96th Academy Awards: all the winners

The 96th Academy Awards took place with Hollywood’s brightest stars gathered to celebrate artistry and talent as they closed out a truly illustrious year for the film industry.
Against a backdrop of glamour and excitement, the evening did not reserve any particular surprises but many confirmations.

The Triumph of “Oppenheimer”

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” emerged as the undisputed star of the 96th Academy Awards, dominating the evening with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. The film, a haunting exploration of the atomic era and the man behind the creation of the atomic bomb clinched seven Oscars, including the coveted awards for Best Picture and Best Director.

A Timely Tale of Human Complexity

“Oppenheimer” resonated deeply with audiences, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas inherent in scientific progress. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer earned him the award for Best Actor, as he masterfully captured the inner turmoil of a man torn between his intellect and his conscience.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Redemption

In a departure from his iconic role as Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. delivered a powerful supporting performance in “Oppenheimer”, earning him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of a vengeful bureaucrat added depth and nuance to the film, showcasing his versatility as an actor and marking a triumphant return to the Oscars stage.

Emma Stone’s Resplendent Return

Emma Stone’s portrayal of a child-like woman on a journey of self-discovery in “Poor Things” captivated audiences and critics alike, earning her the award for Best Actress. In her acceptance speech, Stone expressed her emotions about winning the award. She described her victory as “really overwhelming” and expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who contributed their love, care, and brilliance in making the film.

Moving and Powerful Acceptance Speeches

The 96th Academy Awards celebrated diversity and inclusion, with winners from various backgrounds and experiences. Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s win for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Holdovers”. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her mother and the many people who guided her to follow her dream, including her publicist. Da’Vine expressed her gratitude, saying, “For so long, I’ve always wanted to be different. And now I realize I just need to be myself, and I thank you. I thank you for seeing me.”

The powerful film “The Zone of Interest“ won Best International Feature Film for its bold storytelling and uncompromising vision. Director Jonathan Glazer’s impassioned plea for social justice resonated deeply with audiences, underscoring cinema’s transformative potential as a catalyst for change. In his acceptance speech, Glazer said, “All of our choices were made to reflect and engage in the present, not to say look what they did then, but rather what we do now. Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst. It has shaped our entire past and present.”

Can you feel the Kenergy?

Actor Ryan Gosling delivered the most memorable performance at the 2024 Oscars, where he sang the power ballad “I’m Just Ken” from the movie “Barbie”. Gosling played Ken in the film and opened his performance by singing the song’s first verse behind co-star Margot Robbie. He then joined Mark Ronson, who played a pink guitar, and a group of dancers, including some film cast members like Simu Liu. During the performance, Slash made a surprise appearance on the guitar for a solo. Gosling then entered the audience, where “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig, America Ferrera, Margot Robbie and Emma Stone sang along with him.

Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt co-wrote and produced the song “I’m Just Ken,” which was nominated for Best Original Song. However, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won the award for “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”.

A Triumph for Animation

The animation category witnessed a momentous victory, with Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” clinching the award for Best Animated Feature. Miyazaki’s masterful storytelling and breathtaking animation captivated audiences of all ages, reaffirming his status as a visionary filmmaker. The win served as a testament to the enduring power of animation to inspire wonder and imagination in worldwide audiences.

Ready for a new season of great cinema

As the curtain fell on the 96th Academy Awards, it was clear that “Oppenheimer” had left an indelible mark on the film industry, setting a high standard for storytelling and artistic excellence. As Hollywood continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the magic of movies will continue to captivate audiences and inspire generations to come.

A Night to Remember: The Complete List of Winners

• Best Picture: Oppenheimer
• Best Director: Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer
• Best Actor: Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer
• Best Actress: Emma Stone for Poor Things
• Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. for Oppenheimer
• Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers
• Best Original Song: “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
• Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson for Oppenheimer
• Best Sound: Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn for The Zone of Interest
• Best Live Action Short Film: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Wes Anderson and Steven Rales
• Best Cinematography: Hoyte van Hoytema for Oppenheimer
• Best Documentary Feature: 20 Days in Mariupol by Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner, and Raney Aronson-Rath
• Best Documentary Short Film: The Last Repair Shop by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
• Best Film Editing: Jennifer Lame for Oppenheimer
• Best Visual Effects: Godzilla Minus One by Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi, and Tatsuji Nojima
• Best International Feature Film: The Zone of Interest (UK)
• Best Costume Design: Holly Waddington for Poor Things
• Best Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath (Production Design) and Zsuzsa Mihalek (Set Decoration) for Poor Things
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, and Josh Weston for Poor Things
• Best Adapted Screenplay: Cord Jefferson for American Fiction
• Best Original Screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for Anatomy of a Fall
• Best Animated Feature Film: The Boy and the Heron by Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
• Best Animated Short Film: War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko by Dave Mullins and Brad Booker