As the stars converged under the shimmering lights of Hollywood’s most prestigious stage, the 96th Academy Awards (Oscars 2024) unfolded its dazzling spectacle at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night, leaving us with the newest winners to celebrate and tons of entertaining moments!
Under the seasoned guidance of the ever-charismatic Jimmy Kimmel, the star-studded soirée evolved into a canvas of cinematic triumphs, surprises, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable moments.
The evening commenced with a familiar face from the awards season circuit as Da’Vine Joy Rudolph clinched the Oscar for Focus Features’ “The Holdovers”, delivering a moving acceptance speech honouring her mother and those who have “ushered and guided me.”
Among the evening’s luminaries, “Oppenheimer” emerged as a towering presence, clinching an impressive seven awards out of 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
The film’s profound exploration of history and humanity, coupled with Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy’s stellar performances under the legendary filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s direction, deeply resonated with audiences and the award committee, marking a pinnacle in cinematic storytelling.
Nolan, in his acceptance speech for Best Director, mused, “Movies are just over 100 years old, and just imagine 100 years into painting or theatre. We don’t know where this journey is going [from here], but to know that you think I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”
Robert Downey Jr. took the Supporting Actor prize for Oppenheimer. He said from the podium, “Here’s my little secret: I needed this job more than it needed me.” It was his first Academy Award on his third nomination, after Tropic Thunder and Chaplin.
Although Cillian Murphy has garnered almost every award nomination he received this season for his seasoned portrayal in “Oppenheimer,” this marked his first-ever Oscar nomination and the first win for an Ireland-born actor in the category.
“For better or worse,” he stated on stage, “We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or for worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world. So I’d like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere.”
While “Oppenheimer” stood out as the night’s undisputed champion, other cinematic gems also made their mark on Hollywood’s grandest stage!
Emma Stone’s triumphant return to the 2024 Oscars stage captured hearts and headlines alike, clinching her second Academy Award for her role in “Poor Things,” a victory that reverberated throughout Hollywood.
It marked Stone’s second win in the category, following her acclaimed performance in “La La Land” in 2017.
Reflecting on her win, Stone expressed gratitude to director Yorgos Lanthimos “for the gift of a lifetime in Bella Baxter.” Additionally, “Poor Things” garnered praise for its exceptional craftsmanship, securing accolades for hair and makeup, production design, and costume design, reaffirming the film’s status as a cinematic tour de force.
“Barbie,” despite securing eight nominations, garnered a single win for Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s enchanting original song, “What Was I Made For,” a moment of musical splendour.
Cord Jefferson won Best Original Screenplay for Amazon MGM Studios’ “American Fiction.” In his acceptance speech, Jefferson — an Emmy winner for his work on HBO’s “Watchmen” — urged Hollywood to give new creatives a chance. The Academy Award for Best Animated Short went to the anti-war film “War Is Over!” inspired by the music of John & Yoko.
Below is the complete list of winners and nominees at the Oscars 2024, a testament to the indelible mark left by these cinematic masterpieces on the landscape of contemporary filmmaking:
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