“One Battle After Another,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s political epic, took home the award for best picture at Sunday night’s Oscars, edging out “Sinners,” which gained considerable momentum late in the game, in a tight and dramatic race to the finish line.
Entering the night with 13 nominations, the film had been an early favorite after sweeping most of the major industry prizes, including the PGA Award — a key bellwether in this category. But “Sinners” picked up steam after claiming top prizes for “Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan, as well as the film’s ensemble cast, at the recent Actor Awards and created a tense run-up to the Oscars. It all made for an unpredictable moment for the Oscars’ main category, even as Warner Bros., the studio behind both movies, stood to have a rare and enviable night whatever the outcome — while in the midst of a takeover deal that could rock the industry.
Chase Infiniti jumped and audibly screamed onstage as the actors and filmmakers embraced and celebrated the final win of the night. Teyana Taylor looked tearful as Anderson accepted the award for his 10th film alongside fellow producer Sara Murphy (and in memory of the late Adam Somner).
“Thank you to my family; I’m grateful,” Murphy said, turning to Anderson. “Paulie!”
Anderson was beaming and breathless as he held the award, joined by lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio and the rest of the cast.
“We’re happy to be part of this, a wonderful journey with our fellow nominees and filmmakers, even those who weren’t recognized today,” Anderson said.
The crowd’s applause only grew as Anderson, acknowledging his “slipup” in not acknowledging his cast for his previous directing win, looked over at the film’s breakout star, Infiniti.
Infiniti plays the strong-willed Willa Ferguson, who balances the tense relationship with her father, portrayed by DiCaprio.
“Chase, my American girl, Chase, you are the heart of this movie,” Anderson said in an emotional dedication. “What a night guys — let’s have a martini!”
“One Battle After Another” is a satirical action-thriller with an intense and timely exploration of American extremism that stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a retired revolutionary forced back into action. Overall, it took home six Oscars, including directing and adapted screenplay for Anderson and supporting actor for Sean Penn, who missed the ceremony.
In the best picture category, “One Battle After Another” defeated “Sinners” — which won four Oscars, including lead actor and original screenplay — “Hamnet,” “Sentimental Value,” “The Secret Agent,” “Bugonia,” “Marty Supreme,” “Frankenstein,” “F1” and “Train Dreams.”
Now available to stream on HBO Max, “One Battle After Another” collected $209.4 million at the worldwide box office.
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