One Battle After Another steals the show at the 2026 Oscars – here's the full list of winners
Hollywood's most glamorous night of the year is officially wrapped. The 98th Academy Awards took over the big stage on Sunday night, bringing a mix of political statements on the red carpet and a few genuine surprises. But when it came to the big winner, there was no question: Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another walked away with the night's most prestigious awards.
Paul Thomas Anderson finally gets his Oscar moment
After years of nominations and near-misses, the wait is finally over. Paul Thomas Anderson, the visionary director behind acclaimed films like There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, has earned his long-overdue recognition. His latest project, the sweeping family drama One Battle After Another, didn't just pick up the award for Best Director—it also snagged the coveted trophy for Best Picture. The crowd at the Dolby Theatre rose to their feet as Anderson took the stage.
The film, which traces a family's struggles across generations, has been praised by critics for its stunning visuals and powerhouse performances. It was the night Anderson and his team finally broke through with the broader Academy voting body.
Politics and raw emotion on the red carpet
But it wasn't all about the wins. The red carpet was also a platform for political statements. A number of stars wore pins and ribbons highlighting causes ranging from climate action to freedom of speech. Acceptance speeches doubled as calls to action—a sharp reminder that Hollywood can be about more than just glitz and glamour; it's also a space for speaking out.
Here's every winner from the 2026 Oscars
While One Battle After Another dominated the night, there were still a few curveballs in the smaller categories. Here's the complete list of winners in the major fields:
- 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 man of the hour. With four Oscars for One Battle After Another (Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay), he's cemented his reputation as one of the finest filmmakers of his generation.
There was Kiwi interest this year in the Best Short Film category, but the award ultimately went to a British production. Still, expect to hear more from our local filmmakers in the near future—maybe even next year?
All up, this year's ceremony was a tribute to bold storytelling and creative integrity. One Battle After Another proved that audiences still crave narratives that take their time, breathe, and hit you right in the feels. We'll be keeping a close eye on the awards race as it heats up for next year.