Follow our live chat as Times columnists Mary McNamara and Glenn Whipp break down the big winners, best performances, most memorable moments and more from the 2026 Oscars.
Winners list | Best red carpet looks | Complete coverage
7:37 p.m. Best picture! Finally! I was freaking out, but it’s “One Battle” after all! — G.W.
Well you were right, “One Battle After Another” wins best picture. It is a truly great film, in a year of several truly great films and a helluva a race. Which is all you can hope for from the Oscars, really. — M.M.
Maya Rudolph holding on to PTA’s Oscars. He has three now. Let’s go to the 818 and celebrate! — G.W.
I am loving that the show is ending on a bit, taken from the best picture winner. (I wonder if they shot one for “Sinners”?) — M.M.
I wondered that too. Great callback to Lockjaw’s end in “One Battle.” Does this mean Conan isn’t hosting next year? Haha. — G.W.
I hope not. He did great, again, and didn’t even seem tired by the end, which is frankly miraculous. But at least it got exciting there for a while. — M.M.
Paul Thomas Anderson (at microphone) with fellow producer Sara Murphy and the cast of “One Battle After Another,” winner of the 2026 Oscar for Best Picture.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
7:31 p.m. And Jessie wins lead actress for “Hamnet”! (Love how I say “Jessie” like we are besties). The Irish accent — “my Irish family, they’re all here. Ireland bought them flights.” Also, best shout-out to a spouse EVER. — M.M.
Irish in the house? Gonna be a hell of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Tuesday! — G.W.
Jessie Buckley accepts the Oscar for lead actress for “Hamnet.”
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
7:26 p.m. Michael B. Jordan. Clearly, a popular win in the room … and a sign of things to come? I was ready to call it for “One Battle,” but Jordan’s win and the cinematography Oscar have revived the chances for “Sinners.” I could see a picture/director split. PTA winning director and then “Sinners” picture. Throughout the evening, the biggest cheers in the auditorium have come for “Sinners.” — G.W.
We will find out soon, Glenn! But I feel like my belief that Oscars can be unpredictable is being proven right. — M.M.
But first … Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet.” —G.W.
I have been predicting this since I saw the movie. If she doesn’t, that will define “upset.” — M.M.
Late to saying this, but love that they’re showing clips from the performances again. — G.W.
More clips, less bits ‘n banter. — M.M.
“Bits ‘n banter” should be a movie snack. — G.W.
7:20 p.m. “The actor who heroically saved last year’s Oscars from running short”–Conan introduces best-actor presenter Adrian Brody who first tries to literally toss his chewing gum, then swallows it before pulling out a many-paged speech. Joke would have been better without the gum. — M.M.
That wasn’t entirely bad misdirection from Adrien Brody, even if it does feel a little awkward every time he’s on stage. — G.W.
MICHAEL B. JORDAN!!! Who honestly should have been nominated twice. — M.M.
And another mom for you, Mary! — G.W.
The mamas need to be thanked! — M.M.
7:17 p.m. “You make a guy work hard for one of these”: Paul Thomas Anderson wins for “One Battle After Another.” — M.M.
7:16 p.m. I know it’s best director, but can you tell if Zendaya is wearing a wedding ring? — M.M.
Paul Thomas Anderson accepts the Oscar for directing for “One Battle After Another.”
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
7:10 p.m. I can get behind a standing O for Lionel Richie, who presents original song to “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters.” I am going to have “Say You, Say Me” stuck in my head the rest of the night. — G.W.
My husband has joined me and is asking, “What is this ‘K-Pop Demon’ thing?” — M.M.
It is right that he doesn’t know. — G.W.
I would honestly be worried if he did. — M.M.
Three hours and 11 minutes into the telecast, and the producers aren’t having it any more, cutting the mics when the allotted time is up. — G.W.
7:06 p.m. International feature was loaded this year, including two best picture nominees — “The Secret Agent” and “Sentimental Value.” With nine nominations, it was nice to see “Sentimental Value” come away with something tonight. — G.W.
