Oscars 2026: A Night for the History Books!

Oscars 2026: Full List of Winners and Historic Highlights from the 98th Academy Awards!

The 98th Academy Awards, held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, proved to be a historic night of political drama, technical mastery, and long-awaited triumphs. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year, the ceremony was dominated by a high-stakes showdown between Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler’s vampire blockbuster Sinners.

By the end of the night, One Battle After Another emerged as the big winner, securing six Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture and Best Director awards.

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The Big Winners: Key Categories

The 2026 Oscars saw several first-time winners and historic milestones, particularly in the acting and technical categories.

• Best Picture: One Battle After Another
• Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
• Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) — Beating out early favorite Timothée Chalamet.
• Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) — Making history as the first Irish woman to win in this category.
• Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) — His third Academy Award.
• Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons) — A stunning win for the 75-year-old in a rare horror-genre recognition.

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Historic Moments and Surprises

The 98th Academy Awards introduced a new category and witnessed a rare statistical anomaly.

• Inaugural Casting Award: The first-ever Oscar for Best Casting was awarded to Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another.
• A Rare Tie: In one of the night's biggest shocks, the Best Live Action Short Film category resulted in a tie between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva. This marks only the seventh tie in Oscar history.
• Cinematography Milestone: Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman of color to win Best Cinematography for her stunning work on Sinners.
• The Chalamet "Snub": Despite nine nominations and an early lead in the race, Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, went home empty-handed—one of the biggest "shutouts" of the decade.

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Oscars 2026: Full Results Table

Category	Winner	Movie
Best Picture	Paul Thomas Anderson / Sara Murphy	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	Ryan Coogler	Sinners
Best Adapted Screenplay	Paul Thomas Anderson	One Battle After Another
Best Animated Feature	Maggie Kang / Chris Appelhans	KPop Demon Hunters
Best International Feature	Joachim Trier (Norway)	Sentimental Value
Best Documentary Feature	David Borenstein	Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Best Cinematography	Autumn Durald Arkapaw	Sinners
Best Original Score	Ludwig Göransson	Sinners
Best Original Song	"Golden" (EJAE/Teddy Park)	KPop Demon Hunters
Best Visual Effects	Joe Letteri / Richard Baneham	Avatar: Fire and Ash
Best Casting	Cassandra Kulukundis	One Battle After Another

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Notable "In Memoriam" Tributes

The ceremony paused for a poignant tribute to cinema legends lost over the past year. Highlighting global contributions, the Academy included a special digital gallery recognizing Indian icons Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar, B. Saroja Devi, and Kota Srinivasa Rao. The main segment honored Hollywood titans Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner.

Fashion Highlights

The red carpet was a monochrome and "quiet luxury" spectacle.

• Priyanka Chopra Jonas stunned in a custom white Dior gown with feather detailing and Bvlgari diamonds.
• Nicole Kidman opted for a powder-pink silk Chanel bustier gown.
• Jessie Buckley wore a minimalist yet regal black Chanel ensemble as she accepted her historic award.

From Ayee Milan Ki Raat to OTT: Mapping 40 Years of Avinash Wadhawan!

The Civil Engineer of Cinema: How Avinash Wadhawan Rebuilt His Career Twice!

In an era of fleeting fame, Avinash Wadhawan stands as a rare example of the "rebound effect" in Indian cinema. While most 90s leading men faded as the millennium turned, Wadhawan engineered a pivot that serves as a blueprint for modern career longevity.

This is the narrative of a Civil Engineer who became a romantic icon, survived a "disappearing act," and re-emerged as a pillar of prestige television.

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The Blueprint: Engineering a Movie Star

Unlike many of his contemporaries who hailed from film families, Avinash Wadhawan’s foundation was built on logic and equations. Born on November 2, 1968, in New Delhi, he earned a B.E. in Civil Engineering and was on the verge of pursuing an MBA when the camera called.

His 1986 debut in Pyar Ho Gaya was just the prologue. By the early 90s, he had become the face of the "Musical Romance" era. Films like Ayee Milan Ki Raat (1991) and Junoon (1992) didn’t just make him a star; they made him a permanent fixture on the walls of teenagers across the country.

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The "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" Paradox

The mid-90s were a period of intense personal setbacks for Wadhawan. In an era before smartphones and social media, "taking a break" often meant permanent erasure. By the time he was ready to return, the industry had moved on to the next generation of superstars.

"During the '90s, I played hero in about 17 films... but emotional bruises put me in seclusion. With no mobiles or internet, everyone thought I had quit." — Avinash Wadhawan (2021)

Instead of fading away, Wadhawan took a calculated path through regional cinema, proving his versatility in Punjabi (Dard Pardesaan Dey), Bhojpuri, and even Gujarati films between 2000 and 2010.

