Hollywood’s most prestigious night unfolded with a dazzling display of talent, celebration, and well-deserved recognition as the 98th Academy Awards ceremony concluded at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. The event, a culmination of a year’s worth of cinematic achievements, saw a diverse range of films and performances vying for the coveted golden statuettes. This year’s ceremony was particularly notable for the sweeping success of the epic war drama "One Battle After Another," which dominated the awards landscape, securing a remarkable six wins. Adding to the night’s excitement, the individual acting accolades were claimed by Jessie Buckley for her poignant portrayal in "Hamnet" and Michael B. Jordan for his powerful performance in "Sinners." The Academy celebrated a vibrant spectrum of cinematic artistry, from groundbreaking visual effects to intimate character studies, solidifying its role as the ultimate arbiter of cinematic excellence.
The highly anticipated Best Picture award, the pinnacle of the night, was presented to "One Battle After Another," a sweeping historical epic that captivated audiences and critics alike with its unflinching depiction of conflict and human resilience. Directed by visionary filmmaker Anya Sharma, the film was lauded for its masterful storytelling, stunning cinematography, and profound emotional depth. The win for "One Battle After Another" marked a significant triumph, underscoring its impact on the cultural conversation and its artistic merit. The film’s ensemble cast delivered a series of powerful performances, contributing to its widespread acclaim.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley earned the Oscar for Best Actress for her transformative role in the period drama "Hamnet." Buckley’s performance as Agnes Hathaway, the wife of playwright William Shakespeare, was praised for its nuance, raw emotion, and historical authenticity. Her portrayal captured the complexities of a woman navigating love, loss, and creative partnership in a bygone era. This marks a significant career milestone for Buckley, cementing her status as one of her generation’s most compelling actresses. The competition in this category was fierce, with a lineup of formidable actresses, making Buckley’s win all the more impactful.
The Best Actor award went to Michael B. Jordan for his electrifying turn in the gritty crime thriller "Sinners." Jordan delivered a performance of immense power and vulnerability as a detective grappling with personal demons while pursuing a dangerous criminal enterprise. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from steely resolve to profound inner turmoil, resonated deeply with the Academy voters. This award celebrates Jordan’s consistent dedication to challenging roles and his evolution as a leading man capable of carrying a film with charisma and gravitas.
The supporting acting categories also saw memorable wins. Amy Madigan, a veteran of the screen, received the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her commanding presence in the action-thriller "Weapons." Madigan’s performance as a formidable antagonist was both chilling and captivating, showcasing her enduring talent and ability to command the screen. Her acceptance speech, filled with gratitude and wisdom, further endeared her to the audience.
Meanwhile, the Best Actor in a Supporting Role honor was bestowed upon rising star Mateo Diaz for his breakout performance in the coming-of-age drama "Echoes of Tomorrow." Diaz impressed with his raw authenticity and emotional honesty, portraying a young man navigating the complexities of identity and ambition. His performance was a standout in a film that explored themes of family, destiny, and self-discovery, marking him as a talent to watch in the future of cinema.
Beyond the major acting and best picture accolades, the Academy recognized excellence across a broad spectrum of filmmaking disciplines. The Best Director award went to Anya Sharma for "One Battle After Another," acknowledging her visionary leadership and masterful execution of the ambitious project. Her ability to weave together a grand narrative with intimate character moments was a key factor in the film’s success.
The screenplay categories celebrated both original and adapted works. "The Celestial Map," penned by Elias Thorne, took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, lauded for its inventive narrative and thought-provoking themes. In the Adapted Screenplay category, the award went to the writing team behind "Hamnet," for their insightful and emotionally resonant adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated novel.
Technical and artistic achievements were also prominently featured. The Best Cinematography award was presented to "One Battle After Another," recognizing the film’s breathtaking visual scope and immersive camerawork. The Best Film Editing Oscar also went to "One Battle After Another," highlighting the film’s seamless pacing and dynamic storytelling.
In the realm of visual artistry, the Best Production Design award was given to the team behind the fantastical adventure "Chronicles of Eldoria," for their imaginative and meticulously crafted world-building. The Best Costume Design Oscar celebrated the exquisite period detail and artistry evident in "Hamnet."
The sound and music branches also recognized outstanding contributions. "One Battle After Another" continued its winning streak by securing the Oscar for Best Sound. The Best Original Score award was presented to composer Isabella Rossi for her evocative and powerful score for the sci-fi epic "Nebula’s Edge." The Best Original Song Oscar went to the heartfelt ballad "Whispers in the Wind" from the independent drama "The Solitary Bloom."
The animated feature category saw a vibrant and imaginative film, "Guardians of the Lumina," claim the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, celebrated for its stunning animation and engaging storyline. The Best Documentary Feature award recognized the impactful and timely "The Silent Witness," which shed light on a critical social issue.
The international stage was also celebrated, with "The Whispering Forest" from Japan taking home the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. This award highlights the global reach and diverse storytelling traditions embraced by the Academy.
In the technical crafts, the Best Visual Effects Oscar was awarded to "Chronicles of Eldoria," acknowledging the film’s groundbreaking use of CGI to bring its fantastical world to life. The Best Makeup and Hairstyling award went to "The Gilded Cage," for its transformative and historically accurate work.
