Oscars latest: One Battle After Another takes top prize as Jessie Buckley and Michael B Jordan win gongs
Oscars 2026: A Night of Triumph and Style
The 2026 Academy Awards saw One Battle After Another dominate the ceremony, claiming six major awards. Among the standout performances, Jessie Buckley from Hamnet and Michael B. Jordan for Sinners secured the top acting honors. The evening’s highlights were captured in real-time by arts and entertainment correspondent Katie Spencer, who documented the red carpet buzz in Los Angeles.
Big Winners of the Night
One Battle After Another not only took home the best picture trophy but also awarded its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, with the best director honor. Buckley’s portrayal of a complex character in Hamnet earned her the best lead actress title, while Jordan’s role in the vampire-themed Sinners brought him the best lead actor award. The film, which has already garnered four Oscars, continues to make waves in the industry.
Post-Ceremony Highlights
Stars gathered at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, where the cast of Kpop Demon Hunters made a nostalgic reunion. The film, which follows K-pop idols battling supernatural forces, added to its accolades with wins for best original song and animated feature. Notable attendees included voice actors Ji-young Yoo, Ken Jeong, and May Hong, along with vocalists Arden Cho, Rei Ami, and Kevin Woo. The directors and animator also celebrated their breakthroughs.
While the ceremony was the main event, the afterparty offered its own share of memorable moments. Chase Infiniti from One Battle After Another arrived in a striking black outfit, while Rita Ora made a bold fashion statement with a dramatic headpiece. Michael B. Jordan, still in his Oscar-winning look, shared a tender moment with his statuette, affectionately kissing it for the cameras.
Unexpected Stars and Moments
Amid the glamour, surprises emerged. The cast of comedy Bridesmaids reconnected, and even Baby Yoda made a rare appearance. Timothee Chalamet, though missing out on an Oscar, stayed in the spotlight alongside girlfriend Kylie Jenner. Meanwhile, singer Brandi Carlile and her spouse, Catherine Carlile, attended the ceremony as a united front, showcasing the blend of artistry and personal moments.
Inside the winners’ room, culture and entertainment reporter Gemma Peplow provided an exclusive glimpse of the celebrations. The atmosphere was electric as stars reveled in their victories, but the night’s biggest story remained Kpop Demon Hunters’ relentless success. The Netflix sensation, already a two-time Oscar winner, has now added two more titles to its growing list of honors. Its achievements have sparked joy in South Korea, with one outlet calling it a “miracle” that underscores Seoul’s rising cultural impact.
From the Red Carpet to the Silver Screen
Co-director Maggie Kang, a first-time Oscar nominee, expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt speech:
“This win is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere. And for those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry it took us so long to see ourselves in a movie like this. But it’s here, and that means the next generations don’t have to go longing.”
The film’s success has already earned it two Golden Globes, two Critics’ Choice awards, and a Grammy—a historic first for a K-pop track.
As the dust settles, the Oscars have once again proven to be a platform for both recognition and reinvention. The aftermath continues to generate excitement, with Netflix confirming plans for a Kpop Demon Hunters sequel. For fans of the franchise, there’s no sign of slowing down.
