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The Academy Awards, the 98th edition, which took place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, provided unforgettable moments when Michael B. Jordan eventually gained the first Oscar in the Best Actor nomination. His heavily layered performance as a stressed-out jazz musician in the psychological thriller Sinners, by Ryan Coogler, earned the 39-year-old star the victory over the strong contenders, among whom are the leaders of other biopics and dramas. Jordan dedicated much of his speech at the time of acceptance to a thank-you note to his family, Coogler, and the Black directors that preceded him and said, This is to every kid who had a big dream-- this is a testimony that it’s possible.

In an unexpected shock, Best Actress went to Jessica Buckley, who played the haunting role of a grieving mother in the indie drama The Echoes Within. The unsung star with her heartfelt, rough delivery, which found its supporters among the electorate, pushed aside the old names. She won her match as a breakthrough to independent cinema.

There was general social media euphoria when the two won together, and people applauded the Academy for not neglecting such an other-worldly narrative, not to mention the year 2011 was no exception with the most ambitious movies.