queen that she is meant to be

The speaking voice of Rumi in Netflix's phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters, Arden Cho, has hit the red carpet in a black, hand-embroidered number.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Arden Cho attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 05:14 PM EDT

Rose Byrne getting her flowers while wearing them

Best Actress nominee Rose Byrne has hit the carpet in a black strapless number decorated in flowers. She is nominated for her role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Rose Byrne attends the 98th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Rose Byrne attends the 98th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 05:10 PM EDT

98th Oscars by the numbers: Key stats behind Hollywood’s biggest night

The 98th Academy Awards arrive with a mountain of data that shows just how massive the ceremony has become. From record‑breaking eligibility totals to global reach, here’s a quick breakdown of the numbers shaping this year’s Oscars.

A total of 317 feature films qualified for Oscar consideration this year, with 202 of them eligible for best picture — one of the largest pools in modern Academy history. The international feature race also expanded, with 86 countries submitting films.

The Academy now includes 10,136 voting members, reflecting its continued growth and diversification. Behind the scenes, more than 700 crew members will work the live telecast, a reminder of the scale required to pull off Hollywood’s most-watched awards show.

Last year’s ceremony drew 19.7 million U.S. viewers and more than 21 million internationally. This year’s telecast will air in over 200 countries, underscoring the Oscars’ status as one of the world’s most widely viewed entertainment events.

The 98th Oscars will present 24 competitive categories, with the 97th ceremony handing out 45 statuettes. This year’s Governors Awards honored Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise and Wynn Thomas with honorary Oscars, while Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Since 1929, the Academy has awarded 3,491 competitive Oscars. Each statuette stands 13.5 inches tall, weighs 8.5 pounds, and features a knight holding a crusader’s sword atop a film reel with five spokes — representing the Academy’s original branches.

The longest Oscars broadcast ran 4 hours, 23 minutes in 2002; the shortest lasted 1 hour, 40 minutes in 1959. ABC has aired the show continuously since 1976 and will mark its 61st year as broadcaster.

The Dolby Theatre hosts the ceremony for the 23rd time, offering 3,300 seats and a red carpet stretching roughly 900 feet long and 33 feet wide. The venue trails only the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, which has hosted 25 ceremonies.

Bob Hope remains the most frequent host with 19 appearances. The oldest poster in the Academy’s collection dates back to the 32nd Oscars in 1960. And the oversized set‑dressing Oscars seen onstage typically stand 7.5 feet tall and weigh 65 pounds.

Mar 15, 2026 at 05:08 PM EDT

Chase Infiniti stuns in lilac Louis Vuitton as the brand dominates the Oscars red carpet

Chase Infiniti made a standout entrance at the 98th Oscars, arriving in a lilac Louis Vuitton gown that blended mermaid elegance with can‑can flair. A friend of the house, she showcased one of the night’s most striking custom looks — a sculptural silhouette that shimmered under the carpet lights.

Louis Vuitton is expected to have a major presence this year, thanks to its deep roster of celebrity partners. With stars like Emma Stone and Renate Reinsve under contract, the brand is poised to be one of the most visible fashion forces on the carpet.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Chase Infiniti attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 05:03 PM EDT

The 98th Oscars deliver a red-carpet beauty showcase as awards season nears its finale

The 98th Academy Awards mark the second‑to‑last stop of a long awards season, and while the night will crown winners in categories like best picture and best actress, the red carpet has already produced its own standouts. With films such as Frankenstein, Hamnet, Sinners and Bugonia competing for top honors — and stars like Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, Kate Hudson, Teyana Taylor and Elle Fanning vying for acting awards — the beauty looks arriving at the Dolby Theatre are just as buzzworthy.

Barbie Ferreira set the tone early with soft, sculpted makeup that feels destined for 2026 inspiration boards. Bella Thorne leaned into gothic romance, channeling Wuthering Heights with windswept Brontë‑style waves. Li Jun Li delivered a masterclass in monochromatic elegance, matching her crimson dress with satin lipstick and a diffused blush in the same shade.

Charithra Chandran embraced classic red‑carpet glamour, her velvety brown eye shadow blended to seamless perfection. And Jihoon Kim showcased one of the year’s biggest trends — tightlined eyes — pairing the sharp definition with a luminous, ethereal complexion.

Mar 15, 2026 at 05:00 PM EDT

IN PICTURES: Stars pose for selfies with fans at the Oscars red carpet

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Bella Thorne attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Shaboozey attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 04:57 PM EDT

Paul Feig celebrates ‘Bridesmaids’ reunion — and says comedy shouldn’t chase Oscars

Director Paul Feig arrived at the Oscars in a sharp aubergine suit, ready to celebrate a milestone: the reunion of the Bridesmaids cast to mark the film’s anniversary. But while the movie famously earned nominations for original screenplay and supporting actress Melissa McCarthy, Feig admitted he never imagined awards would follow a comedy built on outrageous set pieces.

