The 98th Academy Awards delivered a night of historic wins, emotional speeches, and cultural milestones that will be talked about for years. Here are the biggest moments from the 2026 Oscars.

Michael B. Jordan Wins Best Actor for Sinners

Michael B. Jordan took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Sinners, the film that earned a record-breaking 16 nominations the most in Oscar history. Jordan, who has been a force in Hollywood for over a decade, finally got his gold statue in a moment that felt long overdue.

Sinners also made history in the cinematography category, where Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman ever to win Best Cinematography. A double win for a film that pushed boundaries both in front of and behind the camera.

Best Picture Goes to One Battle After Another

One Battle After Another claimed the top prize of the night, winning Best Picture in what many considered a tight race. The film resonated with audiences and voters alike for its raw storytelling and powerful performances.

Paul Thomas Anderson Takes Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director, with the award presented by none other than Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Anderson, known for masterworks like There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, added another defining achievement to his legendary career.

Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress

Jessie Buckley took home Best Actress, capping off a breakout awards season. The Irish actress delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the year, solidifying her status as one of the most talented actors of her generation.

A Night of Firsts

Beyond the major categories, the 2026 Oscars introduced the first-ever casting award, which went to Cassandra Kulukundis. The addition of this category recognized the often-overlooked art of casting, a move that was widely praised across the industry.

From Michael B. Jordans long-awaited triumph to the historic cinematography win, the 2026 Oscars proved that Hollywoods best nights are the ones that rewrite the record books.