The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, which took place on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated the best films of 2023. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel for the fourth time, the awards showcased a diverse range of talent and cinematic achievements. Let's dive into the complete list of winners and nominees, highlighting some of the most memorable moments and groundbreaking achievements of the year. From Oppenheimer's sweeping success to other notable victories, the 2024 Oscars was an event to remember. The Oscars, formally known as the Academy Awards, are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize excellence in cinematic achievements as assessed by the Academy's voting membership. The awards are an international recognition of accomplishment in motion picture arts and sciences, a symbol of prestige for those associated with winning films. The awards are broken up into various categories. The academy has been criticised in the past for lacking diversity, but has in recent years made efforts to be more inclusive.

Best Picture

Oppenheimer was the big winner of the night, taking home the coveted award for Best Picture. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this epic biographical thriller captivated audiences and critics alike with its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and stunning visuals. Oppenheimer's victory underscores its impact on the cinematic landscape of 2023, solidifying its place as a modern masterpiece. However, the competition was fierce, with several other outstanding films vying for the top honor. American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives, and Poor Things were also nominated, each bringing its unique storytelling and artistic vision to the forefront.

• Winner: Oppenheimer
• Nominees:
  • American Fiction
  • Anatomy of a Fall
  • Barbie
  • The Holdovers
  • Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Maestro
  • Past Lives
  • Poor Things

Best Director

Christopher Nolan's masterful direction in Oppenheimer earned him the Best Director award. Known for his innovative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, Nolan crafted a cinematic experience that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. His win was well-deserved, recognizing his exceptional talent and contribution to the art of filmmaking. The other nominees in this category included Justine Triet for Anatomy of a Fall, Martin Scorsese for Killers of the Flower Moon, Yorgos Lanthimos for Poor Things, and Jonathan Glazer for The Zone of Interest. Each director brought a unique perspective and style to their respective films, making this one of the most competitive categories of the night. These nominations reflect the diverse and innovative approaches to filmmaking that continue to push the boundaries of cinematic art. Christopher Nolan's win for Oppenheimer not only celebrates his individual achievement but also highlights the collaborative effort and creative vision that define outstanding direction in film. It's a testament to his ability to bring complex stories to life with both technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity.

• Winner: Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer)
• Nominees:
  • Justine Triet (Anatomy of a Fall)
  • Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon)
  • Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things)
  • Jonathan Glazer (The Zone of Interest)

Best Actor

Cillian Murphy's portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer was nothing short of extraordinary, earning him the Best Actor award. Murphy's nuanced performance captured the complexity and inner turmoil of the brilliant physicist, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. His dedication to the role and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions made him a standout in a year filled with remarkable performances. The other nominees in this category included Bradley Cooper for Maestro, Colman Domingo for Rustin, Paul Giamatti for The Holdovers, and Jeffrey Wright for American Fiction. Each actor brought depth and authenticity to their roles, showcasing the power of performance in storytelling. Cillian Murphy's win is a celebration of his talent and hard work, cementing his status as one of the leading actors of his generation. His portrayal of Oppenheimer will be remembered as a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters and bring them to life on screen. This award recognizes not only his individual achievement but also the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew of Oppenheimer, who worked together to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.

• Winner: Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)
• Nominees:
  • Bradley Cooper (Maestro)
  • Colman Domingo (Rustin)
  • Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)
  • Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction)

Best Actress

Emma Stone's performance in Poor Things was a tour de force, earning her the Best Actress award. Stone's fearless and transformative portrayal of Bella Baxter captivated audiences and critics alike, showcasing her versatility and range as an actress. Her win was a testament to her talent and her ability to embody complex and unconventional characters. The other nominees in this category included Lily Gladstone for Killers of the Flower Moon, Sandra Hüller for Anatomy of a Fall, Carey Mulligan for Maestro, and Margot Robbie for Barbie. Each actress delivered a powerful and memorable performance, making this one of the most competitive categories of the night. Emma Stone's win is a celebration of her artistic vision and her dedication to her craft, solidifying her status as one of the leading actresses of her generation. Her portrayal of Bella Baxter will be remembered as a defining moment in her career, showcasing her ability to bring unique and challenging characters to life on screen. This award recognizes not only her individual achievement but also the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew of Poor Things, who worked together to create a truly groundbreaking and unforgettable cinematic experience.

