Oscars 2026 recap: The biggest winners and best moments

Host Conan O'Brien guided viewers through the evening.

ByMason Leib, Angeline Jane Bernabe, Emily Shapiro, and Katie Kindelan via GMA logo
Last Updated: March 15, 2026, 10:52 PM EDT

The biggest and brightest stars from across Hollywood and the world of entertainment gathered in Los Angeles on Sunday for the 98th Academy Awards.

"One Battle After Another" won the Oscar for best picture, while Jessie Buckley and Michael B. Jordan took home the Academy Awards for leading actress and leading actor. "One Battle After Another" won six total Oscars -- including best picture -- out of 13 nominations.

Scroll below to see how the night unfolded.

Mar 15, 2026, 10:20 PM EDT

Paul Thomas Anderson wins best director

Paul Thomas Anderson won the Oscar for best director for "One Battle After Another,” his second win of the night after taking home the Oscar for best adapted screenplay.

Paul Thomas Anderson accepts the Oscar for Best Director for "One Battle after Another" at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Mike Blake/Reuters

"The best part about being on a film crew is being with people, because we need each other," he said in his acceptance speech. "This is a wonderful gift, and I'm so happy to call the movies home."

Other nominees in the category were Chloé Zhao ("Hamnet"), Josh Safdie ("Marty Supreme"), Joachim Trier ("Sentimental Value") and Ryan Coogler ("Sinners").

Mar 15, 2026, 10:19 PM EDT

Stars celebrate in the audience

Behind-the-scenes photos show celebrities enjoying their night out at the Oscars, from a selfie with Kate Hudson, Demi Moore, and Emma Stone, to Chase Infiniti catching up with co-star Teyana Taylor.

Danny Fujikawa takes a selfie with Kate Hudson, Demi Moore, Emma Stone and Dave McCary at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Reuters

Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, and Kate Hudson at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti speak at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Richard Harbaugh/The Academy via Getty Images

Emma Stone and Jessie Buckley talk at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Mar 15, 2026, 10:17 PM EDT

'Golden' wins Academy Award for best original song

"Golden" from the film "KPop Demon Hunters" won the Oscar for best original song.

The song's music and lyrics were written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park.

“This award is not about success. It's about resilience,” EJAE said in her acceptance speech.

Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna performs on stage at the 98th Academy Awards, March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, Calif.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

This marks the first time a K-Pop song has won the category.

Other nominees in the category included "Dear Me" ("Diane Warren: Relentless," music and lyrics by Diane Warren); "I Lied to You" ("Sinners," music and lyrics by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson), "Sweet Dreams of Joy" ("Viva Verdi!" with music and lyrics by Nicholas Pike); and "Train Dreams" ("Train Dreams," with music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner and lyrics by Nick Cave).

Mar 15, 2026, 10:06 PM EDT

'Sentimental Value' wins for best international feature film

"Sentimental Value" (Norway) won the Oscar for best international feature film.

Other nominees in the category were "The Secret Agent" (Brazil), "It Was Just an Accident" (France), "Sirât" (Spain) and "The Voice of Hind Rajab" (Tunisia).

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