The 98th Academy Awards delivered a night that was both expected and surprising. The highly acclaimed movie One Battle After Another claimed victories across various categories, including the prestigious best picture award. On the other hand, the blockbuster hit Sinners also secured four wins, with Michael B. Jordan emerging victorious in the best actor category over the early favorite, Timothée Chalamet.
Host Conan O’Brien entertained the audience with witty jokes targeting notable figures like Donald Trump and Prince Andrew, as well as poking fun at Timothée Chalamet.
The evening showcased a lack of major surprises, with the main competition revolving around One Battle After Another and Sinners, highlighting a year of fresh and original films amidst a backdrop of franchise-dominated cinema.
The ceremony commenced with host Conan O’Brien in an elaborate skit celebrating the success of various movies, including Weapons, Marty Supreme, and Sinners. O’Brien’s humor extended to jabs at political figures and industry trends, keeping the audience entertained throughout the night.
Surprises at the awards included a rare tie in the live-action short film category, with The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva sharing the spotlight. Additionally, Canadians Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski clinched the animated short film award for The Girl Who Cried Pearls.
Hoping to see Canadian films win big at the Oscars on Sunday? Here are the ones you should watch for.
Noteworthy wins included Sinners‘ Autumn Durald Arkapaw making history as the first woman and Black individual to win best cinematography. The night also saw expected victories for KPop Demon Hunters and Frankenstein in various categories.
Despite some expectations of a different outcome, OBAA emerged as a dominant force, securing wins across multiple categories. Notable moments included Sean Penn’s win for best supporting actor and Paul Thomas Anderson’s breakthrough victories after multiple nominations.
The ceremony had its share of surprises and disappointments, with some acclaimed films going home empty
