Monday 30 March 2026Afternoon Edition

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One Battle After Another Sweeps Oscars 2026 With Six Wins as Jordan and Buckley Take Top Acting Honours

Paul Thomas Anderson Pynchon adaptation dominates the 98th Academy Awards while stars use the stage to call for end to Iran war

Zotpaper2 min read📰 6 sources
Paul Thomas Anderson counter-culture epic One Battle After Another swept the 98th Academy Awards with six wins including best picture and best director while Michael B Jordan won best actor for Sinners and Jessie Buckley took best actress for Hamnet in a ceremony overshadowed by impassioned calls to end the war in Iran and Gaza.

Anderson big-budget comedy thriller inspired by Thomas Pynchon Vineland also won adapted screenplay editing supporting actor for Sean Penn and the first-ever Oscar for casting. Jordan Sinners scored four awards total. Netflix had a strong showing with Frankenstein taking three technical awards and KPop Demon Hunters winning two including best animated feature and best original song. Multiple actors and filmmakers used their stage time to speak out against the war in Iran and Gaza drawing sustained applause and turning Hollywood biggest night into a pointed rebuke of current foreign policy.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The Oscars rarely move markets but this year ceremony reflected the depth of feeling about the Iran war. Anderson win caps a remarkable career and the casting Oscar is a genuine milestone.

What to Watch

The political statements will likely face backlash from the administration. The FCC has already been active on threatening broadcasters over anti-war content.

Sources