Oscars 2026: Paul Thomas Anderson Wins Best Director For One Battle After Another; Sinners Makes History

Los Angeles, Mar 16 (AP) After a lionised career stretching back three decades, Paul Thomas Anderson won his first Oscar for best director, a long-in-coming coronation for the "One Battle After Another" filmmaker.

Anderson, a widely admired figure in Hollywood who grew up in San Fernando Valley and made his first short at age 18, had not won an Academy Award before Sunday. Earlier in the ceremony, he won his first, for best adapted screenplay. "You make a guy work hard for one of these," said Anderson."

"Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw has made Oscar history, becoming the first female director of photography to win the award in the 98 year history of the Academy Awards. The win was a long-in-coming triumph for women behind the camera. Arkapaw was just the fourth woman ever nominated in the category; the first was Rachel Morrison in 2018 for "Mudbound." The Dolby Theatre audience rose to a standing ovation as she took the stage. "I really want all the women in room to stand up," said Arkapaw. "Because I don't feel like I get here without you guys." Anderson and Ryan Coogler each won their first Oscars, moving tributes were paid to Robert Redford, Diane Keaton and Rob Reiner and an absent Sean Penn won best supporting actor at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday. (AP) RB