Step onto the red carpet and into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s grandest affair – the 96th Academy Awards dazzled audiences at the renowned Dolby Theatre in California. Hosted by the ever-charming Jimmy Kimmel for the fourth time, the stage was set for an evening of celebration, accolades, and the coveted golden trophies.
- ‘Oppenheimer’ Leads the Charge: Leading the nominations with an impressive 13 nods was Christopher Nolan’s epic biopic, “Oppenheimer,” a stirring tribute to the architect of the atomic bomb. Nolan himself was in contention for Best Director, while Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy competed for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor, respectively. However, their stellar performances faced formidable challengers in the likes of Paul Giamatti for “The Holdovers” and screen legend Robert De Niro for “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
- Leading Ladies and Buzzworthy Films: In the fiercely contested Best Actress category, Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) and Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) emerged as frontrunners, captivating audiences and critics alike with their powerhouse performances. Meanwhile, buzzworthy titles such as Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” promised to make waves across multiple categories.
- Star-Studded Presenters and Astounding Moments: Adding a nostalgic touch, past Oscar winners in each acting category united to announce the night’s victors – a nod to Hollywood’s golden age. Among the star-studded presenters were household names like Zendaya, Al Pacino, Jennifer Lawrence, and Steven Spielberg, alongside fan favourites Dwayne Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, and Lupita Nyong’o. Unexpected but delightful additions included Mahershala Ali, Nicolas Cage, and Bad Bunny, ensuring a night filled with surprises and unforgettable moments. As the curtain fell on the glittering ceremony, excitement peaked with the announcement of winners in the most coveted categories. Emma Stone’s mesmerising performance in “Poor Things” earned her the accolade of Best Actress, while Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s powerful portrayal in “The Holdovers” clinched her the award for Best Supporting Actress.
- Writer’s Paradise: In the realm of screenwriting, “American Fiction” triumphed in Best Adapted Screenplay, while “Anatomy of a Fall” claimed Best Original Screenplay, showcasing remarkable storytelling prowess. Internationally, “The Zone of Interest” swept both Best International Feature and Best Sound categories, underscoring its narrative and technical excellence.
Animation enthusiasts rejoiced as “The Boy and the Heron” soared to victory, crowned Best Animated Feature and enriching the diverse tapestry of cinematic achievements honoured at the illustrious event. With each winner celebrated and every film acknowledged, the 96th Academy Awards drew to a close, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments and a legacy of cinematic brilliance.
