Top winners and unexpected highlights of the 2026 Oscars
Oscars 2026: new trends, records, and their global impact on cinema
First time at the Oscars: Best Casting category and its winner
The results of the 98th Oscars in 2026 reflected a shift in the global film industry. This year, attention focused not only on the front-runners but also on emerging trends revealed in the voting. The introduction of the ‘Best Casting’ category marked a major step, and the wide distribution of awards demonstrated the Academy’s commitment to diversity and recognition of achievements from different teams.
As noted by Divinity, the film ‘Una batalla tras otra,’ directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, became the evening’s big winner, earning six statuettes including Best Picture and Best Director. The film also received accolades for editing, adapted screenplay, supporting actor, and casting. This success confirms that, even in uncertain times for the industry, projects with strong direction and team work can gain the trust of film professionals.
Leaders and records
The film ‘Los pecadores’ by Ryan Coogler became the second most awarded title, setting a record with sixteen nominations. It ultimately won four: Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Score, and Best Cinematography. These results show that even with a large number of nominations, the competition remains intense and the distribution of awards is not always predictable.
Other notable participants included Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” which received three awards, and “Las guerreras K-pop” (directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans), which won two statuettes. The Spanish film “Sirat” by Oliver Laxe, despite its nominations for Best International Feature and Best Sound, went home empty-handed, sparking discussion among fans of national cinema.
New categories and unexpected decisions
This year, the Best Casting award was presented for the first time, reflecting changes in how film work is evaluated. “Una batalla tras otra” took the win in this new category, further boosting the film’s overall standing. Another highlight was the ex aequo award in the Best Live Action Short Film category—two projects, “The Singers” and “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” were deemed equally deserving. This is the seventh such tie in the history of the award, underscoring the Academy’s openness to unconventional choices.
The gala, hosted by Conan O’Brien, took place amid uncertainty in the industry but brought together Hollywood’s key figures. Alongside the awards ceremony, participants discussed pressing issues, emerging trends, and new challenges for cinema. According to Divinity, many experts note that this year’s distribution of awards could mark the beginning of a new era for the Oscars.
Industry impact
The introduction of new categories and a broader range of winners reflect the Academy’s aim to innovate and support diverse areas within cinema. This approach could influence the strategies of future projects and shift the balance in the competition for prestigious awards. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that such changes are already being discussed among producers and directors who are searching for new ways to draw attention to their work.
Interestingly, this year the attention to the Oscar 2026 ceremony was comparable to that of other major events in the entertainment world. For example, discussions about unexpected choices on the red carpet and the selection of celebrity companions became as hot a topic as the results themselves. Recalling a recent incident when Mario Casas’s choice sparked intense debate among guests and fans, it is clear that unexpected moments at ceremonies always spark a lively reaction from the public.
Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most influential directors of our time, with his work repeatedly recognized by critics and the professional community. His films are distinguished by deep psychological insight, attention to detail, and a unique narrative style. Anderson is known for assembling strong acting ensembles and creating projects that become major events in the film world. His success at Oscar 2026 has only strengthened his reputation as an industry leader, setting new standards of quality and inspiring colleagues to experiment.
