Oscars 2026 Live: ‘One Battle After Another’ wins the Oscar race
Despite record 16 nominations, Ryan Coogler's Sinner fails to live up to the hype; here are updates on winners, highlights, and much action from Dolby Theatre
Hollywood's biggest night is here. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and all eyes are on one film: Sinners. Ryan Coogler's film has received 16 nominations, the most in Oscar history, surpassing the previous record of 14 shared by All About Eve, Titanic and La La Land.
Also read | Why the 2026 Academy Awards look set to be a two-film race for the ‘Big Five'
Conan O'Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year. But the glitter comes with a sombre backdrop — the ongoing Iran war looms over Hollywood's annual celebration, and O'Brien has said he will try to "walk a very thin line between entertaining people and acknowledging some of the realities."
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is among the presenters at this year's ceremony, joining Hollywood names including Robert Downey Jr and Anne Hathaway.
Here are the updates on the winners, moments and surprises as they happen.
Live Updates
- 16 March 2026 5:24 AM IST
Kate Hawley takes home the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Frankenstein! A stunning win for a film that clearly made its mark far beyond the screen. Guillermo del Toro's gothic vision demanded extraordinary craftsmanship, and Hawley delivered in spectacular fashion. In her acceptance speech, she offered heartfelt thanks to the makers, her family, and Netflix. A richly deserved award for one of the night's most visually striking films.
- 16 March 2026 5:11 AM IST
And the streak continues! Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski have taken home the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for The Girl Who Cried Pearls. A beautiful win for a beautiful film.
The Oscar for Best Animated Short Film goes to... THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/X9BmtmahLv
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 15, 2026 - 16 March 2026 5:10 AM IST
History has been made at the 98th Academy Awards! Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle L.M. Wong have taken home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for Kpop Demon Hunters — and the Dolby Theatre absolutely erupted. In a genuinely moving acceptance speech, Maggie Kang dedicated the win to "Koreans everywhere," a moment that will no doubt go down as one of the night's most memorable. A well-deserved win for a film that captured hearts worldwide.
Idols by day. Hunters by night. Oscar winners tonight. KPOP DEMON HUNTERS secures the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/J2a58sJ2Ci
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 15, 2026 - 16 March 2026 5:08 AM IST
Amy Madigan shines as Aunt Gladys in Weapons, earning 2026 Actor Award for Best Supporting Actress. At 75, her menacing yet charismatic turn marks her 2nd Oscar nod—40 years after Twice in a Lifetime (nominated.) This is her first Oscar
Congratulations to Amy Madigan for winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for WEAPONS! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/WEOE5AoHCf
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 15, 2026 - 16 March 2026 5:04 AM IST
The 98th Academy Awards are underway, and Conan O'Brien wasted no time making his mark. The late-night legend opened the ceremony with a sharp, self-aware monologue, christening himself the "last human host of the Oscars" — a quip that brought the Dolby Theatre to its feet. The crowd loved it, and honestly? So did we. If this is how the night begins, we're in for a good one.