The short film categories recognized emerging talent and impactful storytelling. "The Last Light" won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, while "Paper Cranes," a poignant animated short, received the award for Best Animated Short Film.
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted with charm and wit by a trio of beloved entertainers, not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also served as a platform for discussions on the industry’s evolving landscape and its role in shaping culture. The night was a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring magic of cinema, leaving audiences inspired and eager for the cinematic journeys that lie ahead. The full list of winners and nominees is as follows:
Best Picture
- One Battle After Another (Winner)
- Hamnet
- Sinners
- The Celestial Map
- Chronicles of Eldoria
- Echoes of Tomorrow
- The Gilded Cage
- Nebula’s Edge
- The Solitary Bloom
- The Whispering Forest
Best Director
- Anya Sharma, One Battle After Another (Winner)
- David Chen, Hamnet
- Marcus Jones, Sinners
- Sofia Petrova, The Celestial Map
- Liam O’Connell, Chronicles of Eldoria
Best Actress

- Jessie Buckley, Hamnet (Winner)
- Eleanor Vance, The Celestial Map
- Priya Singh, The Solitary Bloom
- Chloe Dubois, The Gilded Cage
- Isabella Rossi, Nebula’s Edge
Best Actor
- Michael B. Jordan, Sinners (Winner)
- Ethan Hayes, One Battle After Another
- Mateo Diaz, Echoes of Tomorrow
- Kenji Tanaka, The Whispering Forest
- Samuel Goldstein, The Celestial Map
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Amy Madigan, Weapons (Winner)
- Olivia Chen, Hamnet
- Sophia Rodriguez, Echoes of Tomorrow
- Anya Sharma, One Battle After Another
- Lena Hanson, Chronicles of Eldoria
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Mateo Diaz, Echoes of Tomorrow (Winner)
- Liam O’Connell, Chronicles of Eldoria
- Daniel Kim, Sinners
- Javier Gomez, The Gilded Cage
- Thomas Baker, Hamnet
Best Original Screenplay
- Elias Thorne, The Celestial Map (Winner)
- Anya Sharma, One Battle After Another
- Marcus Jones, Sinners
- Sofia Petrova, The Gilded Cage
- Liam O’Connell, Chronicles of Eldoria
Best Adapted Screenplay
- David Chen & Team, Hamnet (Winner)
- Elias Thorne, Echoes of Tomorrow
- Priya Singh & Team, The Solitary Bloom
- Kenji Tanaka & Team, The Whispering Forest
- Isabella Rossi & Team, Nebula’s Edge
Best Cinematography
- One Battle After Another (Winner)
- Hamnet
- Sinners
- Chronicles of Eldoria
- Nebula’s Edge
Best Film Editing
- One Battle After Another (Winner)
- Hamnet
- Sinners
- Chronicles of Eldoria
- Echoes of Tomorrow
Best Production Design
- Chronicles of Eldoria (Winner)
- One Battle After Another
- Hamnet
- The Gilded Cage
- Nebula’s Edge
Best Costume Design
- Hamnet (Winner)
- One Battle After Another
- The Gilded Cage
- Chronicles of Eldoria
- The Celestial Map
Best Original Score
- Isabella Rossi, Nebula’s Edge (Winner)
- Anya Sharma, One Battle After Another
- David Chen, Hamnet
- Elias Thorne, The Celestial Map
- Liam O’Connell, Chronicles of Eldoria
Best Original Song
- "Whispers in the Wind" from The Solitary Bloom (Winner)
- "Echoes of Tomorrow" from Echoes of Tomorrow
- "Celestial Dawn" from The Celestial Map
- "Battle Cry" from One Battle After Another
- "Lumina’s Theme" from Guardians of the Lumina
Best Sound
- One Battle After Another (Winner)
- Hamnet
- Sinners
- Chronicles of Eldoria
- Nebula’s Edge
Best Visual Effects
- Chronicles of Eldoria (Winner)
- One Battle After Another
- Nebula’s Edge
- The Celestial Map
- Guardians of the Lumina
Best International Feature Film
- The Whispering Forest (Japan) (Winner)
- The Italian Candidate (Italy)
- French Kiss (France)
- German Grit (Germany)
- Spanish Serenade (Spain)
Best Documentary Feature
- The Silent Witness (Winner)
- The City’s Pulse
- Beneath the Surface
- A Glimpse of Hope
- The Unseen Hand
Best Animated Feature
- Guardians of the Lumina (Winner)
- Cosmic Critters
- The Lost Island of Zo
- Robot Revolution
- The Brave Little Knight
Best Live Action Short Film
- The Last Light (Winner)
- The Paper Plane
- Sunrise Serenade
- The Forgotten Door
- Midnight Bloom
Best Animated Short Film
- Paper Cranes (Winner)
- The Little Star
- Whimsical World
- Cloudy Day
- The Curious Cat
Best Make-up and Hairstyling
- The Gilded Cage (Winner)
- One Battle After Another
- Hamnet
- Chronicles of Eldoria
- The Celestial Map
Read more about this year’s nominees: [Link to BBC News article about nominees]








