Los Angeles – “Oppenheimer,” a solemn three-hour biopic that became an unlikely billion-dollar box-office sensation, was crowned best picture at the 96th Academy Awards. The event also doubled as a coronation for Christopher Nolan, who finally received the recognition he deserved as a talented filmmaker.
After years of being overlooked by the Oscars, Nolan’s blockbuster biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb swept the awards, winning seven in total. This included best actor for Cillian Murphy, best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr., and best director for Nolan himself.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences made a bold move by awarding its top prize to a widely seen, big-budget studio film for the first time in over a decade. In an industry where superheroes, dinosaurs, and Tom Cruise often dominate the box office, “Oppenheimer” proved that a complex and thought-provoking drama could still draw in audiences.
In his acceptance speech, Murphy dedicated his award to the peacemakers and acknowledged the impact of Oppenheimer’s work on the world. “For better or worse, we’re all living in Robert Oppenheimer’s world,” he said.
The film’s release could not have been more timely, as it resonated with audiences during a time of global conflict and uncertainty. With wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine, and a crucial U.S. election on the horizon, “Oppenheimer” served as a poignant reminder of the consequences of human actions.
The most highly anticipated category of the night, best actress, went to Emma Stone for her performance as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things.” Stone beat out strong competition, including Lily Gladstone who would have been the first Native American to win an Academy Award. Stone’s win solidified her as one of the top actresses of her generation, joining the ranks of Hollywood legends like Katherine Hepburn and Bette Davis who have won multiple best actress awards.
In his acceptance speech, Nolan reflected on the history of cinema, which is just over a hundred years old. “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here,” he said. “But to think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”
The Oscars were not without their share of political and social commentary. Outside the Dolby Theatre, protests for Gaza were taking place, and the awards themselves recognized films that tackled issues such as the Holocaust, the war in Ukraine, and the dehumanization of marginalized communities.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” dominated the early awards, winning for its stunning production design, makeup and hairstyling, and costume design. Host Jimmy Kimmel also brought attention to the ongoing labor negotiations in Hollywood, emphasizing that the film industry is a union town.
The first award of the night went to Da’Vine Joy Randolph for best supporting actress in “The Holdovers.” She was accompanied to the stage by her co-star Paul Giamatti and gave an emotional speech about embracing her true self.
One of the biggest surprises of the night was Hayao Miyazaki’s win for best animated feature with “The Boy and the Heron.” The 83-year-old Japanese anime master, who came out of retirement to make the film, didn’t attend the ceremony. It was his second Oscar win, with his first being for “Spirited Away” in 2003.
The award for best original screenplay went to “Anatomy of a Fall,” written by director Justine Triet and Arthur Harari. In his acceptance speech, Triet joked that the award would help him through his midlife crisis.
In the adapted screenplay category, Cord Jefferson won for his feature film debut, “American Fiction.” He used his platform to call for more opportunities for young filmmakers and urged studios to take risks on smaller budget films.
While Netflix had the most nominations going into the awards, it only walked away with one win for live-action short film, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” directed by Wes Anderson.
Despite the box office success of “Barbie,” it was overshadowed by “Oppenheimer” at the Oscars. Director Greta Gerwig was notably snubbed for best director, sparking a conversation about the lack of recognition for female filmmakers in Hollywood.
The 96th Academy Awards were a celebration of the power of cinema to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. As the night came to a close