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The Television Renaissance (2007–2026)

If the 90s were about stardom, the 2010s were about sustenance and skill. Wadhawan realized that the "Prime Time" of television offered more visibility than a mediocre film role. He successfully reinvented himself as the "Sophisticated Patriarch," a transition that redefined his brand for a new generation.

Era	Key Projects	Character Archetype
The Hero (90s)	Balmaa, Geet, Meera Ka Mohan	The Melodic Romantic
The Pillar (2010s)	Bidaai, Balika Vadhu, Piya Albela	The Authoritative Father
The Modern Veteran (2020s)	State of Siege: 26/11, Teri Meri Doriyaann	The Gritty Mentor / Professional

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Avinash Wadhawan in 2026: The "Best Time" for Actors

As of March 2026, Wadhawan is a vocal advocate for the "New Media" era. He recently wrapped up his role in the high-stakes drama Dil Ko Tumse Pyaar Hua and is exploring scripts in the burgeoning Indian OTT space.

His current philosophy is simple: Hunger over Ego. While he admits that finding protagonist roles in the 50+ age bracket is challenging, he has found a "second innings" by embracing the gray areas of character acting.

Hari Murali: The Journey of a Beloved Child Star Turned VFX Professional!

The Malayalam film industry is mourning the tragic loss of HariMurali, a former child artist who rose to fame in the early 2000s. At just 27 years old, Hari was found dead at his residence in Annoor, Payyannur, on March 12, 2026. Known for his natural screen presence and iconic dialogue delivery, his passing has left a void in the hearts of fans who grew up watching him on screen.

While he started his journey in front of the camera, Hari eventually transitioned into the technical side of filmmaking, establishing himself as a talented VFX artist.

 

Early Life and Family Background

Hari Murali was born into a family with deep roots in the Kerala arts and theatre scene.

• Parents: He was the son of the veteran theatre and film actor K.A. Murali (famously known as Payyannur Murali) and Prasanna.
• Siblings: He is survived by his brother, Sree Murali, who also follows the family's artistic path as an actor.
• Legacy: His family connections extend to other notable figures in the industry; he was the nephew of actor Babu Annoor and a relative of Manjummel Boys star Ganapathi S. Poduval.

 

The Child Star Era (2000–2010)

Hari’s career began at the tender age of four when director A.M. Naseer cast him in a television serial. However, it was his transition to the big screen that made him a household name.

The 'Rasikan' Breakthrough

In 2004, director Lal Jose cast him in the Dileep-starrer Rasikan. Though his role was brief, his innocent face and "mischievous" dialogue delivery became legendary. Fans across Kerala began affectionately referring to him as "Unnikuttan," and he became one of the most sought-after child actors of that era.

Working with Megastars

During his decade-long stint as a child artist, Hari acted in over 15 films, sharing the screen with legends like Mammootty and Mohanlal.

Year	Movie	Key Role / Note
2004	Rasikan	Debut film; became famous as "Unnikuttan"
2006	Don	Starring Dileep
2008	Annan Thambi	Played the young version of a key character alongside Mammootty
2008	Madampi	Starring Mohanlal
2009	Pattanathil Bhootham	Fantasy comedy with Mammootty
2009	To Harihar Nagar	Sequel to the cult classic
2011	Ulagam Chuttum Valiban	Starring Jayaram

Beyond films, he was a prolific television actor, appearing in nearly 40 serials, including popular hits like Kuttichathan and Kayamkulam Kochunni.

 

Education and Transition to VFX

As he grew older, Hari took a conscious break from acting to focus on his education. He later revealed in interviews that being a child star made his school life difficult, as classmates often struggled to treat him normally.

He moved to Bengaluru to pursue a BSc in Visual Effects and Animation. His passion for storytelling eventually led him back to the film industry, but this time behind the scenes.

• VFX Career: He worked as a VFX artist at a firm in Ernakulam, contributing to the visual magic of modern Malayalam cinema.
• Final Screen Appearance: In 2015, he made a brief return to acting in Nadirshah’s blockbuster Amar Akbar Anthony, playing the younger brother of Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character.

 

A Talent Cut Short

Before his untimely passing, Hari was reportedly working on his first screenplay, with dreams of one day directing a film starring Mammootty. His journey from the adorable "Unnikuttan" to a focused technician represents a unique and inspiring chapter in Mollywood history.

From a Beloved Child Artist to a Talented VFX Professional: The Tragic End of Hari Murali!

Rest in Peace, Unnikuttan: Remembering the Innocent Face of ‘Rasikan’ Star Hari Murali!

