‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates with 6 Awards; Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley Crowned Best Actor and Actress

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on the morning of the 16th Malaysia time. Michael B. Jordan, playing twin brothers in ‘Sinners’, surged ahead to clinch Best Actor, becoming the sixth Black actor in Oscar history to win the award. The Best Actress honor was claimed by Jessie Buckley, who swept the awards season for her performance in ‘Hamnet’.

The ceremony was hosted again by comedian Conan O’Brien, who kicked off the show dressed as the bizarre villain ‘Aunt Gladys’ from ‘Weapons’, chased by a group of children into various famous movie scenes. The first award, Best Supporting Actress, went to 75-year-old Amy Madigan for her performance in the same film. She last received a nomination 40 years ago and now took home the statuette with her overwhelming presence. Two-time Best Actor winner Sean Penn claimed Best Supporting Actor for ‘One Battle After Another’, though he was absent. ‘One Battle After Another’ also scooped up Best Picture, Best Director, and a total of six awards in all.

Newly crowned Best Actor Michael B. Jordan gave a heartfelt speech: “I stand here because of those who came before me. Thank you to all the Black actors who paved the way. I am deeply honored to stand on the shoulders of these giants and ancestors.” He also extended his gratitude to fans and supporters: “Thanks to everyone present, and to my friends supporting me at home. You have always believed in me; I will keep working hard to be my best self.”

New Best Actress Makes Bold Declaration to Husband: Want to Have 20,000 Kids With You

Jessie Buckley broke through to win Best Actress for her heart-wrenching and brilliant performance in ‘Hamnet’. She made history as the first Irish actress to win this Oscar. Her emotional thank you speech and bold declaration of love on stage instantly stole the spotlight. Buckley’s husband works in mental health and is extremely low-profile, but on this historic night he was there in the audience to witness her glory. Pointing directly to her husband, Buckley shouted boldly and sweetly: “And you… I love you, man! You are the most incredible father and the best man ever, I want to have 20,000 kids with you!”

Chalamet Jokingly Roasted for ‘Insensitive’ Remarks

‘Heartthrob’ Timothée Chalamet was a strong contender for Best Actor with ‘Marty Supreme’, but recently came under fire for saying “No one cares about ballet or opera”, hurting his momentum. The host couldn’t pass up the chance to roast him, saying in the opening: “Security is very tight tonight, with some afraid the ballet and opera communities will retaliate.” The camera turned to Chalamet and his girlfriend, who could only manage awkward smiles.

‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ took home Best Animated Feature and Original Song. Director Maggie Kang was moved to tears accepting the award: “Thanks to all our fans, and to everyone who looks like me. I’m sorry it took so long for a film like this to appear, but it’s finally here. That means the next generation won’t have to wait as long. This award is for Korea, and Koreans everywhere.”

Partial List of Winners at the 98th Academy Awards
Best Picture: ‘One Battle After Another’
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (‘One Battle After Another’)
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’)
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’)
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (‘One Battle After Another’)
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (‘Weapons’)
Best Original Screenplay: ‘Sinners’
Best Adapted Screenplay: ‘One Battle After Another’
Best International Feature: ‘Sentimental Value’, Norway
Best Animated Feature: ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’
Best Casting: ‘One Battle After Another’
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: ‘Frankenstein’
Best Production Design: ‘Frankenstein’
Best Costume Design: ‘Frankenstein’
Best Visual Effects: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’
Best Editing: ‘One Battle After Another’
Best Cinematography: ‘Sinners’
Best Sound: ‘F1’
Best Original Score: ‘Sinners’
Best Original Song: ‘Golden’ (‘Kpop Demon Hunters’)

Sources: Apple Daily, Entertainment Star News, TVBS News Network