Oscars 2026: Winners, Controversies, and the Best Films to Watch for English learners
The 2026 Oscars (98th Academy Awards) took place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrating the best films released in 2025. The ceremony was hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, and the night turned into an intense battle between two major films: “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.”
Some wins were expected, others surprised critics and fans. Let’s break down the biggest winners, nominees, debates, and why these films are also great tools for learning languages through cinema.
Some wins were expected, others surprised critics and fans. Let’s break down the biggest winners, nominees, debates, and why these films are also great tools for learning languages through cinema.
Oscars 2026: The Biggest Winner of the Night
“One Battle After Another” — Best Picture
The biggest triumph of the night was “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, which won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and the new Casting award.
The film is loosely inspired by the novel Vineland by Thomas Pynchon and combines political drama, dark humor, and complex storytelling. Critics praised it for its layered narrative and strong performances.
The biggest triumph of the night was “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, which won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and the new Casting award.
The film is loosely inspired by the novel Vineland by Thomas Pynchon and combines political drama, dark humor, and complex storytelling. Critics praised it for its layered narrative and strong performances.
- Why people loved itintelligent and ironic script
- deep political themes
- strong performances from the ensemble cast
The movie also marked Paul Thomas Anderson’s first Oscar win, which many film critics felt was long overdue.
The Film With the Most Nominations
“Sinners” — The Main Rival
While “One Battle After Another” dominated the ceremony, the film with the most nominations (16) was “Sinners.”
It won four Oscars, including:
- Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan
- Best Original Screenplay — Ryan Coogler
- Best Original Score — Ludwig Göransson
- Best Cinematography — Autumn Durald Arkapaw
- Why critics praised itbold cinematography
- emotionally powerful performances
- a unique narrative structure
Best Actor and Best Actress
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
Michael B. Jordan delivered one of the most powerful performances of the year. His character is complex, conflicted, and emotionally intense — the kind of role that often attracts Oscar attention.
Critics noted that this performance marked a major turning point in his career.
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
The Best Actress award went to Jessie Buckley for her role in “Hamnet.”
The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, is a historical drama inspired by the story of Shakespeare’s family and the death of his son Hamnet.
- Why the film stands outpoetic storytelling
- emotional depth
- beautiful cinematography
Supporting Roles That Stole the Show
Best Supporting Actor — Sean Penn
Sean Penn won for “One Battle After Another.”
Interestingly, he did not attend the ceremony, which sparked rumors and discussions among fans and journalists.
Best Supporting Actress — Amy Madigan
Another emotional moment came when Amy Madigan won her first Oscar for the horror film “Weapons.”
Her victory was particularly surprising because horror films rarely win acting awards.
During her speech, she thanked her husband Ed Harris and spoke about perseverance in the arts.
International and Other Notable WinnersThe Oscars also highlighted films from around the world.
Major winners included:
- Best International Feature Film — “Sentimental Value” (Norway)
- Best Documentary — “Mr. Nobody Against Putin”
- Best Animated Feature — “KPop Demon Hunters”
- Best Visual Effects — “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
- Best Sound — “F1”
The Biggest Debates and Rumors
Every Oscars ceremony comes with drama, and 2026 was no exception.
1️⃣ “Sinners” vs “One Battle After Another”
The biggest debate was which film deserved Best Picture.
Many fans believed “Sinners” should have won because it had the most nominations and strong critical support. But the Academy ultimately favored Anderson’s film.
2️⃣ Surprise acting wins
Some critics expected Emma Stone or Timothée Chalamet to take acting awards, but the results were different.
These surprises made the ceremony more exciting.
The new Oscar category
The Academy introduced a new category: Best Casting, the first new competitive category in decades.
It shows how much the industry now recognizes the importance of casting directors.
Why Watching Movies in the Original Language Is the Best Way to Learn
For students learning English or other languages, the Oscars list is actually a perfect study guide.
Most nominated films are produced in English, which makes them ideal for English learners.
Watching movies in the original language helps you:
- hear real natural speech
- learn modern vocabulary
- understand different accents
- improve listening skills
Some Oscar winners are in other languages, for example “Sentimental Value” from Norway.
Watching international films can be great if you are studying:
- Norwegian
- Spanish
- French
- Korean
- or any other language
Tips for Watching Movies in the Original Language
If you want to learn a language through films, try these methods.
1. Start with subtitles in your languageWatch the film once to understand the story.
2. Watch again with subtitles in the original languageThis helps you connect spoken words with written text.
3. Try watching without subtitlesThis trains your listening skills and comprehension.
4. Write down new expressionsMovies are full of natural phrases and idioms you won't find in textbooks.
Talk About Movies Like a Native Speaker
Movies are one of the best topics for conversation in any language.
At Native Speakers Courses, our students practice discussing:
- films and TV shows
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- everyday life topics
Want to speak English confidently about movies, the Oscars, and any topic you like?
Join a free trial lesson at Native Speakers Courses.
During the lesson you will:
- practice real conversation
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- learn modern vocabulary
- speak with a native speaker teacher
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