The Oscars are done and dusted for this year, 2026.

The highlight for me was the opening – Conan O’Brien as the Amy Madigan character in Weapons being chased through all the Best Picture nominated film sets.

There were a few surprises for me – Best Documentary for one, and Best Cinematography for another. And I really wish the Casting Oscar had gone to The Secret Agent.

So how did I go?
Here’s my list of predicted winners, with a YES or NO beside them.

Best Picture
One Battle after Another YES

Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson / One Battle after Another  YES

Best Actor
Michael B Jordan / Sinners YES

Best Actress
Jessie Buckley / Hamnet YES

Best Supporting Actor
Sean Penn / One Battle After Another YES

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Madigan / Weapons YES

Best Original Screenplay
Sinners  YES

Best Adapted Screenplay
One Battle After Another YES

Best Casting
Sinners NO

Best International Film
The Secret Agent NO

Best Cinematography
One Battle After Another NO

Best Film Editing
Sinners NO

Best Sound:
Fi YES

Best Production Design
Frankenstein YES

Visual Effects
Avatar Fire & Ash YES

Original Score
Sinners YES

Original Song
Kpop Demon Hunters YES

Best Costume Design
Frankenstein YES

Best Makeup & Hair
Frankenstein YES

Best Documentary
The Perfect Neighbor NO

Best Animated Feature
K-Pop Demon Hunters YES

So my scorecard was 16/21 or 76%. That’s pretty shabby for me. But I got all the big ones right, which is something, I guess.

I’m delighted that PTA finally got the career recognition he’s deserved for a long time now. Whilst I had some problems with One Battle, he is truly a remarkable filmmaker – and alongside the Coen Bros, is my favourite director working at the moment.

Till next year!