The Malayalam film industry is in shock following the untimely demise of Hari Murali, a former child artist who won hearts across Kerala in the early 2000s. The 27-year-old was reportedly found dead at his residence in Annoor, Payyannur, on the morning of Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Police have described the case as a suspected suicide, as he was discovered hanging in his bedroom. His body was shifted to a private hospital in Payyannur before being moved to the morgue at Baby Memorial Hospital for further procedures.

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A Childhood Star: From 'Rasikan' to 'Annan Thambi'

Hari Murali began his journey in front of the camera at the age of four, debuting in a television serial directed by A.M. Naseer. However, it was his entry into Malayalam cinema that made him a household name.

• The Breakthrough: He rose to fame with the 2004 film Rasikan, directed by Lal Jose and starring Dileep. Despite having a brief role, his innocent dialogue delivery and comic timing became iconic, with fans affectionately calling him "Unnikuttan."
• Success as a Child Artist: Over his childhood career, he appeared in approximately 10 to 15 notable films, including:
• Annan Thambi (with Mammootty)
• Pattanathil Bhootham
• Madampi (with Mohanlal)
• Don
• To Harihar Nagar
• Ulagam Chuttum Valiban

Return to the Screen and Career Shift

After a hiatus to focus on his education, Hari made a brief return to the big screen in the 2015 hit Amar Akbar Anthony, where he played the younger brother of Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character.

In recent years, he transitioned behind the camera. After completing a BSc in Visual Effects and Animation in Bengaluru, he worked as a VFX artist at firms in Kochi and Ernakulam, contributing his technical expertise to the very industry he started in as a child.

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A Family Rooted in Arts

Hari Murali came from a family deeply involved in the Kerala cultural scene.

• Father: He was the son of the renowned theatre and film actor K.A. Murali (popularly known as Payyannur Murali), who has been a staple in the theatre world for over three decades.
• Siblings: He is survived by his brother, Sree Murali, who is also an actor.
• Notable Relatives: He was a relative of Manjummel Boys actor Ganapathi S. Poduval and actor Babu Annoor.

Industry Mourns the Loss

The news has triggered an outpouring of grief from the Malayalam fraternity. Veteran actress Seema G. Nair, who had worked with him, shared a heartbreaking tribute, expressing disbelief at the loss of the "talented Appoos."

"Why did you do this? How will your parents bear this pain? My heart feels shattered," she shared in an emotional social media post.

Fact File	Details
Age	27 years
Date of Death	March 12, 2026
Location	Annoor, Payyannur, Kerala
Debut Film	Rasikan (2004)
Profession	Actor and VFX Artist

VJ, Actor, and Entrepreneur: Why Gaurav Kapur is the Ultimate Multi-Hyphenate!

From Channel [V] to Cricket Icon: The Extraordinary Journey of Gaurav Kapur!

Gaurav Kapur (often also spelled as Gaurav Kapoor) is a multifaceted Indian talent who has successfully navigated the worlds of radio, television, cinema, and digital sports media. Widely recognized as the "face of cricket broadcasting" in India, Kapur's journey from a teenage radio jockey to a successful entrepreneur and actor is a testament to his versatility and wit.

Following his recent intimate wedding to actress Kritika Kamra in March 2026, fan interest in his career trajectory has reached a new peak.

 

Early Life and Education

Born on April 11, 1981, in New Delhi, Gaurav Kapur was raised in a family that valued education, though he often jokes about being the "other Kapoor" with no relation to the famous film dynasty.

• Schooling: He attended Mount St. Mary's School in New Delhi.
• Higher Education: He graduated from Sri Venkateswara College (Delhi University).

His career began remarkably early; at just 17 years old, he landed a job with FM radio, which paved the way for his entry into the entertainment industry.

 

The Professional Journey: From VJ to "Champion"

1. The Channel [V] Era

Gaurav gained national fame as a Video Jockey (VJ) on Channel [V]. His quick humor and easy-going screen presence made him a household name during the early 2000s, a golden era for music television in India.

2. The Face of Cricket (IPL)

Kapur transitioned into sports broadcasting with spectacular success. He became synonymous with the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the host of Extraaa Innings T20. His ability to blend technical cricket knowledge with entertainment redefined sports presentation in India.

3. Digital Entrepreneurship & "Breakfast with Champions"

In 2017, he co-founded Kommune Arts, a performance arts collective, and started his own production agency, Oaktree Creative Solutions. His YouTube series, Breakfast with Champions, has become a cult hit, featuring candid, "un-filtered" conversations with global cricketing legends.

 

Full Filmography

While he is now a premier host, Gaurav Kapur has a significant body of work in Bollywood, often playing the witty friend or the relatable "everyman."

