This Year's Oscars: A Night of Glamour and Politics The 98th Academy Awards, which took place in Los Angeles, was a night of glamour and excitement, but it also became a platform for discussing some of the world's most pressing issues. Host Conan O'Brien warned viewers at the beginning of the event that it might get "political," and indeed it did. The dominance of films that tackle social issues in this year's nominations might have contributed to the night's polemic tone. Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler's Sinners, both of which deal with complex social issues, took home several awards, including best picture and four other trophies. One of the most striking moments of the night came when Spanish actor Javier Bardem presented the award for best international feature film. Without hesitation, he said, "No to war, and free Palestine," prompting a burst of applause from the Dolby Theatre crowd. This moment was a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the global community's need for peace. The biggest winner of the night, One Battle After Another, took home six awards, including best picture, director, adapted screenplay, supporting actor (Sean Penn), editing, and the Academy's new best casting award. The film is set in a fictional country but mirrors the real-world struggles of refugees and immigrants seeking a better life. Director Paul Thomas Anderson's acceptance speech for best adapted screenplay seemed to acknowledge the parallels between the film and the current global situation. Anderson said, "I wrote this movie for my kids, to say sorry for the mess we left in this world we're handing off to them." His words resonated with many, especially in a world where conflicts and social injustices are increasingly visible. The Oscars have long been a platform for discussing social issues, and this year's event was no exception. While it was a night of glamour and glitz, it also served as a reminder of the need for continued conversation and action on the world's most pressing problems.