As the curtains fell on the 96th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Oppenheimer stood tall as the undeniable champion, echoing the grand finale of the intense 2024 awards season.
Hollywood’s A-listers, including Margot Robbie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sylvester Stallone, gathered at the Dolby Theatre to celebrate cinema’s finest achievements. The esteemed Jimmy Kimmel, a seasoned Oscar host, added his signature comedic flair to the illustrious ceremony.
Christopher Nolan Secures First Oscar
Christopher Nolan achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his first Academy Award as Best Director for the acclaimed film, Oppenheimer. The movie, being hailed as a triumph, garnered seven out of its thirteen nominations, including the prestigious Best Picture category. Over the years, the British-American filmmaker, aged 53, had been nominated five times previously for noteworthy films like Dunkirk (2017), Inception (2010), and Memento (2000).
During his acceptance speech, Nolan primarily focused on the industry, expressing gratitude to his exceptional cast, who showcased their remarkable talent at the highest level, and his incredible crew for their invaluable contributions. However, he took a special moment to acknowledge his wife, Emma Thomas, who has served as a producer for all of his films since 1997. With heartfelt words, Nolan declared his love and appreciation, recognizing her as both the producer of their films and the mother of their children.
Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr Win First Oscars for ‘Oppenheimer’ Roles
Cillian Murphy, aged 47, and Robert Downey Jr, aged 58, both claimed their inaugural Oscars in the categories of Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for their roles in Oppenheimer earlier in the evening.
In an emotionally charged moment following a heartwarming introduction by Sir Ben Kingsley, Murphy used his victory speech to pay homage to all “peacemakers”. Acknowledging the film’s exploration of Oppenheimer’s legacy in the atomic bomb era, Murphy emphasized the importance of peacemaking in the present world.
