Oscars 2024: Oppenheimer's Big Bang

Oppenheimer emerged as the big winner at the 96th Academy Awards.

Oppenheimer's Triumph at the 96th Academy Awards

At the 96th Academy Awards, Oppenheimer emerged as the big winner, securing seven out of the 13 Oscars it was nominated for. The film clinched the prestigious Best Picture award, along with Best Director for Christopher Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. Additionally, it scooped up accolades for Best Original Score and various technical achievements.

Heartbreak and Surprises

While Oppenheimer celebrated its victories, there was heartbreak for Lily Gladstone from Killers Of The Flower Moon, who missed out on becoming the first indigenous Best Actress in Oscar history. Emma Stone walked away with the award for her performance in Poor Things, a film that also secured three other Oscars. Da'Vine Joy Randolph was recognized as the Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Holdovers, completing her triumphant awards season.

Outstanding Screenplays and Musical Achievements

Anatomy Of A Fall and American Fiction stood out, winning Best Original and Best Adapted Screenplay respectively. Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell's track "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie earned them the Best Original Song award, marking the film's sole win among its eight nominations.

Global Recognition and Tributes

Indian cinema received recognition with RRR featured in a reel celebrating stunt performers, and Nitin Chandrakant Desai honored in the Memoriam segment. However, India's official entry, 2018: Everyone Is A Hero, exited the nomination race at the shortlist stage. To Kill A Tiger, set in India, competing for Best Documentary Feature, which was claimed by 20 Days In Mariupol.

Notable Snubs and Hosting Highlights

The Oscar nominations stirred controversy with notable omissions, including director and lead star Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie from Barbie, and Leonardo DiCaprio from Killers Of The Flower Moon. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the ceremony for the fourth time, with highlights including a memorable presentation by John Cena, Ryan Gosling's musical performance, and Robert Downey Jr.'s entertaining acceptance speech.

Winners List:

● Best Picture: Oppenheimer
● Best Director: Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer
● Best Actress: Emma Stone for Poor Things
● Best Actor: Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer
● Best Supporting Actress: Da'Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers
● Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr for Oppenheimer
● Best Original Screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, Anatomy Of A Fall
● Best Adapted Screenplay: Cord Jefferson, American Fiction
● Best International Feature: The Zone of Interest (UK)
● Best Animated Feature: The Boy And The Heron
● Best Original Score: Ludwig Goransson for Oppenheimer
● Best Original Song: Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell for "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie
● 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 Animated Short: War Is Over! Inspired By The Music Of John And Yoko
● Best Sound: The Zone of Interest
● Best Production Design: Poor Things
● Best Film Editing: Oppenheimer
● Best Costume Design: Poor Things
● Best Hair And Makeup: Poor Things
● Best Cinematography: Oppenheimer
● Best Visual Effects: Godzilla Minus One

-Prisha Jaiswal