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2003	Darna Mana Hai	Romi	Anthology Horror
2003	Sssshhh...	Rajat	Slasher Thriller
2004	Chai Pani Etc.	Harish	Satirical Comedy
2005	White Rainbow	Gaurav	Social Drama
2006	Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana	Rahul	Comedy
2007	Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag	Ahmed	Remake of Sholay
2008	A Wednesday!	Ajay Khanna	Critically Acclaimed Thriller
2008	Ugly Aur Pagli	Hemal	Romantic Comedy
2008	The Mole	The Assassin	Short Film
2009	Bad Luck Govind	Govind	Lead Role
2009	Saluun	Asok	Social Comedy
2011	Chala Mussaddi - Office Office	Bunty	Based on the Hit TV Show
2013	Kai Po Che!	Commentator	Cameo
2025	Dabba Cartel	(Creator/Writer)	Netflix Series

 

Personal Life: A New Chapter in 2026

Gaurav Kapur was previously married to model Kirat Bhattal (2014–2021). After a period of privacy regarding his personal life, he made headlines in March 2026 by marrying popular television and OTT actress Kritika Kamra. The couple opted for a "quiet luxury" wedding at their residence in Bandra, Mumbai, choosing an intimate ceremony over a grand public event.

Quick Facts: Gaurav Kapur

• Height: 1.91 m (Approx 6'3")
• Current Residence: Bandra, Mumbai
• Net Worth (2026): Estimated at ₹56 Crore, largely driven by his production ventures and sports broadcasting contracts.
• Favorite Hobbies: Travel, Storytelling, and Mountain Trekking.

Just Married: Kritika Kamra & Gaurav Kapur’s Dreamy Home Wedding!

A Red Chanderi Saree, Royal Bandhgala, and Mumbai Sunset: Inside Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur’s Intimate Bandra Home Wedding

In a world of grand destination weddings, actors KritikaKamra and Gaurav Kapur chose a path of elegant simplicity. The couple officially tied the knot in a soulful, intimate ceremony at their Bandra residence on March 11, 2026.

Bathed in the golden hues of a classic Mumbai sunset, the wedding was a masterclass in understated luxury, proving that "home is where the heart is"—especially for a life-changing "I do."

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The Bride: A Vision in Traditional Red Chanderi

Kritika Kamra, known for her impeccable style, bypassed the heavy contemporary lehenga for a timeless Red Chanderi Saree. The choice reflected a deep appreciation for Indian heritage and craftsmanship.

• The Drape: A handwoven Chanderi silk with delicate gold zari borders.
• The Jewelry: She opted for heirloom polki diamonds and a signature maang tikka, keeping the look clean yet regal.
• The Vibe: Minimalist makeup and a sleek low bun allowed the vibrant red of the saree to take center stage against the setting sun.

The Groom: The Royal Bandhgala

Gaurav Kapur complemented the bride perfectly in a Royal Bandhgala in an ivory shade. The structured silhouette featured intricate tonal embroidery, lending a sophisticated and stately air to the groom. Together, the couple embodied a "classic India" aesthetic that resonated with fans and fashion critics alike.

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The Venue: A Bandra Sunset Wedding

The ceremony took place on the spacious balcony of their Bandra home, overlooking the Arabian Sea. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the couple exchanged vows in front of a small group of immediate family and a few close industry friends.

Key Highlights of the Intimate Ceremony:

• Minimalist Decor: The house was adorned with local marigolds and white tuberoses (Rajanigandha), creating a fragrant, serene atmosphere.
• Sustainable Celebration: In line with their personal beliefs, the couple opted for an eco-friendly celebration with zero plastic and locally sourced catering.
• The Guest List: The "Intimate Bandra Wedding" trend was evident here, with only about 30 guests in attendance to ensure a private and meaningful exchange.

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First Pictures: A Social Media Storm

Minutes after the ceremony, the couple shared a joint post with the caption: "Under the Mumbai sky, in the home we built, we began our forever." The pictures, captured by a leading celebrity photographer, highlight the raw emotion of the moment—Kritika’s laughter and Gaurav’s quiet poise—framed by the iconic orange-and-purple Mumbai sky.

Why the "Home Wedding" is the New Trend

Kritika and Gaurav’s wedding follows a growing trend among Bollywood celebrities who prefer private residences over 5-star hotels. By choosing their Bandra home, the couple ensured:

1. Total Privacy: Away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.
2. Sentimental Value: Starting a new chapter in a space filled with personal memories.
3. Aesthetic Control: A "Mumbai Sunset" backdrop that no studio could replicate.

Feature	Detail
Bride's Outfit	Red Handwoven Chanderi Saree
Groom's Outfit	Ivory Royal Bandhgala
Wedding Date	March 11, 2026
Location	Private Residence, Bandra, Mumbai
Wedding Theme	Traditional, Sustainable, Intimate