“When you make a movie where someone is [pooping] in the sink and in the street, you don’t think Oscars are coming your way,” he joked on the carpet. The experience, he said, taught him a lasting lesson, per the New York Times: “Don’t make movies to try to win awards. Make movies to entertain an audience.”

Feig also didn’t hesitate when asked which recent comedy deserved more Oscar love. His pick? Weapons, the horror‑comedy hit that earned a single nomination for supporting actress Amy Madigan. “As far as I’m concerned, Weapons should have been up for best picture,” he said. “That’s my kind of comedy.”

Mar 15, 2026 at 04:57 PM EDT

Conan O’Brien returns: What his second Oscars hosting gig means

Conan O’Brien is back after a widely praised debut, bringing his signature mix of sharp nominee teasing and self‑aware humor. His return signals the academy’s desire for a lighter, more playful ceremony — especially in a year defined by tight races and high stakes.

Expect a few surprises, a few musical riffs, and a host who knows exactly how to keep the room loose.

Mar 15, 2026 at 04:49 PM EDT

Kevin O’Leary hits the Oscars red carpet wearing a $25M Tiffany ‘Triple Logoman’ necklace

Kevin O’Leary made one of the most surprising entrances at the 98th Oscars, trading his Shark Tank suit‑and‑tie persona for full Hollywood bling. The investor arrived wearing Tiffany & Co.’s jaw‑dropping Triple Logoman necklace, a custom piece reportedly valued at more than $25 million.

The necklace is a sports‑collector fever dream: three diamond‑and‑gold pendants featuring game‑used gems tied to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

“This is the most famous basketball card in history,” O’Leary said recently, noting it last traded privately for $26 million and is now estimated to be worth closer to $30 million. Tiffany & Co. created the custom frame, while Dolce & Gabbana and Rolex coordinated his look around it — turning the card into a full couture moment.

O’Leary joked that men might “outshine the women with just bling” this year, and when asked about security, he didn’t miss a beat: “I have a tank outside. When I leave here, I’m rolling out with a military tank.”

He also backed Timothee Chalamet to win the Oscar, saying he got a "bum rap" for his comments and that he gave a lot of "free press" to ballet and opera houses.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Kevin O'Leary attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 04:44 PM EDT

Supporting actress showdown: Three front-runners, no consensus

The supporting actress category is the most chaotic of the night. Amy Madigan (Weapons) has the Actor Award; Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) has the Golden Globe; Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners) has the BAFTA.

Each has a different voting bloc behind her, and none has swept the season. With no clear favorite, this is the category most likely to detonate Oscar predictions.

TEYANA TAYLOR as Perfidia in “One Battle After Another.” A Warner Bros. Pictures Release.

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Mar 15, 2026 at 04:41 PM EDT

The red carpet is LITERALLY heating up

The Oscars red carpet is literally heating up, and not just because of Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams' arrival on it.

As nominees and A‑listers step onto the red carpet this afternoon, Los Angeles is bracing for unseasonably high temperatures that have prompted a moderate heat advisory from the National Weather Service. An extreme heat warning follows immediately, with officials cautioning that “dangerously hot conditions” will linger throughout the week.

The timing is uncanny — a summer‑like blast in mid‑March — but the visuals on the carpet tell a different story. This year’s Oscars décor features orange‑red trees lining the arrivals area, giving the space an almost autumnal glow despite the rising temperatures.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Hudson Williams attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Hudson Williams, watch detail, attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 04:31 PM EDT

Inside the tightest best actor race of the 2026 Oscars

The best actor contest has narrowed into a duel between two very different contenders. Timothée Chalamet has long been the season’s favorite for Marty Supreme, but the academy’s mixed history with younger male leads leaves his position vulnerable.

Michael B. Jordan, meanwhile, surged after winning the Actor Award for Sinners, a precursor to Oscar voting patterns. With Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke and Wagner Moura rounding out the field, this category is poised for a dramatic finish.

Mar 15, 2026 at 04:25 PM EDT

IN PICTURES: Recognizable faces hit the carpet

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Charithra Chandran attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Alicia Silverstone attends the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Kevin Grandalski and Marlee Matlin attend the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

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British actress Natalie McQueen and US singer and actor Josh Groban attend the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: (L-R) Danny Chung, Neckwav, Andrew Choi, Kevin Woo, and SamUIL Lee attend the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matei Horvath/FilmMagic)

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Mar 15, 2026 at 04:18 PM EDT

Can ‘Sinners’ stop the ‘One Battle After Another’ Oscar sweep?

