Entertainment

Academy Awards 2024: ‘Oppenheimer’ Triumphs Amidst Box Office Battles and Political Statements

“Oppenheimer,” the acclaimed biopic chronicling the race to develop the atomic bomb, clinched the coveted Best Picture award at the recent Academy Awards ceremony. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film featured Irish actor Cillian Murphy portraying the pivotal role of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Murphy himself secured the Best Actor trophy, while Nolan was honored as Best Director. Emma Stone claimed the Best Actress award for her role in “Poor Things.”

A gripping three-hour saga intertwining science and politics, “Oppenheimer” defied expectations by becoming a box office sensation, raking in $953.8 million alongside widespread critical acclaim. This marked Nolan’s first Best Picture win, adding to his string of successes including “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Inception,” and “Memento.”

“Oppenheimer” faced stiff competition, notably from the feminist-driven adventure “Barbie,” creating a box office rivalry humorously dubbed “Barbenheimer.” Other contenders for Best Picture included “The Holdovers,” a dramedy set in a New England boarding school, and the poignant Holocaust narrative “The Zone of Interest.” Robert Downey Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph secured their first Academy Awards in the supporting actor categories.

Downey, whose career was marred by substance abuse, delivered a tongue-in-cheek speech thanking his troubled past and the Academy. Randolph, visibly moved, expressed gratitude for being recognized for her authentic self.

In the international category, the British Holocaust drama “The Zone of Interest” emerged victorious, with director Jonathan Glazer addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict in his impassioned acceptance speech. Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” claimed the title of Best Animated Feature.

The winners were determined by the esteemed members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

immy Kimmel, hosting the ceremony for the fourth time, kicked off the event with a blend of praise and playful jabs at the nominees and their films. He commended “Barbie” for transforming a seemingly outdated doll into a feminist icon and humorously criticized the length of some films, including Martin Scorsese’s lengthy epic “Killer of the Flower Moon.”

However, amid the glitz and glamour, pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the streets surrounding the Dolby Theatre, highlighting the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Several celebrities, including Mahershala Ali and Billie Eilish, donned red pins advocating for a ceasefire. Actor Mark Ruffalo expressed solidarity with the protesters, emphasizing the urgent need for peace.

On the red carpet, stars showcased bold ensembles, dazzling sparkles, and a nod to the Barbie-inspired pink.

Amrita Bhandari

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