The movie “One Battle After Another” emerged as the top winner at this year’s Academy Awards, securing the coveted Oscar for best picture along with five additional accolades. Initially, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” led the nominations race with a groundbreaking 16 nods, ultimately triumphing in four categories.
Michael B. Jordan, the star of “Sinners,” clinched the best actor award, marking his debut win on his inaugural nomination and receiving a rousing standing ovation from the audience. Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley’s portrayal as William Shakespeare’s wife in “Hamnet” earned her the best actress award after a dominant performance during the 2026 award season, where she also secured accolades from the Golden Globe, Critics Choice, Actor, and BAFTA Film awards.
In other wins, Amy Madigan was honored with the best supporting actress award for her role in the movie “Weapons,” while Sean Penn bagged the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in “One Battle After Another,” marking his third Academy Award victory.
Canadian talents also shone brightly at the ceremony. Toronto director Maggie Kang accepted the Oscar for best animated feature for “KPop Demon Hunters,” while Canadian production designers Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau, along with makeup and hairstyling artists Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey, were recognized for their work on Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein.”
Furthermore, Montreal filmmakers Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski secured the award for best animated short film with “The Girl Who Cried Pearls.” “One Battle After Another” not only triumphed in the best picture and best supporting actor categories but also earned Paul Thomas Anderson his first-ever wins for best adapted screenplay and directing, in addition to awards for editing and casting, a newly introduced category after 24 years.
Similarly, “Sinners” scooped four awards, with Ryan Coogler’s win for best original screenplay and Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s victory for best cinematography, marking a historic moment as the first time a racialized woman clinched the award.
The film “Frankenstein,” filmed in Toronto, also secured three prestigious awards. The event, hosted by Conan O’Brien, saw a diverse array of winners across various categories, celebrating excellence in filmmaking.
