Oscars latest: One Battle After Another takes top prize as Jessie Buckley and Michael B Jordan win gongs
Oscars Update: One Battle After Another Dominates with Six Awards
The 2026 Oscars saw One Battle After Another claim the most honors, securing six awards, including Best Picture and the directing title for Paul Thomas Anderson. Jessie Buckley and Michael B. Jordan emerged as top contenders in the acting categories, with Buckley winning Best Lead Actress for her role in Hamnet and Jordan taking Best Lead Actor for his performance in Sinners.
Behind the Scenes of the Ceremony
While the spotlight was on the winners, the evening also featured off-screen intrigue. Arts and entertainment correspondent Katie Spencer captured the live red carpet action in Los Angeles, highlighting the drama that unfolds beyond the stage.
Stars Shine at the Afterparty
Following the ceremony, the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty became a hub of camaraderie. The cast of Kpop Demon Hunters reunited for a striking group photo, alongside voice actors Ji-young Yoo, Ken Jeong, and May Hong, and vocalists Arden Cho, Rei Ami, and Kevin Woo. The film’s directors, Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang, along with animator Radford Sechrist, celebrated their achievements among the crew.
Notable moments included Michael B. Jordan affectionately kissing his Oscar statuette for the cameras. His portrayal of twins in Sinners, which earned four awards, was a standout performance. Meanwhile, stars like Chase Infiniti and Rita Ora made bold fashion statements at the afterparty, with Infiniti opting for a sleek black ensemble and Ora dazzling in a striking black headpiece.
Kpop Demon Hunters: A Rising Star
Despite its success, the film’s triumph at the Oscars is just the latest chapter. Kpop Demon Hunters, the Netflix hit about supernatural K-pop stars, has already earned two Golden Globes, two Critics’ Choice awards, and a Grammy—marking the first K-pop song to secure such recognition. Its victory was celebrated as a cultural milestone in South Korea, with one newspaper calling it a “miracle” that highlights Seoul’s expanding global influence.
“For Korea and for Koreans everywhere. And for those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here, and that means the next generations don’t have to go longing,” said Maggie Kang, a first-time Oscar nominee.
News of a sequel for Kpop Demon Hunters has also delighted fans, ensuring the story continues. Jessie Buckley, meanwhile, made a memorable return to the red carpet at the Vanity Fair afterparty, radiating joy as she embraced her awards season success.
Other highlights included the presence of Baby Yoda and the reunion of Bridesmaids cast members, adding unexpected charm to the night. Stars like Timothee Chalamet, though not winning an Oscar, smiled alongside Kylie Jenner at the afterparty, while singer Brandi Carlile and her spouse Catherine Carlile attended the ceremony together.
Inside the Winners’ Room
What does it feel like to step into the winners’ room at the Academy Awards? Culture and entertainment reporter Gemma Peplow offers an exclusive glimpse into the space where stars gather after collecting their golden statuettes.
As the night unfolded, the Oscars proved a platform for both recognition and celebration, with moments that extended far beyond the screen.
