The 98th Academy Awards, aka the Oscars, took place on Sunday, March 15 (Monday, March 16, in India), celebrating the best in films in the past year. Hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive
year, the ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, and many prominent industry figures attended the event.
Given the prestige that comes with the award, many must wonder whether Oscar winners receive any monetary reward beyond the golden statue. The answer to it is simple: No. Despite the Academy Awards’ reputation, winners do not receive any direct prize money. The awards are presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which does not include cash rewards in any category, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director or Best Picture.
The Oscar Trophy’s Official Value Is $1
Instead, winners receive the prestigious Oscar statuette, a gold-plated trophy that symbolises the highest achievement in the film industry. According to the Academy rules, the official value of the statuette is just $1 (Rs 92.38). Per the rules, winners are not allowed to sell their trophy unless they first offer it back to the Academy at the same price. Although the golden statue has a symbolic value of $1 (Rs 92.38), the actual cost of producing it is estimated at around $400 (Rs 36,951).
Even without the prize money, winning an Oscar can give a boost to an actor’s career trajectory and earnings. After bagging the prestigious award, many stars increase their salaries and gain access to bigger and more high-profile projects. Oscar recognition can also lead to lucrative brand endorsements and a significant jump in global fame.
Major Winners At Oscars 2026
This year’s ceremony was dominated by Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. The film, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti, took home Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Casting, and Best Film Editing.
Meanwhile, Sinners also earned major recognitions. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his performance in the film, while director Ryan Coogler received the Best Original Screenplay award. Composer Ludwig Göransson also picked up Best Original Score, and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw created history by becoming the first woman to win Best Cinematography.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, becoming the first Irish performer to receive the honour. Amy Madigan took home Best Supporting Actress for Weapons.
