The 96th Academy Awards was a night to remember, filled with cinematic triumphs that showcased the depth and diversity of modern filmmaking. This year, the Oscars celebrated films that pushed boundaries, touched hearts, and brought powerful stories to life. From historical dramas to innovative animated features, the winners of the evening set new standards for the industry. Let’s dive into the biggest winners of the night and explore what made them stand out in an exceptional year for cinema.
1. Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer was the undisputed star of the evening, taking home an impressive seven Oscars. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this historical epic brought to life the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Winning awards for Best Picture and Best Director, the film’s success is a testament to Nolan’s meticulous storytelling and visionary direction.
Cillian Murphy’s transformative performance in the title role earned him the award for Best Actor, while Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Lewis Strauss won him Best Supporting Actor. These wins highlight the film’s emotional depth, driven by its exceptional cast.
On the technical side, Oppenheimer triumphed in categories like Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score. Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography perfectly captured the intensity and scale of the film, while Jennifer Lame’s editing kept the narrative gripping and dynamic. Ludwig Göransson’s haunting score added another layer of emotion to an already powerful story.
The film’s seven wins solidify Oppenheimer as a cinematic tour de force, combining historical significance with masterful execution.
2. Poor Things
Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, emerged as a standout in the creative categories, taking home four Oscars. The film, a visually stunning and narratively daring tale, earned Emma Stone her second Oscar for Best Actress. Stone’s portrayal of Bella Baxter, a woman navigating a surreal and unconventional journey of self-discovery, was widely praised for its depth and originality.
In addition to Stone’s win, the film excelled in visual categories, winning awards for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. These wins underline the film’s unique aesthetic and the creative team’s dedication to crafting a world that feels both fantastical and grounded. Poor Things exemplifies how bold, unconventional storytelling can captivate audiences and critics alike.
3. The Zone of Interest
The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer, took home two significant awards: Best International Feature and Best Sound. Adapted from Martin Amis’s novel, the film offers a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of the Holocaust from an unsettling perspective.
Its win for Best International Feature underscores its universal resonance, while the Best Sound award highlights the technical brilliance that amplified its narrative impact. Glazer’s restrained and haunting approach to storytelling made The Zone of Interest one of the most memorable films of the year.
4. American Fiction
American Fiction won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, a recognition of Cord Jefferson’s sharp and insightful adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel Erasure. The film’s witty and poignant examination of identity, race, and the commodification of Black culture struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Jefferson’s screenplay balances humor and pathos, creating a story that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking. This win affirms the importance of narrative innovation in bringing fresh perspectives to the screen.
5. Anatomy of a Fall
The Oscar for Best Original Screenplay went to Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for Anatomy of a Fall. The film, a gripping courtroom drama, explores themes of truth, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. Triet and Harari’s screenplay is a masterclass in character development and narrative tension, earning the film widespread acclaim.
This win highlights the power of original storytelling to captivate and challenge audiences, solidifying Anatomy of a Fall as a standout of the year.
6. The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron claimed the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, a fitting recognition of the legendary director’s latest masterpiece. The film blends breathtaking visuals with a deeply emotional story, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the power of imagination.
Miyazaki’s ability to craft complex narratives within the medium of animation continues to set him apart as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. The Boy and the Heron is a reminder that animation can be as profound and impactful as live-action cinema.
7. Godzilla Minus One
The award for Best Visual Effects went to Godzilla Minus One, a film that redefined the boundaries of cinematic spectacle. The movie’s groundbreaking effects brought the iconic monster to life in ways never seen before, creating a visceral and immersive experience for audiences.
This win acknowledges the film’s technical achievements and its ability to use visual effects as a storytelling tool rather than just a spectacle. Godzilla Minus One stands as a testament to the transformative power of visual innovation.
8. 20 Days in Mariupol
Winning Best Documentary Feature, 20 Days in Mariupol is a harrowing yet essential exploration of the war in Ukraine. Directed by Mstyslav Chernov, the film provides an unflinching look at the human cost of conflict, capturing moments of both despair and resilience.
The documentary’s win highlights the importance of storytelling that sheds light on pressing global issues, giving voice to those affected by tragedy and offering audiences a window into their experiences.
9. Barbie
While Barbie didn’t dominate the Oscars, it found success with its win for Best Original Song. Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s “What Was I Made For?” captured the emotional core of the film, resonating deeply with viewers.
This win affirms the impact of music in enhancing a film’s narrative, and Barbie’s success in this category adds another layer to its cultural significance.
10. The Holdovers
Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s win for Best Supporting Actress in The Holdovers was a well-deserved recognition of her compelling performance. Randolph brought warmth, humor, and authenticity to her role, elevating the film with her talent.
Her win underscores the importance of supporting performances in shaping a film’s emotional resonance and overall impact.
The 2024 Oscars celebrated films that challenged norms, embraced creativity, and told stories that resonated across cultures. From the sweeping triumph of Oppenheimer to the artistic brilliance of Poor Things and the emotional weight of 20 Days in Mariupol, this year’s winners exemplify the diversity and power of cinema.
Whether you’re drawn to historical epics, visually stunning fantasies, or thought-provoking dramas, these films offer something for everyone. As the curtain falls on the 96th Academy Awards, the spotlight remains on the incredible talent and stories that continue to define the magic of filmmaking.
