A Night of Triumphs and Surprises: “One Battle After Another” Dominates the 98th Academy Awards
The 98th Academy Awards delivered a night of glitz, glamour, and gripping drama, culminating in a resounding victory for Paul Thomas Anderson’s ambitious production, “One Battle After Another.” The film, a sweeping epic that captivated audiences, walked away with an impressive haul of six Oscars, including the most coveted prize of the evening: Best Picture.
Anderson’s cinematic achievement triumphed over the highly nominated “Sinners,” a vampire horror that had entered the ceremony with a staggering 16 nominations. While “Sinners” ultimately fell short of the top honour, its star, Michael B. Jordan, delivered a powerful performance that earned him the Best Actor award. This meant that both “Marty Supreme,” a film championed by many, and the highly anticipated performance from Timothée Chalamet, were left without major acting accolades.
Meanwhile, the Best Actress award went to the immensely talented Irish actor Jessie Buckley for her raw and compelling portrayal in “Hamnet.” Her win was a significant moment, marking a historic first for an Irish actress in the category.
The evening, hosted by the ever-witty Conan O’Brien, was a rollercoaster of emotions. O’Brien’s opening monologue, filled with sharp observations and lighthearted jabs, was widely praised. He playfully teased Chalamet about his recent remarks concerning the perceived decline in audiences for ballet and opera, a moment that resonated with many in the audience.
Later in the ceremony, Billy Crystal and Rachel McAdams delivered one of the most poignant “In Memoriam” segments in the Academy’s history. The tribute honoured a constellation of stars who had passed away over the year, including Catherine O’Hara, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford. However, the omission of certain prominent figures, such as Eric Dane and Brigitte Bardot, sparked discussion and debate.
Key Moments and Notable Wins
The 98th Academy Awards were punctuated by a series of memorable moments and significant wins:
- “One Battle After Another” Reigns Supreme: The film’s victory for Best Picture was a testament to its artistic merit and broad appeal. Its six wins solidified its status as the night’s biggest winner.
- Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar Glory: Jordan’s win for Best Actor was a career highlight, and his acceptance speech, urging audiences to “keep betting on me,” was met with enthusiastic applause. His former co-star Miles Teller shared his pride on social media with a throwback photo, exclaiming, “What’s up, Blue!!!! So proud of my guy.”
- Jessie Buckley’s Historic Win: Buckley’s Best Actress award for “Hamnet” made her the first Irish actress to achieve this honour. Her emotional acceptance speech, celebrating “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart,” resonated deeply, especially as it followed Mother’s Day in the UK.
- Autumn Durald Arkapaw Makes History: In a groundbreaking moment, Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Her win was a significant milestone, inspiring future generations of female cinematographers. She dedicated her win to director Ryan Coogler, who she credited with opening doors for women in the industry.
- The “Golden” Songwriters’ Extended Speech: The songwriting team behind “Golden” experienced a moment of frustration when their acceptance speech was cut short. However, they were able to finish their remarks backstage, expressing their gratitude to their directors and collaborators, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna.
- The “Bridesmaids” Reunion (and Absence): The cast of the beloved comedy “Bridesmaids” reunited on stage, much to the delight of fans. However, Wendi McClendon-Covey, who played Rita, was notably absent. She later explained via Instagram that a recent neck lift surgery had prevented her from attending, humorously stating she was “tired of looking like a melting candle.”
- Sean Penn’s Absence: The Best Supporting Actor award went to Sean Penn for his role in “One Battle After Another.” Penn, who has been vocal about his critical stance on the Academy Awards, was not present to accept his award.
- A Rare Tie: The ceremony witnessed a rare tie in the Best Live Action Short Film category, adding an unexpected twist to the night’s proceedings. This marked the seventh tie in Oscars history.
Fashion and Festivities Beyond the Ceremony
The glamour extended beyond the Dolby Theatre. The Vanity Fair Oscars Party, held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, saw stars continue to celebrate the night’s achievements. The atmosphere was reportedly joyous and celebratory, with the aroma of In-N-Out burgers adding a touch of casual indulgence to the star-studded affair. Olympic gold medallist Alysa Liu was among the attendees, dazzling in a Louis Vuitton minidress.
Fashion on the red carpet was a spectacle in itself, with sparkles dominating the trends. Wunmi Mosaku, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, and Melissa McCarthy were just a few of the stars who embraced the shimmering aesthetic. Kim Kardashian made a bold statement in a floor-length, long-sleeved glittery gold gown by Gucci, seemingly vying for attention with the iconic Oscar statuette itself.
Controversies and Conversations
Beyond the wins and sartorial statements, the Oscars also sparked conversations. Javier Bardem used his platform as a presenter to advocate for activism, wearing a “no to war” patch and calling for peace in Palestine. He expressed his view that many Hollywood peers were too “comfortable” to speak out on important issues.
The exclusion of certain figures from the “In Memoriam” segment also drew criticism. Shonda Rhimes, for instance, explained that Eric Dane, a star of her television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” was omitted because the Oscars primarily focus on film, and he would be recognised at the Emmys. The absence of Brigitte Bardot was also noted, with speculation that her embrace of far-right politics might have influenced the decision.
Timothée Chalamet’s earlier comments about opera and ballet were again brought up by host Conan O’Brien, leading to a good-natured reaction from the actor. While seemingly a minor point, some suggested it might have impacted his chances in a competitive year.
A Look Back at the Numbers
Warner Brothers emerged as the leading studio at the 98th Academy Awards, clinching 11 statuettes. This tally included six wins for “One Battle After Another,” four for “Sinners,” and one for “Weapons.” Netflix followed closely with seven wins, while Disney, Apple, and Focus Features each secured one award. Paramount, notably, went home with no nominations.
A Night to Remember
The 98th Academy Awards will undoubtedly be remembered for “One Battle After Another’s” dominant performance, the historic wins, the emotional tributes, and the engaging commentary from both the stage and the press room. It was a night that celebrated the art of filmmaking while also providing a platform for important discussions.
