The 96th Academy Awards unfolded Sunday night in Los Angeles, hosting Hollywood’s elite to honor cinematic excellence.
Christopher Nolan’s monumental portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the renowned physicist dubbed the “father of the atomic bomb,” dominated the evening with 13 nominations and clinched seven prestigious Oscars.
The film secured top accolades for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor.
“We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb,” Cillian Murphy, who won Best Actor for his portrayal of Oppenheimer, said in his acceptance speech.
“And for better or worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world. So I would like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere.”
Oscars 2024: Some Of The Best Highlights Of The Event
Robert Downey Jr.: Won His 1st-Ever Oscar
Robert Downey Jr. clinched his inaugural Academy Award after a remarkable 40-plus-year career, securing the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer.”
“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the academy, in that order,” Downey said, before thanking his wife, Susan Downey.
“She found me a snarling rescue pet that loved me back to life,” he said. “That’s why I’m here.”
Ryan Gosling’s ‘I’m Just Ken’ Performance Broke Emma Stone’s Dress
Ryan Gosling’s Oscar-nominated Barbie song didn’t secure the win, but his electrifying live performance stole the show at the Dolby Theatre.
Donning a pink suit and gloves reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953), Gosling captivated the audience. He was joined by a cadre of Kens, along with Barbie director Greta Gerwig, co-stars America Ferrera and Margot Robbie, and even Slash.
“Poor Things” star Emma Stone, facing a wardrobe malfunction before accepting her Best Actress Oscar, humorously blamed Gosling, stating,
“My dress is broken. I think it happened during ‘I’m Just Ken.'”
Despite the mishap, Stone delivered a heartfelt, tearful speech. She expressed gratitude to her fellow Best Actress nominees, the former recipients who introduced them, her husband, parents, and her daughter Louise, who turns three this week. Stone emotionally declared,
“She has turned our lives technicolor.”
A Nearly Nude John Cena presented an Oscar
In a playful reference to the infamous 1974 Oscars streaking incident, John Cena presented the Academy Award for Best Costume Design to “Poor Things” while sporting nothing but a skin-colored piece of cloth over his nether regions. Using the winner’s envelope to maintain modesty, Cena swiftly changed outfits when the lights dimmed.
Geopolitical Tensions Manifested Both Inside And Outside The Theater’s Confines
The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza weighed heavily on the minds of many both inside and outside the Dolby Theater. Mstyslav Chernov, director of “20 Days in Mariupol,” delivered a poignant speech while accepting the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
”I wish I would have never made this film,” Chernov said. “I wish to be able to exchange this [for] Russia never attacking Ukraine, never occupying our cities.
“Cinema forms memories and memories form history,” he added. “Thanks to Ukraine.”
Outside, a group of about a thousand protesters gathered a few blocks away from the red carpet, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Jimmy Kimmel Read Trump’s Mean Tweet
Just before the somewhat awkward presentation of the Oscar for Best Picture to “Oppenheimer,” Kimmel humorously announced to the audience his intention to read a review of his hosting performance found online. It turned out to be a post from former President Donald Trump.
“Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be.
Get rid of Kimmel and perhaps replace him with another washed up, but cheap, ABC ‘talent,’ George Slopanopoulos.”
I’m surprised you’re up this late,” Kimmel said in response. “Isn’t it past your jail time?”
Which one, from the above incidents, did you enjoy watching the most?