For most of the awards season, One Battle After Another looked unstoppable. The DiCaprio‑fronted epic has dominated guilds and critics groups, stacking up wins that usually signal a best picture coronation, but the race snapped open when Sinners stunned at the Actor Awards, proving it can beat the presumed frontrunner in a head‑to‑head vote.

With a record 16 nominations, Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller now enters Oscar night as the only film with the momentum — and the math — to pull off a late upset.

Mar 15, 2026 at 04:05 PM EDT

Here are the nominees for this year’s Academy Awards: Part 6

Visual Effects

Avatar: Fire and Ash, Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett

F1, Ryan Tudhope, Nicolas Chevallier, Robert Harrington and Keith Dawson

Jurassic World Rebirth, David Vickery, Stephen Aplin, Charmaine Chan and Neil Corbould

The Lost Bus, Charlie Noble, David Zaretti, Russell Bowen and Brandon K. McLaughlin

Sinners, Michael Ralla, Espen Nordahl, Guido Wolter and Donnie Dean

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Bugonia, Screenplay by Will Tracy

Frankenstein, Written for the Screen by Guillermo del Toro

Hamnet, Screenplay by Chloé Zhao & Maggie O'Farrell

One Battle after Another, Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

Train Dreams, Screenplay by Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Writing (Original Screenplay)

Blue Moon, Written by Robert Kaplow

It Was Just an Accident, Written by Jafar Panahi; Script collaborators - Nader Saïvar, Shadmehr Rastin, Mehdi Mahmoudian

Marty Supreme, Written by Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie

Sentimental Value, Written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier

Sinners, Written by Ryan Coogler

MICHAEL B. JORDAN as Stack in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “SINNERS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

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Mar 15, 2026 at 04:03 PM EDT

Here are the nominees for this year’s Academy Awards: Part 5

Music (Original Score)

Bugonia, Jerskin Fendrix

Frankenstein, Alexandre Desplat

Hamnet, Max Richter

One Battle after Another, Jonny Greenwood

Sinners, Ludwig Goransson

Music (Original Song)

“Dear Me,” from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

“Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park

“I Lied To You,” from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson

“Sweet Dreams Of Joy,” from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike

“Train Dreams,” from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave

Best Picture

Bugonia, Ed Guiney & Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone and Lars Knudsen, Producers

F1, Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, Producers

Frankenstein, Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Scott Stuber, Producers

Hamnet, Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, Producers

Marty Supreme, Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Anthony Katagas and Timothée Chalamet, Producers

One Battle after Another, Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, Producers

The Secret Agent, Emilie Lesclaux, Producer

Sentimental Value, Maria Ekerhovd and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, Producers

Sinners, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler, Producers

Train Dreams, Marissa McMahon, Teddy Schwarzman, Will Janowitz, Ashley Schlaifer and Michael Heimler, Producers

Production Design

Frankenstein, Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau

Hamnet, Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton

Marty Supreme, Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis

One Battle after Another, Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino

Sinners, Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Monique Champagne

Sound

F1, Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta

Frankenstein, Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke and Brad Zoern

One Battle after Another, José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio and Tony Villaflor

Sinners, Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor and Steve Boeddeker

Sirāt, Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas and Yasmina Praderas

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:55 PM EDT

Here are the nominees for this year’s Academy Awards: Part 4

Film Editing

F1, Stephen Mirrione

Marty Supreme, Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie

One Battle after Another, Andy Jurgensen

Sentimental Value, Olivier Bugge Coutté

Sinners, Michael P. Shawver

International Feature Film

Brazil

The Secret Agent

France

It Was Just an Accident

Norway

Sentimental Value

Spain

Sirāt

Tunisia

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Live Action Short Film

Butcher's Stain, Meyer Levinson-Blount and Oron Caspi

A Friend of Dorothy, Lee Knight and James Dean

Jane Austen's Period Drama, Julia Aks and Steve Pinder

The Singers, Sam A. Davis and Jack Piatt

Two People Exchanging Saliva, Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata

Makeup and Hairstyling

Frankenstein, Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey

Kokuho, Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino and Tadashi Nishimatsu

Sinners, Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine and Shunika Terry

The Smashing Machine, Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin and Bjoern RehbeinThe Ugly Stepsister, Thomas Foldberg and Anne Cathrine Sauerberg

Wagner Moura in ‘The Secret Agent.’ Credit: Neon / MK2 Films

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Mar 15, 2026 at 03:51 PM EDT

