The 96th Academy Awards proved to be a night of triumphs, surprises, and a few notable snubs, as Hollywood’s finest gathered to celebrate cinematic excellence. Oppenheimer emerged as the big winner of the evening, securing seven Oscars out of its 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Christopher Nolan.
Cillian Murphy’s stellar performance in Oppenheimer earned him the coveted Best Actor award, while Robert Downey Jr. charmed audiences with his portrayal, earning him the title of Best Supporting Actor. Emma Stone’s captivating role in Poor Things garnered her the Best Actress award, alongside three other Oscars for the film.
Anatomy Of A Fall and American Fiction clinched the titles for Best Original and Best Adapted Screenplay, respectively, showcasing the diverse talent within the industry. Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s haunting melody, “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, earned them the award for Best Original Song, a standout moment for the film.
The ceremony also featured touching tributes, including a reel celebrating stunt performers and an homage to art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, highlighting the global reach and influence of cinema. However, India’s official entry, 2018: Everyone Is A Hero, faced disappointment as it exited the nomination race at the shortlist stage.
Among the notable omissions were Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, and Leonardo DiCaprio, whose absence from the nomination list sparked discussions and debates within the industry. Jimmy Kimmel’s fourth stint as host added to the evening’s entertainment, with memorable moments including John Cena’s humorous presentation, Ryan Gosling’s musical performance, and Robert Downey Jr.’s witty acceptance speech.
Despite the glitz and glamour, the Oscars served as a reminder of the industry’s dynamism, showcasing diverse narratives and talent from around the world. As the winners celebrated their achievements and the audience applauded their favorite stars, the essence of storytelling and creativity shone through, reaffirming the enduring magic of cinema.
Here’s a roundup of all the winners who took home the coveted golden statuettes, marking their indelible contributions to the cinematic landscape and inspiring generations of storytellers to come.
