Every Oscars 2026 Record, First, & Landmark
The 2026 Academy Awards delivered several new records, firsts and landmarks across acting, writing and casting categories. Amy Madigan won her first Academy Award for a terrifying role in Weapons, marking the longest gap between a first nomination and a first win.
Her initial nomination came for Twice in a Lifetime (1985), creating a 40-year span before her first win in Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Cassandra Kulukundis received the inaugural Academy Award for Achievement in Casting for Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, a category announced in 2024.
The film was praised for its ensemble, from Leonardo DiCaprio to breakout Chase Infiniti and veterans such as Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Wood Harris and Kevin Tighe. The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva tied for Best Live Action Short Film, the seventh tie in Academy Awards history; presenter Kumail Nanjiana brought both parties out to collect their trophies.
oscars 2026, academy awards, amy madigan, weapons, 40-year gap, cassandra kulukundis, casting award, leonardo dicaprio, short film, kumail nanjiana