One Battle After Another triumphs at the 2026 Oscars – here's the full list of winners
Hollywood's most glamorous night of the year is officially over. Sunday evening saw the 98th Academy Awards take place, bringing with it a mix of political statements on the red carpet and a fair few surprises. But there was no doubt about the night's biggest winner: Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another swept the board, taking home the most prestigious awards.
Paul Thomas Anderson finally lands his Oscar
After years of nominations and near-misses, the moment finally arrived. Paul Thomas Anderson, the director behind acclaimed films such as 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 scoop the award for Best Director but also the coveted statuette for Best Picture. The audience in the Dolby Theatre rose to their feet for a standing ovation as Anderson took to the stage.
The film, which charts one family's struggle across generations, has been lauded by critics 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
Yet the evening wasn't solely defined by victories. The red carpet was laden with political statements. Several stars sported pins and ribbons to highlight causes ranging from climate change to freedom of speech. Winners used their acceptance speeches to send clear messages to the world – a reminder that Hollywood is not just about glitz and glamour, but also serves as a platform for opinion.
Here are all the winners from the 2026 Oscars
The night delivered a few surprises in the lower-profile categories, even though One Battle After Another was the dominant force. Here is the full list of winners in the major categories:
- Best Picture: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
- Best Actor: (name) – (film)
- Best Actress: (name) – (film)
- Best Supporting Actor: (name) – (film) (Oscar for Best Supporting Actor)
- Best Supporting Actress: (name) – (film) (Oscar for Best Supporting Actress)
- Best International Feature Film: (film and country)
- Best Original Screenplay: One Battle After Another
As expected, it was Paul Thomas Anderson who ultimately stole the show. With his four Oscar statuettes for One Battle After Another (Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay), he cements his place as one of the foremost filmmakers of our time.
There was Swedish interest this year in the Best Live Action Short Film category, but unfortunately, the award went to a British production. However, we're sure to hear more from Swedish filmmakers in the future – perhaps as early as next year?
In summary, this year's ceremony was a celebration of bold storytelling and artistic integrity. One Battle After Another proved that audiences still crave narratives that take their time, breathe, and resonate on a deeper level. Here in the newsroom, we'll be keeping a close eye on developments and are already looking forward to next year's Oscars race.