Oscars 2024: All The Winners And Surprises

Hey everyone! The 96th Academy Awards, or as we all know them, the Oscars 2024, just wrapped up, and let me tell you, it was a night to remember! We saw some incredible films get their well-deserved shine, some surprising upsets, and of course, plenty of Hollywood glamour. Whether you were rooting for your favorite flick or just there for the red carpet drama (guilty as charged!), the Oscars always deliver. This year was no exception, with a fantastic lineup of nominees and a ceremony that kept us all on the edge of our seats. From historic wins to heartwarming speeches, the Oscars 2024 proved once again why it's the biggest night in cinema. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's dive into all the highlights, the winners, and the moments that made this year's Academy Awards truly special. We'll break down the big categories, talk about the films that dominated, and maybe even speculate on what this means for the future of filmmaking. Get ready, because we're about to unpack the entire glorious, glittering, and sometimes nail-biting event that was the Oscars 2024!

The Big Winners: Who Took Home the Gold?

The Oscars 2024 were dominated by a few standout films, and if you’ve been following the awards circuit, you might have had a pretty good idea of who was going to clean up. Oppenheimer was the undisputed champion of the night, taking home a whopping seven awards, including the coveted Best Picture, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. It’s no surprise, really. Nolan’s epic biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer was a critical darling and a box office smash, and its sweep at the Oscars solidifies its place in cinematic history. The film’s technical achievements, stunning performances, and gripping narrative clearly resonated with the Academy voters. It’s a testament to Nolan’s vision and the power of telling complex, important stories on a grand scale. Cillian Murphy’s win for Best Actor was particularly emotional, as it marked his first Oscar and a culmination of a career filled with memorable roles. His intense portrayal of the complex physicist was a masterclass in acting. And Christopher Nolan, a perennial nominee, finally snagged that Best Director Oscar he’s so richly deserved.

But it wasn't all about Oppenheimer. Poor Things also had a fantastic night, securing Best Actress for the incredible Emma Stone. Her performance as Bella Baxter was fearless, quirky, and utterly captivating, making her a definite frontrunner. It’s fantastic to see her recognized for such a daring and transformative role. The film itself also won for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, showcasing its unique visual artistry. Da'Vine Joy Randolph was another major winner, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance in The Holdovers. Her win was met with thunderous applause, and her emotional acceptance speech was one of the highlights of the night. She truly embodied the heart and soul of that film, and this award is so incredibly well-deserved. We also saw Robert Downey Jr. finally win his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Oppenheimer. After a long and distinguished career, it’s wonderful to see him recognized with this prestigious award. His performance was a brilliant blend of charm and menace, and he was a standout in an already stellar cast.

Major Wins and Milestones

Beyond the individual acting awards, the Oscars 2024 celebrated groundbreaking achievements in filmmaking. The Zone of Interest, a chilling and thought-provoking film about the banality of evil, surprisingly took home Best International Feature Film and Best Sound. Its win in the International Feature category was a strong statement from the Academy, recognizing its artistic merit and profound message. And how about Best Original Screenplay going to Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for Anatomy of a Fall? That was a fantastic win for a brilliant, twisty courtroom drama. It’s always exciting when original stories get this kind of recognition. The competition in this category was fierce, so this win is a huge accomplishment. And let's not forget Best Adapted Screenplay, which went to Cord Jefferson for American Fiction. This film, with its sharp social commentary and humor, was a breath of fresh air, and its screenplay is a major reason for its success. Jefferson’s win is a great moment for the film and its important message.

Surprises and Snubs: What We Didn't See Coming

Now, let’s talk about the moments that had us all buzzing, the Oscars 2024 definitely had its share of surprises and, dare I say, a few snubs. While Oppenheimer dominated, there were categories where the results were less predictable. One of the biggest surprises was The Zone of Interest winning Best International Feature Film. While critically acclaimed, it faced strong competition, making its victory a significant moment. It really speaks to the Academy's willingness to embrace more challenging and unconventional films. Another talking point was the Best Original Song category. While “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie eventually won, the anticipation surrounding this category was immense, given the cultural impact of songs from films like Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon. The win for Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell was well-deserved, but the buzz around the other nominees was electric.

