The red carpet in front of the iconic Dolby Theatre may have been a bit drenched in the unpredictable California weather this year, but the real storm was inside the hall, as the 2026 Oscars delivered exactly the megalomaniacal dose of glitz and Hollywood drama we live for. Champagne flowed, flashbulbs hysterically chased haute couture masterpieces, and that specific, heady mix of sinfully expensive perfumes and pure vanity fluttered in the air. Oh, Hollywood, how we missed you at your most dazzling, beautifully exaggerated!
If you were perhaps cynically shaking your head in front of your television screen, thinking that the proverbially conservative Academy really can't surprise you anymore, Oscars 2026 have proven the opposite. We've got absolutely everything: from historic, groundbreaking victories that brought elite audiences to genuine tears, to those delicious, slightly ironic moments when the biggest stars have to practice their best "I'm so happy for you" smile in front of thousands of cameras while coming away empty-handed. Make yourself a cup of your favorite coffee (or the rest of the sparkling wine, we don't judge) and get comfortable - let's go straight into the heart of the night, which we'll be discussing over coffee all spring long.
Who won the 2026 Oscars?
The red carpet is rolled out, the champagne is drunk, and the statuettes have found new owners. This year's Oscars served up everything we love: historic wins, glamour, and that real Hollywood drama. Who won, who left empty-handed, and why will we be talking about this evening for a long time to come? Make your favorite coffee, let's go to Los Angeles!
The evening Paul Thomas Anderson finally got his
If there was an award for the most patient man in Hollywood, I would definitely win it. Paul Thomas Anderson. But hey, after all these years he didn't have to wait for consoling applause anymore! His epic film One Battle After Another literally swept the competition and took home six golden statuettes, including the most coveted ones – for best picture and best director. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio (who, although he was left without a statuette in the main category, did not feel too bad, according to eyewitnesses at the after-party, as he was extremely confident in handling a glass of red wine), was the absolute favorite and justified every second of that Hollywood pomp.
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Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley: The King and Queen of Hollywood
The Best Actor category was as tense as the finale of a fashion show in Paris this year. But the golden boy of the night was undoubtedly Michael B. Jordan for his stunning dual role in the vampire horror film Sinners. Sorry, Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, but this was a night when new rules were written. Michael B. Jordan made history as the first actor to win an Oscar for playing twins. His acceptance speech? Perfect. Just the right amount of emotion, just the right amount of charm, and a profound tribute to the black legends who paved his way.
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On the women's side, an exceptional performance was celebrated Jessie Buckley for a role in a drama HamnetNot only did she beat out heavyweights like Emma Stone, she also became the first Irish actress in history to win the Oscar for Best Actress. What timing, right? Her smile as she accepted the award was brighter than all the diamonds that walked past the photographers that night.
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Minor, but by no means insignificant roles
In the supporting roles categories, we got the perfect mix of pleasant surprises and proven Hollywood veterans. Sean Penn is for the role in One Battle After Another has already won his third Oscar. Apparently, he must be seriously considering buying a new showcase just for these golden boys at home. In the women's category, the 75-year-old brought the hall to its feet Amy Madigan with his win for the film WeaponsAnyone who still claims that Hollywood is obsessed with youth and perfect Instagram filters clearly didn't watch this year's awards. Amy proved that talent and raw charisma are absolutely timeless!
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Historical milestones and the K-pop madness
The movie Sinners visionary Ryan Coogler's film came into the awards ceremony with a record-breaking 16 nominations. Although it ultimately won "only" in four categories, these victories were literally groundbreaking. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman in the Academy's 98-year history to win an Oscar for best cinematography. Finally! It was time for the Academy to reward those who actually make our favorite stars look so damn aesthetically pleasing on screen. Her call for all the women in the room to stand up was undoubtedly the moment of the evening.
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Then there's that moment when Hollywood had to admit that the world was moving in new directions. Netflix's hit K-Pop Demon Hunters won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. And what's even more amazing? Their hit Golden became the first K-pop song in history to win an Oscar for original song. It seems that K-pop has now officially won the most prestigious hall in Los Angeles.
A new category for those who really do the lion's share
If you thought there was no more room for innovation, you're wrong. This year, for the first time in history, we also saw the Oscar for Best Casting. Cassandra Kulukundis deservedly won the statuette for her incredible combination of talents in One Battle After Another. We all know that even a great dress can't fix bad posture, and the same goes for movies - without a perfect cast, there is no masterpiece.
Oscars 2026: Top Winners by Category (to Keep You Up to Date)
Best Film: One Battle After Another
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Best International Film: Sentimental Value (Norway)
Best Animated Film: KPop Demon Hunters
Best Photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Sinners)
Best Casting: Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another)
