The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 10, 2024, dazzled audiences with its array of unforgettable moments and significant victories. Here’s a recap of the highlights:
Oppenheimer Triumphs: Christopher Nolan’s grand masterpiece “Oppenheimer” emerged as the night’s standout, clinching a remarkable seven Oscars. This included prestigious awards such as Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. Notably, this marked Nolan’s maiden win for Best Director, while Murphy and Downey Jr. secured their first-ever acting Oscars.
Emma Stone’s Best Actress Win: Emma Stone secured the Best Actress Oscar for her stellar portrayal in “Poor Things,” a unique rendition of the Frankenstein narrative by Yorgos Lanthimos. Stone’s moment on stage was briefly interrupted by a wardrobe malfunction, humorously quipped as occurring during “I’m Just Ken.” Additionally, “Poor Things” garnered recognition in three other categories: Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
“Barbie” Claims Best Original Song: Despite being overlooked in major categories, “Barbie” made its mark by winning the Best Original Song award for “What Was I Made For?” Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell were the talented duo behind this captivating composition. Furthermore, Ryan Gosling delivered a spectacular rendition of “I’m Just Ken” from the same film, accompanied by electrifying backup dancers and a surprise appearance by Slash.
Memorable Performances and Moments: The ceremony was punctuated by various standout moments, including John Cena’s comedic streaking skit and a mesmerizing American Sign Language interpretation of Gosling’s performance. Additionally, the event paid tribute to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, with prominent figures like Eilish, Mahershala Ali, and Ava DuVernay donning Artists4Ceasefire pins.
Host Jimmy Kimmel’s Entertaining Antics: Jimmy Kimmel set the tone for the evening with his witty monologue, teasing nominees and Hollywood elites alike. Notably, he engaged in a humorous exchange with former President Donald Trump, who had criticized Kimmel’s hosting on Truth Social.
Overall, the 2024 Oscars celebrated the pinnacle of cinematic excellence, with “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things” emerging as the night’s dominant forces amidst a tapestry of captivating musical performances, striking fashion statements, and entertaining host antics.
