New Delhi: The unstoppable cinematic force that is Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” blazed through the 96th Academy Awards, clinching an impressive seven Oscars out of its 13 nominations.
The film, which paints an intricate portrait of the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, secured its spot as an Oscar favorite early on and delivered on its promise, nabbing top accolades including Best Picture and Best Director for Nolan.
Cillian Murphy’s masterful embodiment of the legendary physicist earned him the Best Actor award—a well-deserved win that signals Murphy’s ascendancy in a glittering Hollywood career marked by multiple collaborations with Nolan, the first being in “Batman Returns.” Murphy, cherishing his win, expressed gratitude, aligning himself with fellow Irish Oscar laureates Daniel Day-Lewis and Barry Fitzgerald. “We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb and for better or worse we’re now living in Oppenheimer’s world. So I’d like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere,” he remarked with reverence.
The talent-packed cast yielded another winner: Robert Downey Jr., who took home the Best Supporting Actor statue. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss, a pivotal figure in atomic bomb development, was widely lauded as a return to form for the seasoned actor.
A fierce battle unfolded for the Best Actress category. It was a nail-biter between Lily Gladstone for “Killers Of The Flower Moon” and Emma Stone for “Poor Things,” with Stone emerging victorious. Echoing her La La Land success, Stone humorously admitted to a wardrobe malfunction during the lively performance of “I’m Just Ken” by co-star Ryan Gosling and company, underlining her Oscar triumph as a communal effort.
Despite being a box office hit, “Barbie,” Gosling’s cinematic universe, experienced an unexpected Oscars snub. Nonetheless, a silver lining presented itself with Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s victory in the Best Original Song category for “What Was I Made For,” marking the sibling duo’s second Oscar success following their inaugural win for the James Bond theme “No Time To Die.”
The evening was not just a celebration of individual talent but also an acknowledgment of the collective artistic endeavor that filmmaking embodies. As Emma Stone clutched her golden statuette, she shared her insight, “It’s not about me…It’s about a team that came together to make something greater than the sum of its parts.” These words echoed the sentiments of both the victors and the nominees, reminding millions of viewers worldwide of the shared passion and dedication that underlies the glossy veneer of Hollywood’s biggest night.
While some walked away with hand-held symbols of achievement, others, including the team behind “The Holdovers,” celebrated as Da’Vine Joy Randolph took the limelight with the Best Supporting Actress win.
The 96th Oscars re-affirmed the unpredictable nature of art and its appreciation. Films like “Barbie,” despite achieving substantial commercial success, found themselves on the sidelines when it came to the top awards. Nevertheless, the night was also a testament to the fact that the spirit of creativity and innovation—so evidently encapsulated in Nolan’s tribute to a complex historical figure—continues to be the core of cinematic excellence.
As the curtains fell on yet another mesmerizing Oscar night, “Oppenheimer” stood tall, a monumental piece of filmmaking that not only asserts Christopher Nolan’s auteur status but also serves as a profound reminder of the formidable, often ambiguous, impact of scientific discovery on human history. It was a night where the past intersected with the present and the magic of the movies once again brought to light stories that will resonate for generations to come.
