2024 Oscars: A Rollercoaster of Snubs, Surprises, and History
As the curtain descended on yet another tumultuous awards season, Hollywood geared up for the grand finale—the 96th Academy Awards. This year's Oscars promised to be nothing short of spectacular, replete with anticipated historic wins, unforeseen snubs, and a whirlwind of emotions that had defined the cinematic landscape over the past year.
From Bradley Cooper's six-year odyssey in conducting school for a mere six-minute sequence to the seismic shift in Ireland's affections from Cillian Murphy to Ayo Edebiri, the journey to the Oscars had been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Barbie's snubs reverberated through the corridors of power, echoing in the ghost offices of the gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss co-working space. Yet amidst the pandering, excitement, and simmering anger, the 2024 Academy Awards emerged as a beacon of celebration for the true artisans of the silver screen.
At the forefront of the awards race stood Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, a cinematic tour de force that had amassed an impressive 13 nominations. With its riveting narrative and stellar performances, the biographical thriller had captivated audiences and critics alike, setting the stage for a potential sweep across multiple categories. Alongside Oppenheimer, Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things and Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon vied for supremacy, each boasting an impressive array of nominations.
As the anticipation mounted, all eyes were on the nominees, including seasoned veterans and first-time contenders alike. Would Lily Gladstone make history as the first Native American actor to win an Oscar for her powerful performance in Killers of the Flower Moon? Could Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron clinch the coveted Best Animated Feature, marking a triumphant return for the acclaimed filmmaker?
Amidst the glittering ceremony, familiar faces graced the stage once more, with past acting winners poised to introduce that year's nominees. From Nicolas Cage to Lupita Nyong'o, the stage was set for a star-studded affair, culminating in unforgettable performances by the likes of Ryan Gosling and Billie Eilish.
96th Academy Award Winners
Best Picture
Oppenheimer steals the limelight with 13 nominations and emerges victorious, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts from contenders like Poor Things and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Best Actor
Cillian Murphy's riveting performance in Oppenheimer secures him a well-deserved win, marking a historic moment as the first-ever Irish-born winner in the category.
Best Actress
Emma Stone claims the throne for her portrayal in Poor Things, dashing the hopes of contenders like Lily Gladstone, whose potential win could have made Oscars history.
Best Supporting Actress
Da'Vine Joy Randolph from The Holdovers snatches the spotlight, leaving behind a pool of talented nominees including Emily Blunt and America Ferrera.
Best Supporting Actor
Robert Downey Jr. shines in Oppenheimer, clinching his first Oscar and further solidifying the film's dominance in multiple categories.
Best Director
Christopher Nolan's mastery in Oppenheimer earns him the coveted Best Director award, reaffirming his status as a cinematic powerhouse.
Original Screenplay
Anatomy of a Fall takes home the prize, a testament to the gripping narrative crafted by Arthur Harari and Justine Triet.
Adapted Screenplay
Cord Jefferson's brilliance in American Fiction earns him a win, overshadowing the formidable competition including heavyweights like Christopher Nolan.
Animated Feature
The Boy and the Heron from Studio Ghibli/GKIDS sweeps the category, marking a triumph for Hayao Miyazaki and the team behind this mesmerising tale.
Documentary Feature
20 Days in Mariupol emerges victorious, highlighting the power of storytelling in capturing real-world events and experiences.
International Feature
The Zone of Interest from the United Kingdom claims the crown, showcasing the global reach and diversity of storytelling in cinema.
Editing
Oppenheimer secures yet another win, with Jennifer Lame's skillfull editing contributing to the film's immersive experience.
Cinematography
Hoyte van Hoytema's breathtaking work in Oppenheimer is recognised with an Oscar, underscoring the film's visual prowess.
Original Score
Ludwig Göransson's haunting score in Oppenheimer captivates audiences and earns him a well-deserved win.
Production Design
Poor Things dazzles with its stunning production design, solidifying its place as a visual spectacle.
Costume Design
Poor Things once again reigns supreme, with its intricate costume design adding depth to the film's narrative.
Visual Effects
Godzilla Minus One defies expectations and clinches the award, showcasing the magic of visual effects in modern cinema.
Sound
The Zone of Interest triumphs in the sound category, highlighting the importance of immersive soundscapes in cinematic storytelling.
Makeup and Hairstyling
Poor Things shines once more, with its impeccable makeup and hairstyling adding layers to the film's characters and narrative.
Original Song
"What Was I Made For?" from Barbie steals the show, leaving audiences mesmerised by Billie Eilish's haunting vocals.
Live-Action Short
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar captivates hearts and minds, proving that storytelling knows no bounds, even in short formats.
Documentary Short
The Last Repair Shop shines a light on poignant stories, showcasing the impact of short documentaries in highlighting important issues.
Animated Short
War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the power of animation to convey powerful messages.