Here are the nominees for this year’s Academy Awards: Part 3

Costume Design

Avatar: Fire and Ash, Deborah L. Scott

Frankenstein, Kate Hawley

Hamnet, Malgosia Turzanska

Marty Supreme, Miyako Bellizzi

Sinners, Ruth E. Carter

Directing

Hamnet, Chloé Zhao

Marty Supreme, Josh Safdie

One Battle after Another, Paul Thomas Anderson

Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier

Sinners, Ryan Coogler

Documentary Feature Film

The Alabama Solution, Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman

Come See Me in the Good Light, Ryan White, Jessica Hargrave, Tig Notaro and Stef Willen

Cutting through Rocks, Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni

Mr. Nobody against Putin, David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin, Helle Faber and Alžběta Karásková

The Perfect Neighbor, Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, Nikon Kwantu and Sam Bisbee

Documentary Short Film

All the Empty Rooms, Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones

Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud, Craig Renaud and Juan Arredondo

Children No More: "Were and Are Gone,” Hilla Medalia and Sheila Nevins

The Devil Is Busy, Christalyn Hampton and Geeta Gandbhir

Perfectly a Strangeness, Alison McAlpine

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:46 PM EDT

Here are the nominees for this year’s Academy Awars: Part 2

Animated Feature Film

Arco, Ugo Bienvenu, Félix de Givry, Sophie Mas and Natalie Portman

Elio, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina and Mary Alice Drumm

KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, Maïlys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han, Nidia Santiago and Henri Magalon

Zootopia 2, Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Yvett Merino

Animated Short Film

Butterfly

Florence Miailhe and Ron Dyens

Forevergreen

Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears

The Girl Who Cried Pearls

Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski

Retirement Plan

John Kelly and Andrew Freedman

The Three Sisters

Konstantin Bronzit

Casting

Hamnet, Nina Gold

Marty Supreme, Jennifer Venditti

One Battle after Another, Cassandra Kulukundis

The Secret Agent, Gabriel Domingues

Sinners, Francine Maisler

Cinematography

Frankenstein, Dan Laustsen

Marty Supreme, Darius Khondji

One Battle after Another, Michael Bauman

Sinners, Autumn Durald Arkapaw

Train Dreams, Adolpho Veloso

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Mar 15, 2026 at 03:42 PM EDT

Here are the nominees for this year’s Academy Awards

Actor in a Leading Role

Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme

Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle after Another

Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon

Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent

Actor in a Supporting Role

Benicio Del Toro, One Battle after Another

Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein

Delroy Lindo, Sinners

Sean Penn, One Battle after Another

Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

Actress in a Leading Role

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue

Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value

Emma Stone, Bugonia

Actress in a Supporting Role

Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value

Amy Madigan, Weapons

Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners

Teyana Taylor, One Battle after Another

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:39 PM EDT

Which original songs will be performed live at the Oscars

Only two nominated songs will be performed live this year: “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from Sinners.

ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and RAE AMI of HUNTR/X from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ attend the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

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The remaining contenders will appear in pretaped segments, a compromise after last year’s ceremony skipped live performances entirely. Expect both numbers to be major social‑media moments.

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:33 PM EDT

Where to stream every best picture nominee before the show

All 10 best picture nominees — including Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, Sinners, The Secret Agent and Train Dreams — are available to rent or stream across major platforms.

Viewers can catch up on the full slate before the ceremony begins, but they'd better make it snappy.

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:29 PM EDT

The Oscars add a new category: What to know about Best Casting

For the first time in more than 20 years, the academy has introduced a new competitive award: best casting. Nominees include Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent and Sinners.

The addition brings the total number of categories to 24 and highlights the craft behind assembling standout ensembles.

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:25 PM EDT

What to expect on the 2026 Oscars red carpet

This year’s red carpet promises standout fashion from nominees including Jacob Elordi, Timothée Chalamet and Wunmi Mosaku.

ABC and Hulu will air the official preshow at 6:30 p.m. ET, while E!’s carpet coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET for viewers who want the full runway marathon.

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:22 PM EDT

What time the Oscars start — and where to watch live

The Oscars kick off at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT at the Dolby Theatre. ABC is the official broadcaster, with live streaming available on the ABC app and abc.com (with cable login).

Folks who stream can watch on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. The ceremony will also stream live on Hulu, continuing the academy’s shift toward digital platforms.

The ceremony airs globally, with CTV carrying the broadcast in Canada and ITV1 airing it in the U.K. The Oscars website provides a full international list, ensuring viewers worldwide can tune in live.

Utilize the Kalshi promo code NEWSWEEK and complete $10 in trades for the Oscars to get $10 in bonuses tonight. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)

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