This year’s Academy Awards did something they do not always do: They were genuinely competitive. Even when the winners were not what I had hoped for, the uncertainty in many of the categories made the night feel truly engaging rather than predictable.
Among the night’s biggest highlights was Michael B. Jordan’s Best Actor win, a result that felt both deserved and gratifying. I had predicted his victory (but not with complete confidence) so seeing his name called for his performance in “Sinners”, where he played multiple characters, made the moment even more special.
Similarly, Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress victory for her performance in “Hamnet” came as no surprise; she had been the clear frontrunner for weeks, and her performance absolutely warranted the recognition.
Sean Penn also took home the Supporting Actor award for a performance that, regardless of his controversial reputation, was difficult to discredit. His work in “One Battle After Another” stood out as one of the most memorable of the year.
In the Supporting Actress category, Amy Madigan was a solid choice for her chilling performance in “Weapons,” but I was hoping to see Wunmi Mosaku or Teyana Taylor take the award. Both delivered performances that felt more memorable and, in my opinion, more deserving of the moment.
The biggest letdown of the night was Best Picture. I firmly believe “Sinners” should have won, as it was the most powerful and resonant film of the year. That being said, I did expect “One Battle After Another” to win, so the outcome was not surprising, just disappointing. While “One Battle After Another” is undeniably an impressive film, it feels like the kind that may fade over time, whereas “Sinners” stands out as a truly emotional, crowd-pleasing experience with lasting impact.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Best Director win for “One Battle After Another” felt inevitable, marking a long-overdue moment of recognition from the Academy. Despite an extensive career filled with exceptional films, major awards have largely eluded him until now, making this win especially significant.
The screenplay awards offered some balance. Both “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” received recognition, reflecting the strength of storytelling this year and offering a measure of justice for “Sinners.”
If there was one film that was truly overlooked, it was “Bugonia.” In my opinion, it was one of the best films of the year, and its complete shutout was surprising. Jesse Plemons, especially, deserved far more recognition for his performance in the film.
On the technical side, “Frankenstein” dominated, winning the awards for Production Design, Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling. These victories underscored the film’s visual ambition and craftsmanship, and its visual elements were among the most impressive of the year, so I am content with its spotlight.
The Best Original Song category was another frustrating moment for me. While “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” is an incredibly popular track, I found “I Lied to You” from “Sinners” far more emotional and impactful, and I believe it should have won.
Despite a few contentious outcomes, the ceremony stood out for its genuine sense of competition. Unlike some previous years, many categories felt uncertain until the final moments, adding tension and excitement to the night.
Notably, “Marty Supreme” left the ceremony without a single win, marking a surprising shutout for a film that had entered the night with notable expectations.
In the end, the 2026 Oscars balanced celebration with controversy, a reminder of both the subjectivity of awards and the strength of this year’s cinematic landscape. Even without the top award, “Sinners” will stand the test of time, cementing its place in history.
