The 98th edition of the Academy Awards took place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, making clear something that has been evident for years: Latin influence is shining even brighter.
While Hollywood continues to become more diverse, Latin artists once again made their presence felt at the world’s most prestigious film awards, both in front of and behind the camera. 🏆
Guillermo del Toro Continues to Create
One name that once again made history was that of Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who with his version of Frankenstein, took home three Oscars in technical categories: Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Costume Design. He may not have won Best Picture or Best Director, but his signature style, characterized by a dark, detailed, and deeply artistic visual aesthetic, once again demonstrates why he is one of the industry’s most respected creative minds. Guillermo del Toro directs films and transforms every story into a unique universe; on this occasion, he once again showcased his incredible creative vision. 🎬
A monster of a transformation. Congratulations to Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey for winning the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for FRANKENSTEIN! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/rOwZT7thPm
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 15, 2026
Benicio del Toro Returns to the Oscars
Another prominent Latino figure at the ceremony was Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his acclaimed role as “Sensei Sergio St. Carlos” in the film One Battle After Another, a movie that garnered 13 nominations and won Best Picture. His performance had previously been recognized at the Golden Globes, and the film was one of the most-nominated features of the gala. Something that piqued the curiosity of his fans was his noticeably slimmer physique, a detail that generated significant buzz on social media.
Wagner Moura Earns a Best Actor Nomination
Brazilian actor Wagner Moura received a nomination for Best Actor for his performance in The Secret Agent.
His nomination comes at a pivotal moment for representation in international cinema. Moura is widely known globally for his roles in films and series that showcase Latin American narratives on a global stage.
Furthermore, this edition also brought great joy by highlighting how Latinos continue to gain ground in key areas that often go unnoticed. For instance, work in sound also had a Latin flavor, thanks to figures like Juan Peralta, who was part of the team that won Best Sound for the film F1. It serves as a reminder that filmmaking is a team effort, and every detail counts in building an epic cinematic experience. Furthermore, Latino representation was also felt among the nominated projects. Zootopia 2, produced by Mexican-American Yvett Merino, made its way to the Oscars, demonstrating that animated stories also have room for diverse voices that resonate with new generations. 🎥
Although the number of nominations may vary from year to year, Latino artists continue to play an increasingly significant role in the global film industry. Actors, producers, and filmmakers from Latin America and Spain are increasingly shaping Hollywood narratives and bringing fresh perspectives to the screen.
Events like the Oscars highlight how Latino culture, talent, and creativity continue to expand their influence within international cinema.
