The Warren Central newspaper and journalism classes voted in their annual Owlies. They voted on a few categories and chose who or what should win the 2026 Oscars, which will air on March 15.
BEST PICTURE WINNER: “SINNERS”
The award for best picture should go to “Sinners,” which won by a landslide in our survey – 75%. “Sinners” was a well-constructed movie with many historical moments that represented African American culture very well. A lot of the students just genuinely enjoyed the movie and the suspense that came with it.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM WINNER: “ZOOTOPIA 2”
The official winner of the 2026 Owlies best animated feature film goes to “Zootopia 2,” winning with 55% of the survey vote. The newspaper and journalism students voted for “Zootopia 2” because they believed that it was a really good movie, and the animation in the movie was superior.
ACTOR IN LEADING ROLE WINNER: MICHAEL B. JORDAN
The winner for the best actor in a leading role is Michael B. Jordan, who won with 76% of our vote, winning the hearts of many students by a huge margin. A lot of voters believed that his role in “Sinners” was truly a masterpiece. Jordan playing two beautifully-written characters in this movie showed his true acting abilities and how much of a great show he put on.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE WINNER: EMMA STONE
The winner for best actress in a leading role goes to Emma Stone, winning the Warren Central vote at 43%. The students didn't have too much to say about the actress, but Stone was very committed to the role of Michelle in “Bugonia.” She shaved her head, not using CGI or any wigs. A lot of professional movie critics believed that Stone’s performance was truly captivating and worthy of an Oscar, and students agreed.
VISUAL EFFECTS WINNER: “AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH”
Presenting the winner of the 2026 Owlies for the best visual effects is “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” 63% of students think that this movie's effects were next-level, blowing the other options out of the water. Many also agreed that it was just a great movie to watch in general.
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG) WINNER: “ I LIED TO YOU” FROM SINNERS
Last but certainly not least, the winner of the best original song goes to “I Lied to You” from the hit movie “Sinners.” It was a close call against “ Golden” from “ K-Pop Demon Hunters” winning with only 47% of the overall vote. Many movie critics believed that this song was played during such a spiritual scene from the movie, and it represented the roots of African American history and music.