The Dolby Theatre glittered on Sunday, March 10th, as Hollywood celebrated its finest at the 96th Academy Awards. With comedian Jimmy Kimmel returning for his fourth time as host, the ceremony balanced humor with heartwarming moments and a strong call for peace.
The night belonged to Christopher Nolan’s biopic, Oppenheimer. The film, which delved into the life of the enigmatic scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, dominated the awards, winning seven Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.’s captivating performance.
Cillian Murphy delivered a powerful performance as Oppenheimer, earning him the Best Actor award. Emma Stone took home Best Actress for her role in the science fiction romance film, Poor Things.
While Oppenheimer triumphed, other films had their moments. Poor Things snagged four awards, including Best Actress for Stone. The Zone of Interest won Best International Feature Film. There were also lighter moments, with Billie Eilish performing the Oscar-nominated song “What Was I Made For?” from the live-action adaptation of Barbie.
The ceremony wasn’t without its serious side. Protests against the war in Gaza cast a shadow, with acceptance speeches echoing calls for peace.
Here’s a quick recap of some of the major winners:
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
WINNER
CILLIAN MURPHY
Oppenheimer
NOMINEES
BRADLEY COOPER
Maestro
COLMAN DOMINGO
Rustin
PAUL GIAMATTI
The Holdovers
JEFFREY WRIGHT
American Fiction
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WINNER
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
Oppenheimer
NOMINEES
STERLING K. BROWN
American Fiction
ROBERT DE NIRO
Killers of the Flower Moon
RYAN GOSLING
Barbie
MARK RUFFALO
Poor Things
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
WINNER
EMMA STONE
Poor Things
NOMINEES
ANNETTE BENING
Nyad
LILY GLADSTONE
Killers of the Flower Moon
SANDRA HÜLLER
Anatomy of a Fall
CAREY MULLIGAN
Maestro
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WINNER
DA’VINE JOY RANDOLPH
The Holdovers
NOMINEES
EMILY BLUNT
Oppenheimer
DANIELLE BROOKS
The Color Purple
AMERICA FERRERA
Barbie
JODIE FOSTER
Nyad