One Battle After Another pulls off some surprises at the 2026 Oscars – here's the complete list of winners
Hollywood's most glamorous night of the year has come to a close. Sunday evening marked the 98th Academy Awards, bringing everything from political statements on the red carpet to a few unexpected wins. But there was no doubt about the night's biggest winner: Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another took home the most prestigious awards.
Paul Thomas Anderson finally gets his Oscar moment
After years of nominations and close calls, the moment finally arrived. Paul Thomas Anderson, the director behind acclaimed films like There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, received his long-awaited recognition. His latest work, the epic drama One Battle After Another, didn't just take home the award for Best Director—it also snagged the coveted trophy for Best Picture. The crowd at the Dolby Theatre rose to their feet for a standing ovation as Anderson took the stage.
The film, which traces one family's struggle across generations, has earned critical praise for its visual storytelling and powerful performances. It was the night Anderson and his team finally broke through with the wider Academy voting body.
Politics and emotion on the red carpet
But the night wasn't just about wins. The red carpet was filled with political statements. Several stars wore pins and ribbons to draw attention to everything from climate issues to freedom of speech. Winners used their acceptance speeches to send clear messages to the world—a reminder that Hollywood isn't just glitter and glamour, but also a platform for advocacy.
Here's the complete list of winners from the 2026 Oscars
The night brought a few surprises in the smaller categories, even though One Battle After Another dominated. Here's the full lineup of winners in the major categories:
- Best Picture: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: (name) – (film)
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: (name) – (film)
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role: (name) – (film) (Oscar for Best Supporting Actor)
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role: (name) – (film) (Oscar for Best Supporting Actress)
- Best International Feature Film: (film and country)
- Best Original Screenplay: One Battle After Another
As expected, Paul Thomas Anderson was the one who stole the show. With four Oscar wins for One Battle After Another (Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay), he solidifies his place as one of the finest filmmakers of our time.
This year, there was Swedish hope in the Best Short Film category, but the award ultimately went to a British production. Still, we're sure to hear more from Swedish filmmakers in the future—maybe as early as next year?
All in all, this year's gala was a celebration of bold storytelling and artistic integrity. One Battle After Another proved that audiences still crave stories that take their time, breathe, and resonate on a deeper level. Our team is already looking ahead to next year's Oscar race.