Christopher Nolan’s hauntingly beautiful “Oppenheimer,” a film exploring the creation of the atomic bomb, dominated the night, securing a whopping seven awards at the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Yet, the celebratory atmosphere was tinged with anxiety. The ceremony played out against the backdrop of ongoing labour disputes between Hollywood’s major studios and the leading actors’ and writers’ unions.
IRISH TRIUMPH! MURPHY AND NOLAN CONQUER OSCARS WITH “OPPENHEIMER”
The 96th Academy Awards saw a night of firsts for “Oppenheimer” and its stars. Cillian Murphy, delivering a powerful performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, clinched the Best Actor award, marking his first Oscar win and the first ever for an Irish-born performer in the category.
Murphy, visibly moved by the win, expressed his gratitude with a simple, “I’m a little overwhelmed.” He then dedicated his award to “the peacemakers everywhere,” a poignant message echoing the film’s exploration of the atomic bombs legacy.
Robert Downey Jr. also reached a career milestone, finally acquiring his first Oscar after two previous nominations. He edged out strong competition from seasoned actors like Robert De Niro and Ryan Gosling to secure the Best Supporting Actor award. Downey Jr.’s acceptance speech offered a humorous twist, thanking his “terrible childhood and the Academy in that order.” He later added a heartfelt note, expressing that “I needed this job more than it needed me.”
For director Christopher Nolan, the night was equally triumphant. After receiving nominations for “Dunkirk” in the past, he finally received the coveted Best Director Oscar. He surpassed other visionary directors like Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Glazer to claim the prize. Nolan’s speech focused on the magic of cinema, stating, “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here, but to know that you think I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”
“Oppenheimer’s” success wasn’t limited to acting and directing. The film also swept the technical categories, winning awards for editing, cinematography, and score. This comprehensive victory solidifies “Oppenheimer” as a major force at the 96th Academy Awards, a night that will be remembered for its Irish triumph and Nolan’s long-awaited recognition.
Emma Stone caused a surprise upset at the 96th Academy Awards, snatching the Best Actress award for her role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ offbeat period comedy “Poor Things.” This victory marks Stone’s second Best Actress Oscar, following her win for “La La Land” several years ago.
THE AWARDS
Actress In A Supporting Role; Da’vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers)
Animated Feature Film; The Boy And The Heron (Hayao Miyazaki And Toshio Suzuki)
Cinematography; Oppenheimer (Hoyte Van Hoytema)
Costume Design; Poor Things, (Holly Waddington)
Documentary Feature Film; 20 Days In Mariupol (Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner And Raney Aronson-Rath)
Documentary Short Film; The Last Repair Shop ( Ben Proudfoot And Kris Bowers)
Film Editing; Oppenheimer (Jennifer Lame)
International Feature Film; The Zone Of Interest (United Kingdom)
Makeup And Hairstyling;Poor Things (Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier And Josh Weston)
Music (Original Score); Oppenheimer (Ludwig Göransson)
Music (Original Song); What Was I Made For? (From Barbie; Music And Lyric By Billie Eilish And Finneas O’connell)
Animated Short Film; War Is Over! Inspired By The Music Of John & Yoko (Dave Mullins And Brad Booker)
Live Action Short Film; The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar, (Wes Anderson And Steven Rales)
Sound; The Zone Of Interest, (Tarn Willers And Johnnie Burn)
Visual Effects; Godzilla Minus One (Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi And Tatsuji Nojima)
Writing (Adapted Screenplay); American Fiction (Written For The Screen By Cord Jefferson)
Writing (Original Screenplay); Anatomy Of A Fall (Screenplay – Justine Triet And Arthur Harari)