The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, which took place on March 10, 2024, was an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments. Here are the key highlights:
Oppenheimer Dominates
Oppenheimer Dominates Christopher Nolan’s monumental masterpiece, “Oppenheimer,” emerged triumphant as the night’s biggest winner, clinching an impressive seven Oscars. Among its accolades were Best Picture, which marked Nolan’s first win in the category, Best Director for the visionary filmmaker himself, and stellar performances recognized with awards for Best Actor, awarded to the talented Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor, claimed by the esteemed Robert Downey Jr. It was a momentous occasion as Murphy and Downey Jr. secured their maiden acting Oscars.
Emma Stone Wins Best Actress for Poor Things
Emma Stone Wins Best Actress for Poor Things Emma Stone captivated audiences and critics alike with her stellar portrayal in “Poor Things,” a unique take on the classic Frankenstein narrative helmed by director Yorgos Lanthimos. Stone’s exceptional performance earned her the coveted Best Actress Oscar. Despite a minor wardrobe mishap en route to the stage, Stone gracefully joked about it, adding a touch of levity to the evening’s proceedings. Additionally, “Poor Things” clinched three other awards, including Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, further solidifying its impact on the cinematic landscape.
Barbie wins the Best Original Song
Barbie Shines with Best Original Song Although “Barbie” may not have garnered widespread recognition in major categories, it celebrated a significant triumph with Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s win for Best Original Song, “What Was I Made For?” The duo’s enchanting composition resonated with audiences, securing its rightful place among the evening’s standout moments. Furthermore, Ryan Gosling delivered a captivating rendition of “I’m Just Ken” from the film, accompanied by dynamic choreography and a surprise appearance by legendary guitarist Slash, adding to the night’s musical splendor.
Memorable Performances and Moments
Memorable Performances and Moments The ceremony was punctuated by memorable performances and poignant moments that captivated viewers worldwide. Notable highlights included John Cena’s daring cameo, showcasing his comedic flair in a streaking skit, and a mesmerizing American Sign Language interpretation of Ryan Gosling’s performance. Additionally, the event paid homage to pressing global issues, with luminaries such as Billie Eilish, Mahershala Ali, and Ava DuVernay donning Artists4Ceasefire pins in solidarity with efforts to promote peace amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Host Jimmy Kimmel’s hosting
Host Jimmy Kimmel’s Antics Jimmy Kimmel set the tone for the evening with a spirited opening monologue, playfully ribbing nominees and Hollywood luminaries alike. His irreverent humor added a layer of entertainment to the proceedings, as he affectionately referred to attendees as “heavily botox-ed, Hailey Bieber smoothie drinking, diabetes prescription abusing, gluten sensitive nepo babies.” Furthermore, Kimmel engaged in a lighthearted exchange with former President Donald Trump, responding to criticism of his hosting duties on Truth Social with characteristic wit and charm.
In conclusion, the 96th Academy Awards served as a fitting tribute to the finest achievements in cinema, with “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things” emerging as the night’s crowning jewels. Amidst captivating musical performances, poignant gestures, and host antics, the event celebrated the magic of storytelling and the enduring power of the silver screen.