The 96th Annual Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles on March 10 and from gripping performances to outstanding cinematography, the ceremony celebrated the finest storytelling and performances of the year.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” exceeded expectations with seven wins across the board, the most of the night, including Best Director, Supporting Actor, Actor, Picture, Original Score, Cinematography and Film Editing.
“To the Academy, just to say, movies are a little bit over 100 years old. Imagine being there 100 years into painting or theater, we don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here but to know you think I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me,” Nolan said after accepting his Best Director honor.
Following “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things” won four awards, the second most of the night, among them being Emma Stone’s Best Actress win (now her second Oscar), while the Supporting Actress award went to “The Holdovers” star Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
At only 22, Billie Eilish won her second Oscar. Eilish and her brother Finneas were announced in the Best Original Song category for “What Was I Made For,” featured in the “Barbie” soundtrack. Eilish and Finneas performed the track for the audience during the ceremony, thanking their songwriting team and everyone behind the Barbie movie.
Continuing the appreciation for “Barbie,” although it did not win any other awards, Ryan Gosling took the stage to perform his nominated song, “I’m Just Ken.” He danced alongside fellow Ken actors Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans and Kingsley Ben-Adir. He began his performance in his seat in the audience next to Margot Robbie before making his way to the stage to do a full routine dressed in hot sparkly pink and joined by 62 other enthusiastic Kens in an elaborate dance number. During the sing-along portion, Ryan reached out the microphone to director Greta Gerwing, co-star Margot Robbie and “Poor Thing’s” Emma Stone, urging them to sing along. The performance left the audience laughing out loud, making this the highlight of the night.
As the curtains close on this year’s Oscars, audiences are left with a deep appreciation for movie magic and the incredible actors who bring the stories to life. Although the night did not yield much surprise, the well-deserved awards satisfied audiences.
