The competition and controversy surrounding the 2026 Oscars

Students weigh in on the 98th Academy Awards and whether or not the show’s big wins and losses were fairly given

On March 15, 2026, the 98th Academy Awards began at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Since their inception in 1929, the Oscars have continually proven themselves to be among the most illustrious of film awards, and their awarding decisions among the most contested.

History was made before the awards ceremony even began, with Ryan Coogler’s supernatural horror film “Sinners” scoring a stunning 16 nominations and setting the record for the most nominated film in Oscars history. It was followed by Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” with 13 nominations.

Ultimately, the title of Best Picture, the show’s biggest and most desired award, was given to “One Battle After Another.” It competed with “Sinners” for the title alongside films like “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme” and “Sentimental Value.”

With its 16 nominations, “Sinners” did not go home empty-handed, despite losing the award for Best Picture. Notably, it won Best Actor in a Leading Role, awarded to Michael B. Jordan for his dual performance as the twins Smoke and Stack. It also made history when Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for her work on the film, becoming both the first woman and first woman of color to win the award.

Best Actress in a Leading Role, meanwhile, was awarded to Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet.” Best Supporting Actress was a victory for fans of the horror genre, as it was won by Amy Madigan for “Weapons.” Meanwhile, following its massive pop-culture impact, “KPop Demon Hunters” scored the title of Best Animated Film, as well as Best Original Song for “Golden.”

For every film or genre that won big, however, there was another which did not receive the same acclaim, much to the disappointment of some viewers.For instance, although the success of a film like “Weapons” was exciting for horror fans, the heavy and dark subject material of the genre can be uncomfortable to others.

“I wasn’t as interested in watching the Oscars this year because many of the nominations were action, horror and thriller themed, which isn’t my vibe,” Olivia Seward, a second-year environmental engineering Ph.D. student, said. “It’s a trend I’ve noticed this year when going to movie theaters — most of the previews were exclusively horror.”

For viewers like Seward, the Oscars could have been more appealing had it highlighted more hopeful film content.

“Our world is scary enough without an influx of horror movies,” Seward said.

Meanwhile, another category that brought up much discussion was for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Timothée Chalamet, nominated for his role in “Marty Supreme,” came under fire just before the Oscars ceremony for making comments about the ballet and opera, arts which “no one cares about anymore,” according to Chalamet This controversy was acknowledged at the Oscars themselves, with host Conan O’Brien directly cracking a joke about it on stage.

“Security is extremely tight tonight,” O’Brien said. “I’m told there’s concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.”

This open acknowledgement of Chalamet’s comments raised the question of whether they may have negatively impacted his chances of winning.

“[Chalamet’s] performance in ‘Marty Supreme’ had all the qualities you’d expect from an Oscar-winning role: range, control, charisma and most importantly, it actually made me feel something,” Kaile Schippers-Romero, a fourth year sociology major, said. “At the same time, I can say with no doubt that Michael B. Jordan was deserving of the Oscar. His performance in ‘Sinners,’ which is in my Letterboxd top four, was legendary. He also played two roles, showing just how talented he is.”

The show’s comments about Chalamet, however, made it difficult for some viewers to discern whether the actor was being judged on his performance alone.

“It just feels like the Academy’s decision wasn’t based solely on the acting,” Schippers-Romero said. “Yeah, Timothée Chalamet and his distasteful, out-of-touch comment about opera and ballet was uncalled for and wrong, but that shouldn’t factor into judging his performance in ‘Marty Supreme.’ These are two very different conversations.”

Indeed, the Academy’s process of nominating and voting for winners by a board of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members is largely mysterious and disconnected from the general public, who are in turn influenced by who the Academy chooses to shine a spotlight on — whether that be through an award or a pointed joke.

“At the end of the day, the Oscars are just another tool in which we as a society promote certain identities and ideologies to get the most positive response from audiences,” Schippers-Romero said. “Which isn’t inherently a bad thing: it keeps them relevant. But, if they’re going to present themselves as the highest form of competition in acting, they need to be clearer and more consistent with their judging criteria and keep it focused on the actual performance. Otherwise, it’s just a popularity contest.”

With a slew of major films coming out in 2026, from vibrant science-fiction blockbusters to much anticipated releases by popular directors, the next Oscars ceremony will undoubtedly be just as competitive — and perhaps, just as polarizing to viewers — as this year’s.

Written by: Natalie Salter — arts@theaggie.org