The film ‘One Battle After Another’ dominated the 98th Academy Awards, securing six Oscars, including several of the most prestigious ones. Despite competing against ‘The Sinners’, which bagged four awards, and ‘Frankenstein’ with three, the night was marked by an unusual lack of explicit political discourse. Director Paul Thomas Anderson's work took center stage in a ceremony that, while glamorous, ignored the pressing global issues like the recent Iran conflict and enduring tensions in Ukraine and Palestine.

The Oscars, typically a platform for political statement and social commentary, took a different route this year, as references to current events were sparse. Notably, the name of the President of the United States was never mentioned throughout the gala, suggesting a deliberate distancing from political narratives. Instead, the focus remained squarely on honoring cinematic achievements, with ‘One Battle After Another’ standing as a testament to the resilience and allure of Hollywood during tumultuous times.

Additionally, the Spanish film ‘Sirât’ failed to secure any awards, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s Oscars and the challenge faced by international entries in gaining recognition on such a prominent platform. This contrasts with the overall theatrical atmosphere of the evening, which remained dedicated to the celebration of film and creativity, rather than the socio-political climate that often accompanies awards ceremonies.