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When did the 98th Oscars happen?
The 98th Oscars Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, have officially come to a close, leaving fans in Uganda and across the globe in a state of shock, celebration, and intense debate. It was a night of historic “firsts,” a brutal showdown between two cinematic giants, and a crowning moment for one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men. We also have the full list of winners of the Oscars 2026, so please read to the end.
Is Michael B. Jordan finally an Oscar King!
Yes, the biggest story of the night—and the one trending across Ugandan social media—is Michael B. Jordan’s triumphant win for Best Actor. For years, Jordan has been a favorite in East Africa, from his days in Creed to his iconic role as Killmonger in Black Panther.
Last night, he finally took home the “Gold Man” for his dual performance in Ryan Coogler’s record-breaking supernatural thriller, Sinners. Jordan played identical twin brothers, Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore, a performance critics called “the peak of his career.” When his name was announced, the Dolby Theatre erupted in the loudest standing ovation of the night.
In a moving speech, Jordan thanked the “ancestors and greats” who paved the way, specifically naming Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington. For Ugandan fans who have followed his journey since Fruitvale Station, this was the “justice” they had been waiting for.
How Sinners vs. One Battle After Another got very intense
The 2026 Oscars were defined by a “clash of the titans.” On one side was Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which made history before the ceremony even started by securing a record 16 nominations—the most for any film in the 98-year history of the Academy.
However, the night’s top prize, Best Picture, went to Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. A gripping political thriller about revolution and family, it was the big winner of the night with six Oscars, including Best Director. While Sinners was the fan favorite in Kampala, One Battle After Another won over the Academy voters with its timely message of political resistance.
What about our Ugandan Connection, Kimote’s Oscar Journey?
Ugandans were glued to their screens following the journey of Kimote, the Ugandan submission for Best International Feature Film. Directed by Hassan Mageye and starring legends like Sarah Kisauzi and Abby Mukiibi, the film tells the story of a young craftsman preserving the heritage of barkcloth.
While Kimote did not make the final winners’ podium—losing to Norway’s Sentimental Value—the film’s presence in the conversation has been a massive point of pride for the “Uga-Wood” industry. It signals that Ugandan storytelling is finally reaching the ears of the global elite.
Biggest Snubs: Who Was Robbed?
No Oscars ceremony is complete without controversy. The 2026 snubs have already sparked “X” (Twitter) wars:
- Timothée Chalamet: The Marty Supreme star was the betting favorite for Best Actor until a controversial viral comment about ballet just days before the ceremony reportedly shifted the tide toward Michael B. Jordan.
- Delroy Lindo: Many felt Lindo’s performance in Sinners was the supporting performance of the decade. He lost to Sean Penn, who wasn’t even present to accept the award.
- Zootopia 2: Despite being a massive hit in Ugandan cinemas, the Disney sequel lost Best Animated Feature to the Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters.
Wild Moments and Viral Highlights from the 98th Oscars
- The First Ever Tie: In a rare move, the Oscar for Best Live Action Short was a tie between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva. Host Conan O’Brien joked, “We’re out of trophies, one of you has to take the base and the other takes the head.”
- Autumn Durald Arkapaw Makes History: She became the first woman of color to win Best Cinematography for Sinners, a massive win for representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.
- Lionel Richie’s Standing Ovation: The legendary singer received a hero’s welcome when he presented Best Original Song, which went to the catchy K-Pop hit “Golden.”
FULL LIST OF WINNERS: 98th OSCARS 2026
- Best Picture: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
- Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
- Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
- Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters
- Best International Feature: Sentimental Value (Norway)
- Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Sinners)
- Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson (Sinners)
- Best Original Song: “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters
- Best Film Editing: One Battle After Another
- Best Production Design: Frankenstein
- Best Costume Design: Frankenstein
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein
- Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Best Sound: F1
- Best Casting (Inaugural Award): One Battle After Another
- Best Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- Best Documentary Short: All the Empty Rooms
- Best Animated Short: The Girl Who Cried Pearls
- Best Live Action Short: (TIE) The Singers AND Two People Exchanging Saliva
What you need to know
The 2026 Oscars proved that “the blockbuster is back.” With wins for films people actually watched—like the horror-thriller Sinners and the high-octane F1—the Academy seems to be trying to win back the general public. For Uganda, seeing Michael B. Jordan hold that trophy was the perfect ending to a historic night.