“All adults are responsible for all children.” “Sentimental Value” director Joachim Trier quotes James Baldwin when accepting international feature, adding that we shouldn’t vote for politicians who do not believe this. — M.M.
Great speech. Loved the reaction shot of Ryan Coogler, standing and applauding. — G.W.
My butt really hurts but I am no longer watching the clock. — M.M.
Joachim Trier accepts the Oscar for international feature with the cast of “Sentimental Value” during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
7:03 p.m. Javier Bardem showing us how to present an Oscar: “No to war and free Palestine.” — G.W.
6:56 p.m. Even “Golden” feels anti-climactic after Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s speech. (Though it is pretty dang cool, plus illuminated lights in audience. — M.M.
I spoke with Arkapaw a few times over the past six months, and she is everything you said, Mary: intelligent, direct, serious about her craft. I think her win here puts some drama back into the best picture race as “One Battle” was a prime contender for cinematography too. Now we wait to see if Michael B. Jordan can win lead actor. — G.W.
You know what? Her win is more important than best picture, though I am glad to see your calculations at work. — M.M.
Rei Ami, Ejae and Audrey Nuna perform “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
6:51 p.m. Great news for “Sinners,” this cinematography win. Also history: Autumn Durald Arkapaw is the first woman to ever win this Oscar! — G.W.
Huge energy boost, for the show, the movie and the entertainment industry! “I want all the women in the room to stand up because I feel like I don’t get her without you guys.” I am literally crying now. — M.M.
A real highlight of the evening! — G.W.
I am so deeply in love with this woman right now. Her work was phenomenal, she is so calm and direct and the first thing she did after winning was make sure her kid was in his seat so she could see him and he could see his mom become an historic Oscar winner. Still crying. — M.M.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw accepts the Oscar for cinematography for “Sinners.”
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
6:46 p.m. I definitely feel like we’re at an energy lull. Aren’t they performing “Golden” sometime tonight? — G.W.
This is going to be a three-and-half-hour show, right? And that long preface to editing isn’t helping, Bill Pullman notwithstanding. — M.M.
One Oscar after another … — G.W.
6:40 p.m. I’m assuming this doesn’t tilt the BP race to “F1,” sound not being a big predictor? But “One Battle” didn’t win either — I fear we have become too dependent on the notion of a “sweep.” I think the best awards are the ones that spread the love around. I mean if you’re nominated for best picture, there has to be a reason. And sound is apparently “F1’s” reason.
— M.M.
Sometimes, Mary. And then sometimes there’s “Les Misérables.” — G.W.
Perhaps the Academy learned a lesson from that. — M.M.
6:35 p.m. “F1” wins for sound — I know you had that on your list, Glenn! How did you spell the sound racing cars make? — M.M.
Glad you asked, Mary! It was: Ggghhzzzzzzzhhhhhhhggggggzzzzzzzeeeeeong! And sound was another category that “Sinners” could have won — but didn’t. Not looking good! — G.W.
Honestly, I wish they would show clips of the sounds, even if it meant skipping “Bridesmaids” reunion. (Though I still all love all of you women!) — M.M.
I wish they would show clips from the Governors Awards! Don’t you want to see a bit of what Tom Cruise said when he won an Oscar? — G.W.
6:33 p.m. This is Ludwig Göransson’s third Oscar! And he’s young. Plenty of time for the “Sinners” composer to catch John Williams’ five. — G.W.
I didn’t love the “Bridesmaids” bit, which was a send-up of how women get grilled about aging? But they gave the award to “Sinners,” so that’s good. And now they’re doing sound, and they’re a bit looser but still not great. Screenwriters everywhere rejoice: You are so very necessary! — M.M.
6:27 p.m. “Bridesmaids” reunion time! — M.M.
I agree with the kid from “Hamnet.” I need pizza! And, yes, the show’s starting to feel a bit long. — G.W.
Remember when we all went into the office and actually got fed? — M.M.
