The 2026 Academy Awards: ‘One Battle After Another’ Earns More Than a Few Small Oscars - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2026-03-16

Duration: 5328

Guests: Amanda Dobbin

Summary

The 98th Academy Awards marked several historic wins, including Paul Thomas Anderson's triple Oscar victory for 'One Battle After Another' and the first-ever win for a woman in cinematography. The episode also touches on the emotional and evolving significance of the Oscars.

What Happened

The 98th Academy Awards were a landmark event, with 'One Battle After Another' securing six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Adapted Screenplay. Paul Thomas Anderson achieved a rare feat by winning in all three categories on the same night, a testament to his distinguished career. The episode highlights how these wins often come later in filmmakers' careers, showcasing Anderson's persistence and artistry.

Michael B. Jordan's win as Best Actor for 'Sinners' was another highlight, marking a significant achievement for the film. The episode discusses the impact of such wins on the actors' careers and the films they represent, often boosting their visibility and success. Jesse Buckley's Best Actress win for 'Hamnet' is also noted, demonstrating the diverse range of talent recognized this year.

This year introduced a new category for Best Casting, which Cassandra Kulacundis won for 'One Battle After Another'. This new category is considered a potential indicator of future Best Picture winners, hinting at the evolving nature of the Oscars. The inclusion of this award represents a shift in recognizing the broader team efforts behind successful films.

Autumn Artemis made history by becoming the first woman to win Best Cinematography, another significant first for the Academy Awards. Her win, highlighted by Ryan Coogler bringing her son to her seat, exemplifies the emotional and personal connections celebrated during the Oscars. This win underscores the growing recognition of women's contributions in historically male-dominated categories.

The episode reflects on the camaraderie and support among filmmakers and actors during the awards, emphasizing the community's role in celebrating artistic achievements. Tributes to legends like Diane Keaton and Robert Redford were heartfelt, adding to the ceremony's emotional depth. The extended in-memoriam section reminded listeners of the industry's losses over the past year.

Conan O'Brien returned as host, injecting humor and political commentary into the ceremony. While his monologue received mixed reviews, his acknowledgment of global issues and the power of movies resonated with many. The episode also mentions Javier Bardem's political statement on stage, illustrating the platform's influence beyond entertainment.

Notably, the Oscars included a tie in the live-action short film category for the first time in over a decade. The presenter skillfully managed the situation, allowing both winners to give their acceptance speeches. This moment highlighted the unpredictable nature of live events and the professionalism required to handle them smoothly.

The episode concludes with insights into the Oscars' broadcast and viewership, noting that streaming played a significant role in reaching audiences. With the box office up from the previous year, the episode suggests a renewed interest in film and awards ceremonies, hinting at a positive trend for the industry.

Key Insights