WASHINGTON (March 16, 2026) – Hollywood celebrated a night of historic milestones and industry firsts at the 98th Oscars. Michael B. Jordan took home his first Oscar for Best Actor for Sinners, while cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman and first woman of color to win Best Cinematography. Meanwhile, One Battle After Another dominated the night, earning Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, his first Oscar after decades of nominations. The ceremony also marked the debut of a new competitive category for casting, signaling a major evolution in how the Academy recognizes filmmaking craft.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight and commentary on Hollywood’s biggest night. If you would like to speak to an expert, please contact Skyler Sales at skylers
gwu [dot] edu (skylers[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Imani Cheers, an associate professor of digital storytelling, is an award-winning digital storyteller, director, producer, and filmmaker. As a professor of practice, she uses a variety of media, including video, photography, television, and film, to document and discuss issues impacting and involving people of the African Diaspora. Cheers is also an expert on diversity in Hollywood, specifically the representation of Black women in television and film. Cheers can discuss topics related to diversity and inclusion; aspects of gender and race as it relates to nominees and those who made award firsts and broke records this year.
Sigridur Johannesdottir, an associate professor of costume design & technology, is a costume designer who specializes and focuses her teaching on reproducing historical costumes based on research, as well as dance costumes. Prior to coming on board with GW, she owned and operated her own interior decorative company (Scene Studios, Inc.), as well as a jewelry and handbag company, Dedua.com. She is the resident costume designer for Washington Stage Guild (DC), Ambassador Theatre (DC), and MetroStage in Alexandria, VA. Johannesdottir can discuss the significance of costume design in this year’s biggest films as it relates to character development and evolution.
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