• Winner: Emma Stone (Poor Things)
• Nominees:
  • Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)
  • Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall)
  • Carey Mulligan (Maestro)
  • Margot Robbie (Barbie)

Best Supporting Actor

Robert Downey Jr.'s performance in Oppenheimer marked a triumphant return to form, earning him the Best Supporting Actor award. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss was both nuanced and compelling, showcasing his ability to embody complex and morally ambiguous characters. Downey Jr.'s win was a celebration of his talent and his contribution to the film, adding another layer of depth to an already exceptional cast. The other nominees in this category included Sterling K. Brown for American Fiction, Robert De Niro for Killers of the Flower Moon, Ryan Gosling for Barbie, and Mark Ruffalo for Poor Things. Each actor brought depth and authenticity to their roles, making this one of the most competitive categories of the night. Robert Downey Jr.'s win is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft, solidifying his status as one of the leading actors of his generation. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss will be remembered as a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen. This award recognizes not only his individual achievement but also the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew of Oppenheimer, who worked together to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.

• Winner: Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer)
• Nominees:
  • Sterling K. Brown (American Fiction)
  • Robert De Niro (Killers of the Flower Moon)
  • Ryan Gosling (Barbie)
  • Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things)

Best Supporting Actress

Da'Vine Joy Randolph's heartfelt performance in The Holdovers earned her the Best Supporting Actress award. Her portrayal of a grieving mother resonated with audiences, showcasing her ability to bring depth and emotion to her roles. Randolph's win was a celebration of her talent and her contribution to the film, adding a layer of humanity and warmth to an already exceptional cast. The other nominees in this category included Emily Blunt for Oppenheimer, Danielle Brooks for The Color Purple, America Ferrera for Barbie, and Jodie Foster for Nyad. Each actress brought depth and authenticity to their roles, making this one of the most competitive categories of the night. Da'Vine Joy Randolph's win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft, solidifying her status as one of the leading actresses of her generation. Her portrayal in The Holdovers will be remembered as a defining moment in her career, showcasing her ability to bring complex characters to life on screen. This award recognizes not only her individual achievement but also the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew of The Holdovers, who worked together to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.

• Winner: Da'Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers)
• Nominees:
  • Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer)
  • Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple)
  • America Ferrera (Barbie)
  • Jodie Foster (Nyad)

Best Original Screenplay

Anatomy of a Fall, written by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, won the award for Best Original Screenplay. The film's intricate plot and compelling characters captivated audiences, showcasing the power of storytelling in cinema. The other nominees in this category included The Holdovers, Maestro, May December, and Past Lives, each offering unique narratives and perspectives. The strength of Anatomy of a Fall lies in its ability to explore complex themes and relationships, making it a standout in a year filled with remarkable screenplays. Justine Triet and Arthur Harari's win is a testament to their talent and their ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Their screenplay will be remembered as a defining moment in their careers, showcasing their ability to bring unique and challenging narratives to life on screen. This award recognizes not only their individual achievement but also the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew of Anatomy of a Fall, who worked together to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.

• Winner: Anatomy of a Fall (Justine Triet, Arthur Harari)
• Nominees:
  • The Holdovers
  • Maestro
  • May December
  • Past Lives

Best Adapted Screenplay

American Fiction, written by Cord Jefferson, won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film's sharp wit and insightful commentary on race and identity resonated with audiences, showcasing the power of adaptation in storytelling. The other nominees in this category included Barbie, Oppenheimer, Poor Things, and The Zone of Interest, each offering unique adaptations of existing works. The strength of American Fiction lies in its ability to translate complex themes and characters from the source material into a compelling cinematic narrative. Cord Jefferson's win is a testament to his talent and his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. His screenplay will be remembered as a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to bring unique and challenging narratives to life on screen. This award recognizes not only his individual achievement but also the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew of American Fiction, who worked together to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.

• Winner: American Fiction (Cord Jefferson)
• Nominees:
  • Barbie
  • Oppenheimer
  • Poor Things
  • The Zone of Interest

Other Notable Wins

• Best Animated Feature Film: The Boy and the Heron
• Best International Feature Film: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)
• Best Documentary Feature Film: 20 Days in Mariupol
• Best Original Song: "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie
• Best Original Score: Oppenheimer

The 2024 Oscars celebrated a year of exceptional filmmaking, honoring the talent and creativity of artists from around the world. From Oppenheimer's sweeping success to the recognition of diverse voices and stories, the awards showcased the power of cinema to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought. The winners and nominees alike have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, and their contributions will be celebrated for years to come. The event highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the film industry, as well as the power of storytelling to connect people across cultures and backgrounds. As the curtains close on the 96th Academy Awards, the legacy of these films and their creators will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.