Oscars Schmoscars 2026

About this episode

In this Oscars special episode, Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode discuss the major moments and winners from the 2026 Academy Awards.

In this Oscars special episode of Kermode & Mayo’s Take, Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode break down the biggest moments from the 2026 Academy Awards. Mark shares his reactions to the ceremony, from Avatar: Fire and Ash winning Visual Effects to the triumph of Sentimental Value. Simon and Mark unpack the night’s major wins — including One Battle After Another sweeping six awards and Paul Thomas Anderson’s backstage reflections on politics, culture, and “bringing common sense and decency back into fashion.” They also explore the fierce race between One Battle After Another and Sinners, Michael B. Jordan’s emotional Best Actor win, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s groundbreaking Cinematography victory. Hear extended backstage moments from Paul Thomas Anderson, Michael B. Jordan, and Jessie Buckley as they reflect on the significance of their awards, artistic responsibility, and historymaking achievements. The duo also discuss Amy Madigan’s longawaited Supporting Actress win, Norway’s triumph with Sentimental Value, and the powerful documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin. Plus: the rise of KPop Demon Hunters, Guillermo del Toro’s three craft wins for Frankenstein, a rare Oscars tie, Conan…

People in this episode

Hosts: Simon Mayo, Mark Kermode

Topics covered

• Academy Awards
• Oscar winners
• film industry
• backstage reflections
• cinematography
• emotional tributes

Keywords

• Oscars
• Academy Awards 2026
• film
• winners
• backstage
• cinematography
• emotional tributes

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Sentimental Value, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Mr Nobody Against Putin, Frankenstein

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