The 2026 Oscars ceremony was one filled with mixed milestones as well as historic wins never achieved before. The season reflected a year full of fresh voices and stories, as well as a growing prominence of diversity and culture in films.

One of the major winners across the season was Jessie Buckley, who won five major awards for her performance in “Hamnet,” including winning Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Oscars. Her victory marked a historic milestone as she became the first Irish actress to win in the category, highlighting the growing recognition of international talent in Hollywood.

An equally significant achievement was Autumn Durald Arkapaw winning Best Cinematography for her work on “Sinners.” Her win made her the first woman to ever win in the category, breaking a barrier in one of the most male-dominated awards and reflecting major change.

Movies with mostly minority casts dominated this year, with “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” winning big. “Sinners” director Ryan Coogler became the second Black person to win Best Screenplay, and lead actor Michael B. Jordan became the sixth Black man to win Best Actor in a Leading Role. The dominance of “One Battle After Another” throughout the season and across multiple award ceremonies also defined the year as a victory for diversity.

This year’s season showcased a major transition in Hollywood, displaying growing shifts toward inclusivity as well as evolving cultural representation.

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on April 9, 2026