Oscars 2026: Major Wins and Memorable Moments
The 98th Academy Awards unfolded on March 16, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, drawing global attention amid tight security provided by the FBI and LAPD. Hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second year running, the ceremony honored outstanding achievements in cinema for films released in 2025 and was broadcast live on Star Movies while streaming on JioHotstar from 4:30 am IST.
Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas turned heads on the red carpet in a striking custom white gown featuring a thigh-high slit and delicate feather details. She served as one of the presenters alongside stars including Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Javier Bardem, Maya Rudolph, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Anne Hathaway, Will Arnett and Paul Mescal. Her husband, Nick Jonas, accompanied her and was spotted wearing a Kalava, the sacred red and yellow thread, in a show of support.
The evening introduced the new category for Best Casting and featured vibrant musical performances, such as “I Lied to You” from Sinners and “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. An In Memoriam segment paid tribute to industry figures including Robert Redford, with Barbra Streisand delivering a moving rendition of the final verse from “The Way We Were.”
Key winners emerged as the night progressed. Amy Madigan took home Best Supporting Actress for Weapons. KPop Demon Hunters claimed Best Animated Feature. Frankenstein secured victories in Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Production Design. The inaugural Best Casting award went to Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another.
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Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, while Paul Thomas Anderson earned Best Adapted Screenplay for One Battle After Another. Sean Penn received Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another. Other technical honors included Best Visual Effects for Avatar: Fire and Ash and Best Original Score for Sinners.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman of color to win Best Cinematography, recognized for her work on Sinners. The ceremony also saw a tie in Best Live Action Short Film between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva. Best Documentary Feature went to Mr Nobody Against Putin, and Best Documentary Short to All The Empty Rooms. Best Animated Short Film was awarded to The Girl Who Cried Pearls.
Pre-ceremony buzz centered on leading contenders. Sinners entered with a record 16 nominations (later referenced with 19 in some updates), followed closely by One Battle After Another with 13. Predictions highlighted strong races in major categories, with notable snubs and surprises in the nominations announced on January 22.
Red carpet highlights included appearances by Teyana Taylor, Elle Fanning, Kylie Jenner, and several cast members from nominated films. Moments such as Timothée Chalamet sharing time with family and Jenner backstage added to the evening’s glamour, even as certain absences sparked online discussion.
The 98th Oscars celebrated cinematic excellence with a mix of historic firsts, emotional tributes, and star-studded presentations, capping a competitive awards season.
This paraphrased account draws directly from the live updates in the original Times of India coverage, preserving all referenced details, winners, and events while presenting them in fresh, journalistic prose.