“Bridesmaids” stars (from left) Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Ellie Kemper reunite during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
6:24 p.m. There’s an upset! And maybe an example of how the new voting rules will change outcomes. “The Perfect Neighbor” was the favorite for documentary feature, a widely seen movie on Netflix. But “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” the story of a Russian school teacher who documents how his school became a recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, ended up winning. I’m not complaining. — G.W.
You can always count on the documentary winners to speak out; “Mr. Nobody Against Putin’s” David Borenstein and Pavel Talakin calling out as complicit those who remain silent when a government murders citizens in the streets and reminding us that for many the shining things in the sky are not stars but rockets. — M.M.
6:16 p.m. Documentary short winner “All the Empty Rooms” is on Netflix. Highly recommended. Have tissues handy. Just as you did for the mom who lost her child at the Uvalde school shooting. Heartbreaking. — G.W.
I don’t think I can watch “Rooms.” I know I should and I feel guilty but I think if I watched it I would never stop screaming. Our acceptance of gun violence and school shootings may be the greatest sin of our lifetime. — M.M.
6:11 p.m. What am I missing in the “Star Wars” canon? Why can’t Baby Yoda clap? Maybe we’ll find out in the movie that they just teased … brought to you by Disney! — G.W.
6:09 p.m. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” wins visual effects. How’s your scorecard, Glenn? I feel like you’re doing very well. Better than “Sinners” anyway. — M.M.
I’m doing fine. I picked one of the two shorts in that category tie! And I think “Sinners” will still win at least score and, hopefully, lead actor for Michael B. Jordan. — G.W.
6:07 p.m. Moving on, “Frankenstein” is cleaning up, winning production design.Possibly the first time Mary Shelly has been thanked from Oscar stage, too. Long overdue, if true. — M.M.
It would be unfortunate if “Frankenstein” ends up winning more Oscars than “Sinners.” That’s its third and final Oscar of the evening. “Sinners,” meanwhile, has one. — G.W.
6:04 p.m. Meanwhile, heading into the third hour, are we really only halfway through the actual awards? Are producers blaming the tie in live-action short? Please do not cut the “Bridesmaids” reunion. — M.M.
Someone needs to give Sigourney Weaver a career honor ASAP. Really under-appreciated when it comes to that kind of lifetime achievement award. — G.W.
Agreed. She is an icon. Didn’t love the bit though. And not sure about Pedro’s feather (?) brooch. — M.M.
Barbra Streisand delivers a tribute to Robert Redford during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
6:01 p.m. Sorry to go dark for a moment, Mary and friends … just trying to process all the greats we lost the past year. I knew it was going to be a super-sized en memoriam and I’m glad they took the time. I wish they had cut the volume on the piano while Streisand was speaking, or just cut the piano period. It was intrusive and unnecessary. (The production through the night has been a bit spotty. Random reaction shots. Playing people off too early. And that piano.) But, God, I loved Streisand breaking into “The Way We Were” at the end there. Beautiful. — G.W.
It is terrible to see so many people who I have loved for so many years. The risk of aging, I suppose. — M.M.
5:53 p.m. It was pretty astonishing to see so many stars of Reiner’s films gather in tribute to him and Michelle Singer. Reiner never won an Oscar, which just goes to show you don’t need the statue to become a legend. But what’s with the piano playing all through Barbra Steisand’s tribute to Robert Redford? — M.M.
5:44 p.m. Billy Crystal talking about Rob Reiner — I am laugh-crying already. — M.M.
5:36 p.m. And Ryan Coogler wins original screenplay for “Sinners” so, mercifully, we well not be facing a “most nominations ever with no wins” situation. Way bigger audience reaction to Coogler’s win than Anderson’s. Does that spell out anything in the predictive tea leaves? Also, loved that he apologized to his kids for being away so much — he definitely saw “Sentimental Value”! — M.M.
From talking to him over the years, he just loves being a dad. One time I started telling him about my kids going off to college and he was like, “Stop. I don’t want to think about it.” — G.W.
Ryan Coogler wins the Oscar for original screenplay for “Sinners.”
