Highlights and Controversies of the 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, was marked by significant achievements and emotional moments. The ceremony saw "Sinners" emerge as a historic contender, receiving a record-breaking 16 nominations and winning four Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman and woman of color to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography for her work on "Sinners." Michael B. Jordan, in his acceptance speech, acknowledged the legacy of Black actors before him, stating, “God is good,” and expressed gratitude to Coogler for providing him the opportunity to be seen.

I Went to the Oscars® — And I Finally Got to Be in the Room

Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" won six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, marking a notable achievement for Anderson. The film's success, however, sparked discussions about the Academy's recognition of Black filmmakers, as Ryan Coogler, despite his film's historic nominations, did not win Best Director. This situation highlighted ongoing concerns regarding representation and recognition within the Academy, particularly in light of the #OscarsSoWhite movement, which began ten years prior.

I Went to the Oscars® — And I Finally Got to Be in the Room

The viewership for the Oscars fell to 17.86 million, a 9% decline from the previous year, marking a four-year low. Factors contributing to this decline included the length of the ceremony and competition from a World Baseball Classic semifinal, which attracted 7.37 million viewers. Despite the drop in numbers, the Oscars maintained its status as the most-watched primetime entertainment telecast of the season, with significant social media engagement, showing a 42% increase in impressions during the broadcast.

Hollywood Reporter

While the night celebrated progress, it also underscored the challenges that remain. Critics noted that despite the increased diversity in nominations and wins, the Academy still has not awarded a Black filmmaker with the Best Director Oscar. The sentiment echoed by April Reign, the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, emphasized the need for structural change rather than merely increasing representation. The night served as a reminder of both the progress made and the work still required to achieve true equity in Hollywood.

I Went to the Oscars® — And I Finally Got to Be in the Room

• “God is good,” — Michael B. Jordan, Best Actor Winner

I Went to the Oscars® — And I Finally Got to Be in the Room

• “Because I feel like I don’t get here without you guys,” — Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Best Cinematography Winner

I Went to the Oscars® — And I Finally Got to Be in the Room

• “Let’s have a martini. This is pretty amazing.” — Paul Thomas Anderson, Best Director Winner

I Went to the Oscars® — And I Finally Got to Be in the Room

The 98th Academy Awards encapsulated a complex mix of celebration and reflection, highlighting the achievements of Black artists while also confronting the ongoing disparities within the industry.

I Went to the Oscars® — And I Finally Got to Be in the Room