What is the story about?
The 98th Academy Awards, famously known as the Oscars 2026, took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where Hollywood came together to celebrate
films released in 2025. The ceremony began at 4:00 pm local time in Los Angeles (7:00 pm ET / 11:00 pm GMT) on Sunday, March 15. For Indian viewers, the awards were streamed on JioHotstar and Star Movies on March 16, with an on-demand replay available afterwards. In the United States, the Oscars 2026 were televised on ABC and streamed on Hulu. Winning an Oscar is invaluable and can lead to a salary increase and other career advancements. But do the winners get prize money? Let us find out.
How much does an Oscar winner get?
An Academy Award winner normally does not get paid. The Oscar trophy is not attached with a cash prize from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Instead, winners and nominees present at the ceremony receive a luxurious gift bag, including expensive items and experiences for the rich. According to reports, this year’s gift bag has villa stays in Costa Rica, Ibiza and the Arctic. Along with that, high end cosmetic offerings like ArtLipo body sculpting, a Beverly Hills smile makeover and premium facial rejuvenation treatments make it more luxurious.
While winners of the Academy Award do not receive cash prizes, their stakes go higher with filmmakers and producers trusting them with better scripts that promise huge pay cheques. It also increases the chance to crack lucrative deals through brand sponsorships, partnerships and endorsement deals worth millions.
What is an Oscar Award's worth?
Holding an Oscar trophy adds weight to an actor’s awards shelf. However, if she/he no longer desires to keep the little gold man on the rack, it can be sold. Before that, the winner must offer the first chance to the Academy to buy it back for $1. This is due to rules implemented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1951. If the Academy refuses to buy it back, the person can be sold openly in the market. The trophy is made of bronze and finished with 24-karat gold plating. The statuette costs anywhere from $400 to $1,000 to produce, depending on gold’s value at that time. As per the rule, heirs and assigns of Academy Award winners may acquire a statuette by gift or bequest.
Who won at the Oscars 2026?
At the Oscars 2026, One Battle After Another led with six Academy Awards. Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for Sinners. Paul Thomas Anderson took home the Best Director award for One Battle After Another, while Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for the same film. Jessie Buckley received her first Oscar for Best Actress for Hamnet.
