One Battle After Another Emerges As Oscar Favorite

Paul Thomas Anderson’s nearly three‑hour One Battle After Another is a politically charged epic about a militant cell called the French 75. It follows Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Perfidia (Teyana Taylor) as they clash with the sadistic Col. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), while Benicio del Toro’s Sensei Sergio and Regina Hall add key supporting performances. Critics praise the ensemble, cinematography and the film’s audacious mix of political urgency, dark comedy and mythic scope, though some find it overlong and self‑indulgent. The film’s topical themes around immigration and state enforcement and renewed focus on Anderson’s 0‑for‑11 Academy history have propelled it into early 2025–26 Oscar front‑runner status. Its awards momentum and polarizing reception have made it a significant cultural event heading into awards season.