The evening of March 15, 2026, saw the 98th Academy Awards for the Oscars! And I know I am a little late to the party when I say this but… Wow. History was made that night. With “Sinners”, “KPop Demon Hunters”, and “One Battle After Another” 2026 has seen many films that are more than deserving of their awards that I am excited to discuss.
First, let’s discuss the elephant in the room. 2025’s “Sinners” was a smash hit for both the fans and critics, earning itself a place among classic horror films that came before it. With many talents attached to the project, the shining star among them is none other than Michael B. Jordan. Playing the two main characters, Smoke and Stack, Jordan did a phenomenal job in portraying both of the characters and delivering not one but two performances that left audiences wanting more. Earning his first Oscar for this performance, I literally gasped when I heard that Jordan won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
And it would be criminal not to mention the historic win for the talented Autumn Durald Arkapaw, as she is the first woman to win Best Cinematography for a film. While Jordan was great, the cinematography for the film was breathtaking and helped explore and develop the story of the film. This is especially the case if you went to see the film on the big screen. Some shots depicted in the film were just chill inducing; they were that good to see play right before your eyes. What a way to make history for National Women’s History Month!
Next, we move to “One Battle After Another.” Now, while I have not seen the film, I have heard a lot of praise and recognition for the film from both fans and critics. Noting how the film was often “unpredictable” and left the audiences constantly guessing for what was to happen next in the film, it was only inevitable that the film would be hard to beat in the many categories it was nominated for, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Casting.
And finally, you all knew it was coming. The tight hold the film, “KPop Demon Hunters” had on both children and adults alike must be studied in film because you cannot deny the global success of the film. With the animation, story, and heart the film possessed it would have been criminal if this film was not nominated for an Oscar in some way. And, fittingly enough, the film took home not one but two “Golden” Oscars, winning for Best Animated Movie and for Best Original Song for, you guessed it, “Golden”.