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
5:31 p.m. Here comes the first win of the night for “Sinners” — original screenplay. But first, Paul Thomas Anderson’s first win of the night, for adapted screenplay. — G.W.
OK, OK, screenplays. Paying attention. Not that I need to watch with Glenn joysticking the whole evening. Though even I knew that “One Battle After Another” would win for adapted. — M.M.
Love the big exhale from PTA as he left the stage. His first Oscar! And it won’t be the last he wins tonight! — G.W.
5:26 p.m. Conan is coming for “new Hollywood,” first with the phone-screen editing and now taking on demands that films repeat key plot points for a distracted audience with “Casablanca for Dummies.” World War II — “that’s the Hitler one, right?” I will totally watch the “Casablanca” bit at least two more times.” — M.M.
5:21 p.m. “Sean Penn couldn’t be here tonight, or didn’t want to” — Kieran Culkin after announcing the supporting actor winner. — M.M.
Love Kieran Culkin’s shade toward Sean Penn. Also respect Penn staying true to his convictions and staying home. There is an unconfirmed report that Sean Penn is in Europe, possibly Ukraine … which feels like a trip Penn would make on the night of the Oscars. Or maybe going to the Golden Globes earlier this year ruined award shows for him forever. — G.W.
Kieran Culkin presents the Oscar for supporting actor during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
5:13 p.m. “It’s a tie, everybody calm down.” I almost feels like Kumail got specific instructions re: live-action short. Which is good but also… isn’t no one supposed to know results beforehand? — M.M.
Wait? A tie? Is this a sign that with the new voting rules, where voters had to attest to having seen all the nominees in a category, fewer people voted in the shorts? Like, did two people vote for “The Singers” and two people vote for “Two People Exchanging Saliva”? — G.W.
“Ironic that short films is gong to take twice as long.” Good one. (And, indeed, the “Saliva” people are talking for a super long time. — M.M.
If Conan ever gets tired of hosting, Kumail Nanjiani would be a good next-up. — G.W.
“To retract a microphone on a man?” — attempts were made to cut “Saliva’s” run-over, but even Conan was a bit startled. — M.M.
The cut to Conan when that happened was great. And no disrespect to the two winners in this category, both fine shorts. — G.W.
Kumail Nanjiani announces a tie as he presents the Oscar for live-action short during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
5:05 p.m. And yet it goes to Cassandra Kulukundis for “One Battle After Another.” — M.M.
Oh [bleep]. There goes the suspense for best picture. It’s going to be “One Battle” for sure. — G.W.
Really? — M.M.
I feel like if “Sinners” was going to win best picture, it would have taken this Oscar. I suppose it’s still possible, but not winning this and the wide-open supporting actress category doesn’t bode well. — G.W.
You don’t think she got bonus points for discovering Chase Infiniti? — M.M.
“Sinners” and “One Battle” both have outstanding, deep ensembles. I thought Maisler’s long history of working with every A-list Hollywood director (not to mention casting the Roy family in “Succession”) would give her the edge. She found Miles Caton, basically the equivalent of finding Chase Infiniti. Again, it starting to feel like a “One Battle” sweep. Now if Delroy Lindo wins supporting actor … — G.W.
I know your awards-actuary method is historically successful but sometimes the Oscars get messy and spread things around. So I’m still considering it an open BP race. — M.M.
Chase Infiniti presents the award for casting during the 98th Oscars.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
5:01 p.m. Nice that they’re making the first casting Oscar special with someone from each nominated movie singing the casting director’s praises. — G.W.
“The exquisite invisible architecture you built” —great line from “Marty Supreme’s” Gwyneth Paltrow praising that film’s nominee, Jennifer Venditti. — M.M.
Who did you predict, Glenn? — M.M.
“Sinners” and Francine Maisler. She’s a legend. Would be the perfect choice for the first winner of this Oscar. — G.W.
4:56 p.m. “Frankenstein’s” Oscars for costume design and makeup and hairstyling are very well deserved. — M.M.
