Key Oscar moments: Paul Thomas Anderson and Amy Madigan wins, outstanding songs and sad goodbyes

The 98th Academy Awards — held on March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles — delivered a night full of milestone victories, emotional speeches, historic firsts and heartfelt tributes to legends of cinema. Hosted with warmth and wit by Conan O’Brien, the annual celebration of film achievement combined glamour with profound reflection as the film community honored the past, celebrated the present and confronted industry losses.
A Win Years in the Making: Paul Thomas Anderson’s Triumph
One of the most talked‑about moments of the evening belonged to celebrated filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, who finally received long‑awaited Oscar recognition. Anderson’s 1970s‑inspired drama, One Battle After Another, was the night’s dominant film — winning Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay among a total of six awards.
Anderson, a perennial Oscars nominee, has long been acclaimed by critics and peers alike but had never taken home the Academy’s top prize. In his acceptance speech, he spoke with humility and gratitude, saying the film — adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland — was “meant for the people I love most,” and dedicated it to his children and collaborators. His victory was widely seen as a celebration of cinematic craft and storytelling persistence.
Historic Wins and Emotional Highlights
While Anderson’s night was remarkable, the acting categories delivered equally memorable moments:
Michael B. Jordan took Best Actor for his powerful performance in Sinners, a Southern Gothic vampire tale that also earned multiple technical wins.
Jessie Buckley became the first Irish woman to win Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, a film adaptation of the acclaimed historical novel.
Amy Madigan claimed Best Supporting Actress for her role in the horror film Weapons, capping an almost four‑decade journey between nominations and a win — the longest gap in Academy history for an actress.
Madigan’s acceptance speech was both heartfelt and humorous, as she thanked her co‑stars, director Zach Cregger, and her longtime husband, Ed Harris — whom she called her “beloved” — and spoke about perseverance in an industry where longevity is hard‑won.
Outstanding Songs and Musical Triumphs
Music played a standout role at this year’s Oscars, with several performances electrifying the audience and underscoring the breadth of the year’s cinematic soundscape. Among the most lauded was the original song “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, which won Best Original Song — a milestone moment that marked a growing global influence of K‑pop culture within mainstream Hollywood awards.
In addition, Sinners’ haunting track “I Lied to You” captivated listeners and reflected how music continues to shape narrative resonance in film. The ceremony’s musical segments ranged from rousing group performances to evocative live renditions, blending contemporary sound with cinematic tradition.
Tributes, Goodbyes and Emotional Losses
Perhaps the most poignant aspects of the night were the moments of remembrance. The Oscars’ in‑memoriam section honored some of the most influential figures the world lost over the past year. Names such as Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall and Catherine O’Hara were highlighted, reminding viewers of the deep well of talent and storytelling they contributed to over decades.
Following the tribute, legendary actor Robert Redford received a special commendation from longtime collaborator Barbra Streisand, who delivered a moving homage to Redford’s storied career — a segment that drew sustained applause and underscored the depth of his artistic legacy.
Laughter, Reflection and Cultural Commentary
Host Conan O’Brien’s role went beyond humor; his commentary threaded levity with gravity, reflecting on Hollywood’s role in broader cultural conversations. O’Brien’s monologue and banter struck a balance between celebration and thoughtful introspection — acknowledging global challenges while championing cinema as a communal medium for storytelling and empathy.
Reunions also punctuated the night’s emotional arc, with stars from Bridesmaids, Moulin Rouge! and even the Avengers franchise taking the stage to celebrate cinematic moments that have defined generations. These callbacks were more than crowd‑pleasers — they were reminders of cinema’s power to unite diverse audiences.
What the Night Signified
The 98th Academy Awards represented more than just handing out gold statuettes. It was a night where long‑awaited recognition, historic firsts, musical celebration and nostalgic remembrance converged, making it one of the most emotionally rich ceremonies in recent years. Whether through Paul Thomas Anderson’s triumph, Amy Madigan’s long journey to an Oscar or the global resonance of songs like “Golden,” the event reinforced the Oscars’ role in celebrating cinematic artistry and cultural impact.