The 98th Academy Awards, or the Oscars, hosted by American comedian and television host Conan O’Brian, took place on March 15th, 2026. The Oscars recognize some of the best films released in the last year, serving as a reflection of Hollywood and the greater film industry throughout 2025. This year, the Oscars gave out awards in 24 categories recognizing multiple facets of filmmaking with awards ranging from Best Actor to Best Production Design, and even Best Costume Design. Some of the most anticipated awards of the night this year were dominated by Sinners and One Battle After Another, two of this season’s most acclaimed films. Besides this battle between the two films, particularly for the spot of Best Picture, the night also featured musical performances featuring the nominees, including performances from the cast of KPop Demon Hunters and Sinners.
Throughout the night, One Battle After Another and Sinners ended up taking home the most awards. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, won Best Actor–awarded to Michael B. Jordan–Best Original Script, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography. Meanwhile, One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, was a clear winner for the night with 6 awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Casting, Best Directing, Best Film Editing, Best Film, and Best Adapted Screenplay. While the race leading up to the Oscars was one that seemed to spend a significant portion discussing ballet and opera this year, a joke in response to Timothee Chalamet’s insensitive comments towards both industries, the winning films highlight a very different narrative.
The films that were marked winners this year were ones that celebrated creativity, but also culture and political commentary. Following KPop Demon Hunters' win in Best Animated Film, co-director Maggie Kang stated, “I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this.” When looking at films like Sinners, which is deeply rooted in cultural identity and One Battle After Another’s themes around revolution, there seems to be a small shift towards the recognition of culture and, most importantly, creativity. The way that these movies reflected and interpreted our modern day world is something that many viewers resonated with, including those on campus. As DJ Robinson ’29 said after watching Sinners, “the amount of cultural appeal and cultural significance… connecting it back to our own demons. In all honesty I think [it's] the best movie of 2025.”
The importance of cultural recognition and creativity have been vital to this season. These themes were seen in many of the winning films this season, including Frankenstein’s wins in Makeup and Hairstyling and Costume Design, a film whose distinct artistic direction stood out among many others from the season.
The 98th Oscars served as a night of many firsts for the Academy Awards too, including an inaugural award for casting. However, this night of milestones for the Academy also highlighted many of the faults within the film industry. For example, Micheal B. Jordan’s win in the Best Actor race marked the sixth black man to win the award within an almost century long history of the award’s existence. Furthermore, Sinners’ loss within the race for Best Director marked the passing of yet another year without a black winner.
The results of the Oscars do however signify a turning point in Hollywood at an increasingly important moment. In a time of political turmoil that is only furthered through our current connection to the greater world, it is vital that art can interpret what we see in daily life. Rather than the glut of sequels or franchises that are regularly released, this year’s Oscars season was able to highlight some of the most original films. The interesting part, however, was that the winning films for this year all built upon stories from our own history, whether it be a story that was first published in 19th century literature or the story of communities still alive today. As we go into the next year of film releases, the 99th Oscars nominees will have a lot to build upon when it comes to the story of this year’s awards.