I suppose. I would have gone with Ruth E. Carter and “Sinners” for costumes. But she does have two Oscars. — G.W.
4:53 p.m. Anna Wintour for the win. She should co-present every award just to shut down the patter when it gets annoying. — G.W.
Did costume design winner Kate Hawley (“Frankenstein”) just curtsey to Wintour? — M.M.
She’s probably terrified of what she thinks of her outfit! — G.W.
“Thank you, Emily”: Wintour stumping for “The Devil Wears Prada 2” as she and Anne Hathaway continue with the makeup and hairstyling prize. — M.M.
My interest in seeing that movie just went up a couple of notches. — G.W.
Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway present during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
4:50 p.m. That iPhone bit felt a little too real to be funny. — G.W.
4:42 p.m. The Oscars recreating the best scene in a movie this year? I’m here for it. Gonna feel a little awkward if “Sinners” doesn’t win, though. — G.W.
Seriously. Before the Actor Awards, I was afraid that “Sinners’” April premiere would mean people would forget how amazing it was. But it would seem they have not. (And Misty Copeland making a climactic appearance here plays even stronger after brouhaha over Chalamet’s comments about opera and ballet, especially given that Chalamet’s in the front row.) — M.M.
Miles Caton, center, performs “I Lied to You” from “Sinners” during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
4:38 p.m. Well … the animated short category makes another year of not getting a perfect predictions score. I did say “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” could win haha… — G.W.
4:33 p.m. Now there’s a surprise — not. “KPop Demon Hunters” wins animated feature. I know you knew that one, Glenn. — M.M.
It is the movie that kept all the kids entertained at our New Year’s Eve party while the grown-ups ate and drank. Thank you “KPop Demon Hunters”! — G.W.
“Mom, this is for you” — the reason for all awards shows ever. — M.M.
I’m glad she got to thank her mom after nearly being played off! — G.W.
4:31 p.m. The dig at the Oscars’ move to YouTube with the appearance of random loud and obnoxious ads was right on — though I will watch any ad that stars Jane Lynch. — M.M.
Amy Madigan accepts the supporting actress Oscar for “Weapons.”
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
4:22 p.m. Amy Madigan win supporting actress, the night’s first prize — I am so happy!! Would have been terrible if her character opened the Oscars and she lost. And oh, that laugh! — M.M.
Yeessssssssssss! (And not just because I predicted Amy Madigan.) — G.W.
First acceptance speech to reference leg shaving? Also, Madigan defends the “rattling off” of names. “They’re the people who helped me get here.” — M.M.
What a lovely speech. And funny! Love the leg-shaving reference. Ed Harris and Amy Madigan are one of the town’s most enduring couples. Madigan’s point about the “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” actors embracing her was touching too. She was out there on her own, the only nominee from “Weapons.” Great start to the evening! — G.W.
4:20 p.m. I don’t know who is going to win this supporting actress Oscar! — G.W.
What? You always know everything! I feel so… unsafe! — M.M.
4:18 p.m. Very moving testament to optimism of global filmmaking, as represented here: Movies are made in the hopes that things around the world will get better. — M.M.
A monologue so good that I could even tolerate Josh Groban. — G.W.
Yeah, I was typing through that part so it didn’t bother me. — M.M.
4:14 p.m. “First time since 2012 no British actors nominated in best actor or actress. British spokesman: ‘Well, at least we arrest our pedophiles.’” Massive applause. — M.M.
That and the nod to L.A.’s Spanish-language culture really landed. — G.W.
4:09 p.m. First Chalamet opera and ballet joke: “They’re just mad you left out jazz.” “Things could get political; there’s an alternate Oscars hosted by Kid Rock.” And a Ted Sarandos joke. I swear they are reading our comments, Glenn! — M.M.
Is Sean Penn there? No on-camera reaction shot. Also, the best picture race is so close this year I was trying to determine which movie got the loudest applause, “Sinners” or “One Battle After Another.” — G.W.
