The 96th Academy Awards, held in March 2024, will go down as one of the most memorable nights in recent movie history. The ceremony was packed with emotion, surprises, and a celebration of the year’s best films and performances. Here’s a look at the big winners and the stories behind them.
Oppenheimer Dominates the Night
The clear star of the evening was Oppenheimer. Christopher Nolan’s epic about the father of the atomic bomb swept the major categories, taking home seven Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Nolan himself finally earned his first Oscar for Best Director, a moment that drew a standing ovation from the crowd. Cillian Murphy’s haunting performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer earned him Best Actor, while Robert Downey Jr. picked up Best Supporting Actor for his powerful role in the film. The movie also scored wins in cinematography, editing, and original score, cementing its place as a modern classic.
Emma Stone Shines in Poor Things
Emma Stone delivered one of the year’s most talked-about performances in Poor Things, and the Academy took notice. She took home Best Actress for her bold and quirky portrayal, adding another Oscar to her collection. The film itself was a visual feast, winning awards for costume design, production design, and makeup and hairstyling. Director Yorgos Lanthimos’s unique vision clearly struck a chord with both critics and audiences.
The Holdovers and Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Heartfelt Win
The Holdovers may not have dominated the ceremony, but it produced one of the night’s most touching moments. Da’Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress for her deeply moving performance, earning a heartfelt standing ovation and delivering a speech that many called the highlight of the night.
Other Notable Films
Barbie was one of the year’s biggest cultural phenomena, and while it didn’t sweep the Oscars, it did walk away with Best Original Song. Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives, and The Zone of Interest were all in the running for Best Picture and other major awards, reflecting the diversity and creativity of 2024’s best movies.
A Year of Standout Stories
This year’s Oscars weren’t just about the trophies-they were about celebrating the power of storytelling. From Nolan’s sweeping historical drama to Emma Stone’s fearless performance and Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s emotional win, the night was a reminder of why we love movies. Whether you’re a fan of big blockbusters or indie gems, the 2024 Oscars had something for everyone and left audiences excited for what’s next in the world of film.
