The Night Hollywood Went Properly Mad for One Film

Every year Hollywood gathers for one big, glamorous night where stars dress to the nines, cameras flash like mad, and someone inevitably cries during their acceptance speech. The 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, was exactly that kind of night—dramatic, emotional, and at times a bit chaotic in the best possible way.

Held at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony was once again hosted by the quick-witted comedian Conan O'Brien. With his usual sarcastic charm and cheeky humour, he guided viewers through nearly four hours of awards, speeches, jokes, and the occasional awkward moment that makes the Oscars such a brilliant watch.

But let’s be honest—this year’s ceremony belonged to one film.

One Film That Absolutely Dominated the Night

The clear winner of the evening was One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

The film walked away with six Oscars, including the biggest prize of all—Best Picture. By the end of the night, it felt like every second envelope had the same title inside. If you were keeping score at home, it was basically the One Battle After Another show.

Anderson himself also won Best Director, marking a huge moment in his career. After years of being praised by critics and film fans alike, he finally got the big recognition on Hollywood’s biggest stage.

Another major win connected to the film came when Sean Penn took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the movie.

Safe to say the team behind the film must’ve had an absolutely cracking night.

The Acting Awards Brought Big Moments

While one film dominated the ceremony, the acting categories still gave audiences plenty to talk about.

The Best Actor award went to Michael B. Jordan for his intense role in the film Sinners. His win was a huge milestone in Hollywood history and one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

Meanwhile, Best Actress went to Jessie Buckley for her performance in Hamnet. The Irish actress delivered an emotional speech that clearly meant the world to her.

In the supporting categories, the awards were shared between two powerful performances.

Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for the film Weapons, while Sean Penn’s win for One Battle After Another added yet another trophy to the film’s growing collection.

A Night of Historic Firsts

The 2026 Oscars weren’t just about big films—they were also about breaking new ground.

One of the most important moments came when cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners. Her victory made history, marking the first time a woman—and the first Black cinematographer—has ever won the award.

Another interesting change to the Oscars came with the introduction of a brand-new category: Best Casting. The very first winner of this award was casting director Cassandra Kulukundis for her work on One Battle After Another.

Fans of global music also had something to celebrate. The song Golden from the film KPop Demon Hunters became the first K-Pop song ever to win Best Original Song at the Oscars. For K-Pop fans around the world, that moment was massive.

Emotional Tributes and Powerful Messages

The Oscars are always about more than just awards. They’re also a chance for Hollywood to honour the legends who shaped the industry.

This year’s In Memoriam segment paid tribute to several beloved icons, including Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner.

One of the most touching moments of the night came when the legendary singer Barbra Streisand performed a musical tribute dedicated to Redford. The theatre went quiet as the audience reflected on the incredible careers of those who helped shape cinema.

There were also moments when the ceremony touched on real-world issues. Actor Javier Bardem used his time on stage to call for peace, delivering a message that received loud applause from many in the audience.

Conan’s Cheeky Hosting Style

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Oscars without a bit of comedy—and Conan O'Brien delivered plenty of it.

From playful jabs at Hollywood egos to jokes about the length of the show itself, he kept the audience laughing throughout the night. One of the strangest moments came in a pre-recorded comedy sketch where he jokingly gets “eliminated” after being named the Oscars host for life.

It was weird, it was silly, and honestly… very on brand for Conan.

The 98th Academy Awards ended up being a night packed with memorable moments. One film dominated the ceremony, several actors reached career-defining milestones, and history was made in more than one category.

From emotional speeches to cheeky jokes and groundbreaking wins, the 2026 Oscars reminded everyone why the event remains one of the most talked-about nights in entertainment.

And if this year proved anything, it’s that in Hollywood, one great film can still steal the entire show. Proper cinematic magic, that.