Oscars 2026 Recap: Conan O’Brien, Canadian Wins, and a Celebration of Cinema

The 98th Academy Awards delivered something the ceremony has occasionally struggled to capture in recent years: a genuine celebration of movies. From the opening monologue to the final award of the night, the broadcast felt like a reminder of why the Oscars still matter—not just as a competition, but as a gathering point for people who love cinema.

A big reason the night worked so well was the host, Conan O’Brien, who struck exactly the right tone. His humour was sharp without being mean-spirited, playful without overstaying its welcome. He poked fun at Hollywood while still making it clear he deeply respects the industry. That balance is harder than it looks, but O’Brien handled it effortlessly. His opening monologue set the mood for the evening, and his intermittent check-ins throughout the broadcast kept the ceremony lively.

Above: Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue kicked off the evening, setting the tone for the award ceremony.

More importantly, the night felt like a celebration of filmmaking itself. The two movies that dominated conversations all year—One Battle After Another and Sinners—stood out as the defining works of the past year. Both films represent bold, confident storytelling and remind audiences why theatrical cinema still matters. They are the kind of movies that spark conversation long after the credits roll and seeing them recognized on Hollywood’s biggest stage felt entirely appropriate. In the end, it was One Battle After Another taking home Best Picture and six Oscars total, while Sinners received four.

The ceremony also delivered some meaningful milestones. One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when the award for Best Cinematography went to Autumn Durald Arkapaw for Sinners, the first female winner in the category’s history, a long-overdue recognition that reflects the evolving landscape of the industry. It was a moment that drew one of the night’s biggest standing ovations.

There were also outstanding performances recognized along the way, including Jessie Buckley (Hamnet). Buckley continues to prove she is one of the most compelling actors working today, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to every role she takes on. In my humble opinion, the best performance of the year.

As expected, Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor trophy, becoming the sixth black actor to win the statue.

Sean Penn won for his performance in One Battle After Another, but Penn has a complicated relationship with the Academy and did not attend.

Michael B. Jordan snagged the Best Actor award, Jesse Buckley earned Actress in a Leading Role, and Amy Madigan picked up Best Supporting Actress.

For Canadian film fans, there was also plenty to celebrate. Projects like The Girl Who Cried Pearls and KPop Demon Hunters were part of the broader conversation around international storytelling, while Frankenstein, filmed in Toronto, highlights how Canada remains a major hub for filmmaking. Seeing Canadian connections acknowledged on a global stage is always exciting.

International cinema also had a particularly strong showing this year. Films from across the world reminded audiences that great storytelling knows no borders. The Best International Feature award ultimately went to Sentimental Value, a beautiful and emotionally resonant film that captured hearts throughout the festival circuit before arriving at the Oscars.

And that may have been the most satisfying part of the evening for those who follow film closely. As a reviewer—and simply someone who loves movies—it’s incredibly rewarding to see films that first make waves at festivals eventually stand under the bright lights of the Oscar stage. Watching that journey unfold, from early buzz to industry recognition, is one of the great joys of covering cinema.

The night wasn’t perfect as there were some technical issues along the way, and several award winners were cut off during their acceptance speeches. Overall, it was a strong show.

The 2026 Oscars reminded us that beyond the trophies and speeches, the night is really about something simple: celebrating the art of storytelling on screen. And this year, Hollywood did exactly that.

Oscar Winners

Best Picture: One Battle After Another
Directing: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
Actress in a Leading Role: Jesse Buckley, Hamnet
Actor in a Leading Role Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Madigan, Weapons
Actor in a Supporting Role: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
Writing (Original Screenplay): Sinners
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): One Battle After Another
Animated Feature Film: KPop Demon Hunters
Animated Short Film: The Girl Who Cried Pearls
Casting: One Battle After Another
Cinematography: Sinners
Costume Design: Frankenstein
Documentary Feature Film: Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Documentary Short Film: All the Empty Rooms
Film Editing: One Battle After Another
International Feature Film: Sentimental Value
Live Action Short Film: (Tie) The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva
Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein
Music (Original Score): Sinners
Music (Original Song): KPop Demon Hunters
Production Design: Frankenstein
Sound: F1
Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash

Photos: Courtesy The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. (oscars.org)

For more movie content, check out Keith Whittier’s recap of some of the best and worst films he saw in 2026: 2026 OLA Movie Awards: Keith Whittier’s Fun Look at the Year in Film – Ottawa Life Magazine