The 96th Academy Awards: A Night of Surprises and Legacy Makers
The Dolby Theatre glittered once again on March 10, 2024, as Hollywood celebrated the best in cinema at the 96th Academy Awards. This year's ceremony, hosted by the ever-charming Jimmy Kimmel for the fourth time, was a night of unexpected wins, emotional speeches, and a celebration of filmmaking's enduring power.
The "Barbenheimer" Phenomenon Takes Center Stage
2023 belonged to Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig. Their films, "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie," dominated the cultural landscape and the Oscar race. "Oppenheimer," Nolan's epic biopic on the enigmatic physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, led the pack with a whopping 13 nominations, while Gerwig's vibrant and subversive take on the iconic doll franchise, "Barbie," garnered eight nods. The two films went head-to-head in several key categories, including Best Picture.
Diversity and Representation
The Oscars this year also showcased a commendable display of diversity and representation. Da'Vine Joy Randolph's win as Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Holdovers" marked a significant moment, highlighting the importance of inclusion and recognition of talent from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, Emma Stone's triumph as Best Actress for her role in "Poor Things" resonated strongly, underscoring the power of nuanced storytelling and impactful performances.
Fashion on the Red Carpet
While the Oscars are synonymous with celebrating cinematic achievements, they also serve as a platform for dazzling fashion statements. The red carpet at the Dolby Theatre witnessed a plethora of glamorous ensembles, with celebrities stepping out in style. From Vanessa Hudgens' pregnancy announcement to Jennifer Lawrence's ethereal presence in Dior, the fashion quotient was sky-high. America Ferrera turned heads in a pink chainmail Versace gown, while Zendaya stunned in Armani Privé. Every look exuded elegance and sophistication, adding an extra layer of glamour to the star-studded event.
Memorable Moments and Remarkable Wins
Aside from the glitz and glamour, the night was filled with memorable moments and remarkable wins. Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" may have missed out on major categories, but it clinched the Best Original Song award for "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell, adding a touch of musical magic to the evening. Additionally, "Poor Things" emerged victorious in categories like Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design, reaffirming the significance of meticulous craftsmanship in filmmaking.
Here is the full list of Oscars 2024 winners
- Best picture: "Oppenheimer"
- Best Director: Christopher Nolan, "Oppenheimer"
- Best actress: Emma Stone, "Poor Things."
- Best actor: Cillian Murphy, "Oppenheimer"
- Best supporting actress: Da'Vine Joy Randolph, "The Holdovers"
- Best supporting actor: Robert Downey Jr., "Oppenheimer"
- Best original screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, "Anatomy of a Fall"
- Best adapted screenplay: Cord Jefferson, "American Fiction"
- Best animated feature: "The Boy and the Heron"
- Best animated short: "War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono"
- Best international feature: "The Zone of Interest" (United Kingdom)
- Best documentary feature: "20 Days in Mariupol"
- Best documentary short: "The Last Repair Shop"
- Best live action short: "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar"
- Best score: Ludwig Göransson, "Oppenheimer"
- Best original song: Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell, "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie"
- Best sound: Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn, "The Zone of Interest"
- Best production design: James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek, "Poor Things"
- Best cinematography: Hoyte van Hoytema, "Oppenheimer"
- Best makeup and hairstyling: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston, "Poor Things"
- Best costume design: Holly Waddington, "Poor Things"
- Best editing: Jennifer Lame, "Oppenheimer"
- Best visual effects: Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima, "Godzilla Minus One"
One Thing's for Sure: The Oscars Are Never Boring
Love it or hate it, the 96th Academy Awards was a night that defied expectations. From sentient robots to existential toasters and rockstar revelations, it was a ceremony that will be talked about for years to come.
