Oscars 2026: A Night of Glamour and Political Fire
The 98th Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, transformed from a typical celebration of cinematic achievement into a platform for bold political statements. Host Conan O'Brien set the tone early, warning viewers that the evening could get political, and indeed, stars like Javier Bardem and Paul Thomas Anderson delivered powerful messages on issues ranging from war to immigration.
Stars Take a Stand on Global Conflicts
While presenting the award for best international feature film, Javier Bardem made headlines with his direct call: "No to war, and free Palestine." The Dolby Theatre erupted in applause, signaling a receptive audience to such declarations. This moment underscored a broader trend at the ceremony, where winners used their acceptance speeches to address pressing global horrors.
Paul Thomas Anderson's film, One Battle After Another, which won six awards including best picture, focuses on a rebel group fighting a government that detains immigrants. In his speech for best adapted screenplay, Anderson acknowledged the parallels to current politics, stating he wrote the movie for his kids to apologize for the world's mess and encourage future generations to bring common sense and decency.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Spotlight
The Academy's recent efforts to increase diversity were reflected throughout the night. Michael B. Jordan, accepting best actor for Sinners, credited Black pioneers like Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington for paving his way. Similarly, Maggie Kang, co-director of KPop Demon Hunters, tearfully celebrated representation for Koreans worldwide, emphasizing that future generations won't have to long for such visibility.
In a press conference before the Oscars, O'Brien noted the delicate balance between politics and humor. On stage, he skillfully navigated this, joking about Donald Trump's naming habits and addressing AI concerns with a fake commercial that mocked the cropping of classic films for vertical formats.
Powerful Speeches on Gun Violence and ICE
One of the most emotional moments came from the team behind the documentary short All the Empty Rooms, which highlights bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. Gloria Cazares, whose daughter was a victim, pleaded for change, noting that gun violence is now the top cause of death for kids and teens in America.
Additionally, the winners of best documentary feature, Mr Nobody Against Putin, criticized ICE killings and media control by oligarchs, urging a moral stance against complicity. The evening also saw a rare tie in the best live action short film category, with Two People Exchanging Saliva co-director Natalie Musteata thanking the academy for supporting a queer, women-led project.
Red Carpet Activism and AI Concerns
Beyond the stage, the red carpet buzzed with activism. Filmmakers from the Middle East wore pins demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, while Iranian directors expressed solidarity with their people. Meanwhile, Will Arnett's presentation emphasized protecting animation from AI threats, reflecting Hollywood's anxiety over job displacement.
O'Brien concluded his monologue on a serious note, acknowledging the chaotic times and celebrating the Oscars as a unifying event with representation from 31 countries. This year's ceremony proved that Hollywood's biggest night is no longer shying away from reality, instead amplifying voices on critical issues louder than ever before.
