‘One Battle After Another’ wins best picture at 2026 Oscars
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“One Battle After Another,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s political epic, took home the award for best picture at Sunday night’s Oscars, edging out “Sinners,” which gained considerable momentum late in the game, in a tight and dramatic race to the finish line.
Entering the night with 13 nominations, the film had been an early favorite after sweeping most of the major industry prizes, including the PGA Award — a key bellwether in this category. But “Sinners” picked up steam after claiming top prizes for “Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan, as well as the film’s ensemble cast, at the recent Actor Awards and created a tense run-up to the Oscars. It all made for an unpredictable moment for the Oscars’ main category, even as Warner Bros., the studio behind both movies, stood to have a rare and enviable night whatever the outcome — while in the midst of a takeover deal that could rock the industry.
Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley won top acting prizes; “One Battle After Another” bests “Sinners” for Oscars gold. Catch up on the winners, the fashion and what happened at the show — and after.
As “One Battle After Another” was announced for best picture by Nicole Kidman, the room erupted into a standing ovation and Anderson quickly embraced his longtime partner, comedian Maya Rudolph, who held onto his directing award.
Chase Infiniti jumped and audibly screamed onstage as the actors and filmmakers embraced and celebrated the final win of the night. Teyana Taylor looked tearful as Anderson accepted the award for his 10th film alongside fellow producer Sara Murphy (and in memory of the late Adam Somner).
“My heart is exploding in gratitude. ... Thank you to my family, I’m grateful,” Murphy said, turning to Anderson. “Paulie!”
Anderson was beaming and breathless as he held the award, joined by lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio and the rest of the cast.
“We’re happy to be part of this, a wonderful journey with our fellow nominees and filmmakers, even those who weren’t recognized by the academy,” Anderson said.
Sean Penn won the Oscar for supporting actor Sunday for his role, but he did not attend the ceremony, with presenter Kieran Culkin accepting the award on his behalf.
He began by recalling the Oscars for films released in 1975, when “Dog Day Afternoon,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Jaws” were up for best picture.
“There is no best among them, there is just what that mood might be that day,” Anderson said, referring to the competitive field.
The crowd’s applause only grew as Anderson, admitting that he “blew it” in not acknowledging his cast for his previous directing win, looked over at the film’s breakout star, Infiniti, whose eyes welled.
“Chase, my American girl, Chase, you are the heart of this movie,” Anderson said in an emotional dedication. “You guys, let’s have a martini, this is pretty amazing!”
Times columnists spent the 2026 Oscars ceremony discussing the winners, speeches, presenters and much more. Here’s their take on the best and worst moments of the night.
“One Battle After Another” is a satirical action-thriller with an intense and timely exploration of American extremism that stars DiCaprio as a retired revolutionary forced back into action. Overall, it took home six Oscars, including directing and adapted screenplay for Anderson and supporting actor for Sean Penn, who missed the ceremony.
In the best picture category, “One Battle After Another” defeated “Sinners” — which won four Oscars, including lead actor and original screenplay — “Hamnet,” “Sentimental Value,” “The Secret Agent,” “Bugonia,” “Marty Supreme,” “Frankenstein,” “F1” and “Train Dreams.”
Now available to stream on HBO Max, “One Battle After Another” collected $209.4 million at the worldwide box office.