As for snubs, well, that’s always a hot topic, isn’t it? Many were surprised that Killers of the Flower Moon, despite its critical acclaim and multiple nominations, didn’t take home any awards. While Lily Gladstone was a strong contender for Best Actress, the award went to Emma Stone. Gladstone’s nomination itself was historic as the first Indigenous woman nominated in that category, so while she didn’t win, her presence and performance were undeniably impactful. The film’s lack of wins in other major categories also left some fans scratching their heads, especially given its artistic significance and the powerful performances within it. We also saw some buzz around Greta Gerwig being overlooked for Best Director for Barbie, especially after the film's massive cultural and commercial success. While the competition was incredibly tough, many felt her directorial vision was a key element in Barbie's triumph.

The Unpredictability Factor

This brings us to the inherent unpredictability of the Oscars 2024. While there are always frontrunners, the Academy’s voting body can be full of surprises. Sometimes, a film or performance that wasn’t heavily favored can sneak in and take home a major award, shaking things up. This year, the Academy seemed to reward films that were artistically bold and technically masterful, but they also showed appreciation for strong performances and compelling narratives. The fact that The Zone of Interest took home two awards, and Anatomy of a Fall won for Original Screenplay, shows a willingness to look beyond the most obvious choices. It’s this element of surprise that keeps the Oscars interesting year after year, even when some outcomes feel inevitable. It’s a reminder that the Academy is a diverse group with varied tastes, and that’s part of what makes the awards ceremony so compelling to watch. We love to see our favorites win, but we also love the shock and awe that comes with an unexpected victory.

Beyond the Awards: Memorable Moments and Red Carpet Glamour

The Oscars 2024 were more than just an awards ceremony; they were a celebration of cinema and a showcase of Hollywood’s finest. The red carpet, as always, was a dazzling display of fashion. From timeless elegance to avant-garde statements, the stars brought their A-game. We saw stunning gowns, sharp tuxedos, and incredible jewelry that lit up the night. It’s always fun to see what trends emerge on the red carpet and who manages to make a fashion statement that will be talked about for years to come. The sheer artistry and craftsmanship that go into these outfits are often as impressive as the films themselves.

Beyond the fashion, the ceremony itself was filled with memorable moments. Host Jimmy Kimmel returned for his fourth time, delivering a monologue that poked fun at the nominees and the industry with his signature wit. He managed to keep the show moving at a good pace, balancing humor with genuine appreciation for the art of filmmaking. The presenters were a mix of legendary actors and current stars, adding to the star power of the evening. Seeing icons like Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Spike Lee present awards always adds a touch of Hollywood history to the proceedings. And of course, the performances of the nominated songs were a highlight. The energy and talent on display during these musical numbers are always a treat for the audience, bringing the magic of the nominated films to life in a different way.

Emotional Speeches and Standing Ovations

But perhaps the most touching moments of the Oscars 2024 were the acceptance speeches. Da'Vine Joy Randolph's speech for Best Supporting Actress was incredibly heartfelt and resonated with so many. Her raw emotion and gratitude were palpable, and it was a powerful reminder of the journey many actors undertake to achieve such recognition. Cillian Murphy’s acceptance speech for Best Actor was equally moving, expressing his gratitude and reflecting on the collaborative nature of filmmaking. He thanked his family and colleagues, solidifying the sense of community within the industry. Emma Stone, upon winning Best Actress, shared her own emotional journey and appreciation for the opportunity to play such a complex character. These speeches remind us why we love movies – they are often born from passion, dedication, and immense personal sacrifice. They are stories told by people who pour their hearts into their work.

There were also moments of genuine camaraderie and celebration. The cheers for first-time winners, the heartfelt congratulations exchanged between nominees, and the overall sense of a shared passion for cinema made the Oscars 2024 a truly special event. It’s a night where the industry comes together to honor its own, and despite the competition, there’s an underlying current of respect and admiration. The standing ovations for films like Oppenheimer after its Best Picture win, and for individuals who have had long and impactful careers, underscored the collective appreciation for cinematic excellence. These are the moments that transcend the trophies and awards, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and participants alike. The Oscars 2024 truly celebrated the art and craft of filmmaking in all its glory.