In a cinematic tour de force, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” eclipsed the 96th Academy Awards, securing seven prestigious accolades, including the coveted titles of best picture and best director. This compelling narrative delves into the unsettling genesis of the atomic era, adding a profound layer of significance amid contemporary global conflicts. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, haunted and gripping, earned him an Oscar, as did Robert Downey Jr.’s supporting role as a vengeful bureaucrat.
The resonance of Nolan’s historical opus extended beyond the silver screen, manifesting in tangible reminders of the nuclear legacy and the tumultuous international landscape. Mere blocks away from the glamorous Oscars red carpet, a throng of protesters clamored for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, paralleling the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Winners, standing in the spotlight, seized the moment to decry the geopolitical turmoil, causing a late start to the ceremony as A-listers navigated through the Hollywood labyrinth to reach their seats at the Dolby Theatre.
For Nolan, these honors marked the culmination of a complex relationship with the Oscars. Despite previous nominations, including the direction of 2017’s “Dunkirk,” and notable works like “Memento” (2001) and “Inception” (2010), the Academy had previously overlooked his magnum opus, “The Dark Knight” (2008). This omission sparked outrage, catalyzing the expansion of the best picture and director nominations from five to ten. Nolan, now an Oscar laureate, paid homage to the cherished cinematic experience he ardently champions.
Emma Stone, a winner seven years after “La La Land,” clinched her second best actress Oscar for “Poor Things.” In this steampunk fantasy, Stone embodied a child-like woman on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Expressing gratitude to her director Yorgos Lanthimos and reflecting on the collaborative essence of cinema, Stone’s acceptance speech resonated with the audience.
“Poor Things” secured four victories, spanning various technical and below-the-line categories. Da’Vine Joy Randolph earned best supporting actress for her poignant portrayal of a grieving cafeteria manager in “The Holdovers.”
First-time nominees Cord Jefferson and Justine Triet tasted victory. Jefferson’s adapted screenplay for “American Fiction,” a satirical exploration of race and art, garnered acclaim, while Triet triumphed with an original screenplay for the courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Fall.”
“Oppenheimer,” a departure from Downey’s two-decade tenure as Iron Man in Marvel movies, presented a solemn narrative. Grappling with the creation of the nuclear bomb, Downey expressed gratitude to Tom Hansen, his steadfast lawyer for four decades.
Political statements echoed through the ceremony, with Jonathan Glazer, director of the best international feature “The Zone of Interest,” condemning ongoing violence in the Middle East. The Holocaust-themed drama highlighted Glazer’s denouncement of Israel’s military response and Hamas’ past terrorist attacks.
“20 Days in Mariupol,” a harrowing documentary from a besieged Ukrainian city, secured the best documentary Oscar. Director Mstyslav Chernov emphasized the human toll of Russia’s invasion, coinciding with wavering U.S. support for Ukraine.
Billie Eilish made history as the youngest two-time Oscar recipient at 22, winning best song for her “Barbie” ballad, “What Was I Made For?” Co-written with her brother Finneas O’Connell, the duo previously triumphed with the theme for 2021’s “No Time to Die.” On the opposite spectrum, Hayao Miyazaki, at 83, became the oldest winner of best animated feature for “The Boy and the Heron,” adding another accolade to his illustrious career.
The Oscars, grappling with dwindling ratings and questions about relevance, aspired to rebound. With popular films like “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” vying for top honors, the anticipation was that ratings would witness an upturn.
(Also read: Oscars 2024: Full List of Winners)