Conan O’Brien during the 98th Academy Awards.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
4:06 p.m. “I can’t believe I learned Norwegian for this”: High point of Conan O’Brien racing through scenes from best picture nominees as Amy Madigan’s character in “Weapons” to open the show. — M.M.
I have fond memories of Billy Crystal’s Oscar openers, but that was the best. I can’t stop laughing. Almost sad it had to end. — G.W.
3:51 p.m. The time is throwing me too, especially so close to the daylight savings change-up. I keep thinking about Maggie Smith’s great line in “California Suite”: “No woman can be expected to look good at 4 p.m. except Tatum O’Neal” — who was a child at the time. Which is just another way of me saying “I miss Maggie Smith.” — M.M.
Maggie Smith would be my dream red-carpet interviewer. It’s hot! We need a little frostiness! “So, Mr. Chalamet … have you brought your opera glasses to the show?” — G.W.
3:46 p.m. Quick question, Glenn. Will this be the hottest Oscars ever? As in, literally. Today has been a bit cooler than last few days, and next few days, but still. My weather app just said 85 degrees in Hollywood, which is pretty hot for March. No one seems to be visibly sweating, probably because most of red carpet is covered. And I guess it’s better than rain. Still I feel for those in long sleeves and/or tons of sequins. — M.M.
It feels like September Emmy weather, Mary! And I’m still getting used to this new start time. There’s too much daylight for the Oscars to be starting in 10 minutes. — G.W.
3:40 p.m. Here we are again at the Oscars, Mary, once again an hour earlier and with more questions than usual heading into the ceremony. Who is going to win the lead actor Oscar? Timothée Chalamet? Michael B. Jordan? Leonardo DiCaprio? I’ve misread this category so thoroughly this year they could open the envelope, say the name of an actor not even nominated and I would think, “Yes! Of course!” Will Sean Penn win his third Oscar? Will Paul Thomas Anderson have his first three Oscars by the end of the evening? Will the academy troll Chalamet (and the rest of us) with an interpretative dance performance? What’s on your mind as we prepare to watch this year’s show? — G.W.
Glenn! Is this the man normally so clear and confident about his well-calculated predictions that I, with my more emotion-based hopes, often want to scream? Already the show is more interesting and it hasn’t even started! I have been rooting for “Sinners” since I saw it almost a year ago — vampires haven’t been used with such spot-on metaphoric resonance since Bram Stoker wrote “Dracula.” And as I have said before, Michael B. Jordan gives two fine, powerful performances to his fellow nominees’ one. I imagine there will be a ballet/opera joke or two, though that brouhaha occurred after voting closed so if Chalamet does not win, no hate should be directed at the Royal Opera company. I am mostly interested in if/how current events, including the war in Iran and the protests against ICE, are mentioned in any way. Especially given the politico-cultural themes of some of the top nominees. — M.M.
If Sean Penn and Amy Madigan, noted pot-stirrers, win Oscars, as I think they might, and don’t say anything about current events, then can safely say we’ve entered peak disconnect between what’s happening in the world and what’s taking place inside the privileged space of awards shows. Many (most?) viewers probably wouldn’t have a problem with that sort of disengagement. People booed Michael Moore at the 2003 Oscars when he spoke out against the war in Iraq. Some cheered him on. It takes guts to get up on that big stage and speak out. I’m also interested to see if that happens tonight. — G.W.
True, and no doubt most folks at Oscars are more concerned with state of industry, particularly what David Ellison’s takeover of Warner Bros. will mean for future of moviemaking. Especially given the fact that, between “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another,” Warner Bros. will be cleaning up. Conan O’Brien is a jocular, wise-cracky host who will likely eschew controversy but he may not be able to resist taking a jab at the messy battle for the studio, which saw Netflix fold. Ted Sarandos has been known to take a joke; we may find out if Ellison can. In any case, I’m glad to see Conan back — he brings a great side-eye energy to the proceedings and seems perfectly at home on that big, sumptuously dressed stage, which is half the battle. — M.M.
