The Oscars returned to Los Angeles with a star-studded ceremony hosted by Conan O'Brien.
The opening set the tone for the night, featuring O'Brien in character as Aunt Gladys from The Disappearances, chased humorously by children through scenes from major nominated films before stepping onto the Dolby Theatre stage.
The host added timely topical commentary, blending humor and awareness, and immediately captured the audience's attention.
Standout Winners and Historic Firsts
The first major award of the night, Best Supporting Actress, went to Amy Madigan, who received her Oscar with laughter and heartfelt thanks. A historic moment came when Polish co-director Maciek Szczerbowski accepted the award for Best Animated Short Film for The Girl Who Cried Pearls, created with Chris Lavis.
This year also saw the first-ever Oscar awarded for Best Casting, which went to Cassandra Kulukundis for Jedna bitwa po drugiej. Additionally, the Best Live Action Short Film was awarded ex aequo to The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva, a rare tie that has occurred only a handful of times in Oscar history.
Acting Awards and Surprises
In acting categories, Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor but was absent from the ceremony, prompting a humorous comment from presenter Kieran Culkin. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his role in Grzesznicy, surprising many who had expected Timothée Chalamet to take the award for Wielki Marty. Jessie Buckley received Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet.
Grzesznicy earned a record 16 nominations, winning awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Score, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography. Autumn Cheyenne Durald Arkapaw became the first woman in history to win the Oscar for cinematography, dedicating the award to women everywhere and receiving a standing ovation.
The Biggest Winners and Losers
Jedna bitwa po drugiej emerged as the night's top winner, collecting six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Casting, Best Editing, and Best Director—marking Paul Thomas Anderson's first win after four previous nominations.
The biggest disappointment was Wielki Marty, which received nine nominations but failed to win any awards. Diane Warren, nominated 17 times throughout her career without a win, also remained without a trophy, losing in the Best Original Song category to Golden from K-popowe łowczynie demonów.
Memorable Moments and Tributes
The ceremony included moving tributes to Hollywood figures who passed away recently. A special homage honored Robert Reiner and his wife Michele, who tragically died the previous year. Rachel McAdams tearfully remembered Catherine O'Hara and Diane Keaton, while Barbara Streisand performed a song from Tacy byliśmy in tribute to Robert Redford.
Documentaries and International Highlights
The Best Documentary award went to Pan Nikt kontra Putin, highlighting teacher Pavel Talankin's efforts to document propaganda in schools. On stage, he delivered an anti-war appeal, asking for peace in the name of all children. Wartość sentymentalna won Best International Feature, earning recognition for its powerful storytelling.
Polish Accents at the Oscars
Polish talent was well represented this year. Besides Szczerbowski, Małgosia Turzańska was nominated for Best Costume Design for Hamnet, and the co-produced film Brzydka siostra received a nomination for Makeup and Hairstyling.
Final Reflections
The Oscars 2026 showcased not only cinematic excellence but also historic achievements and heartfelt tributes. From record-breaking wins to rare ties and powerful anti-war statements, the night reminded audiences that film continues to inspire, challenge, and unite people worldwide. Memorable performances and moments of recognition made the ceremony an unforgettable celebration of storytelling and talent.
