The Oscars, the pinnacle of Hollywood’s award season, unfolded this year with plenty of surprises, unanticipated twists, and memorable moments. The 94th Academy Awards, hosted by the ever-reliable Jimmy Kimmel, seemed to oscillate between a desperate need to please everyone and an existential crisis: Who is this show for – the movie buffs or the casual viewers?
The Oscars: A Show of Contradictions
Kimmel, reprising his role as the Oscars host for the fourth time, navigated the high-stakes event with his trademark blend of slick charm and glib humor. Despite the ceremony’s lack of a clear identity, it oscillated between crowd-pleasing spectacles like Ryan Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” and the intriguing choice to have past winners introduce the nominees.
As the ceremony unfolded, it became evident that the night was not just about celebrating Hollywood’s best. Protests outside the Dolby Theatre and a measured acknowledgement from within served as stark reminders of the world beyond the glitz and glam of Hollywood.
“Oppenheimer” Dominates the Night
The evening’s top honors went to “Oppenheimer,” which walked away with seven wins, including Best Picture. The film’s compelling portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the ‘father of the atomic bomb,’ captivated the Academy and viewers alike.
The “Oppenheimer” cast experienced a triumphant night, with Robert Downey Jr. clinching the Best Supporting Actor award and Cillian Murphy winning the fiercely contested Best Actor category. Christopher Nolan, famously snubbed by the Academy for years, finally received his due recognition, winning Best Director.
A Historic Loss for “Killers of the Flower Moon”
The Oscars’ unpredictability was on full display during the Best Actress category announcement. Lily Gladstone, expected to make history as the first Native American woman to win the award, lost to Emma Stone.
Despite earning 10 nominations, “Killers of the Flower Moon” failed to secure a single win, a disappointment that was in stark contrast to “Poor Things,” which won four awards, primarily in technical categories.
Protests Outside, Pins Inside
The Oscars were not immune to the outside world’s realities. As the stars walked the red carpet, pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in the surrounding blocks, their signs a stark reminder of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Inside, nominees like Billie Eilish and Mark Ronson wore red lapel pins calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, symbolically bringing the protests into the ceremony.
Jimmy Kimmel: Always Good for a Laugh
Despite the high-pressure environment, Kimmel handled the hosting duties with aplomb. From his opening monologue, which included jabs at Hollywood’s elite, to his light-hearted handling of potentially sensitive topics, Kimmel brought a sense of familiarity and comfort to the proceedings.
His humorous handling of social media criticisms, particularly those from former US President Donald Trump, added a dash of political humor to the night’s movie-themed banter, particularly when he read a mean tweet from long-time antagonist Trump, who tweeted, “Has there ever been a worse host than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars?”, to which Kimmel replied to the former President, who faces four criminal indictments, “Thanks for watching. Isn’t it past your jail time?”
John Cena’s Cheeky Tribute
The Oscars also had room for humor and nostalgia. To commemorate a legendary Oscar moment from 50 years ago, wrestling star John Cena graced the stage wearing nothing but an envelope, a cheeky nod to the infamous streaker who gatecrashed the ceremony in 1974.
A First for Ukraine
The Oscars made history for Ukraine, as Mstyslav Chernov’s “20 Days in Mariupol” won Best Documentary Feature. Chernov delivered a powerful acceptance speech, using his platform to shine a light on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Robert Downey Jr.: A Charismatic Winner
The Oscars also had its share of memorable speeches. Robert Downey Jr., winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Oppenheimer,” thanked his “terrible childhood” and the Academy, adding a touch of candor and humor to his acceptance speech.
An Unexpected Reunion
The Oscars weren’t without their bizarre moments either. A seemingly random reunion of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, who presented an award together, left audiences both amused and confused.
Godzilla Wins an Oscar
The night also saw an unexpected triumph for “Godzilla Minus One,” which triumphed over bigger-budget movies to win Best Visual Effects. The film’s team, clutching Godzilla figurines and sporting Godzilla claw-themed shoes, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, further highlighting the evening’s feel-good moments.
Billie Eilish Outdoes Martin Scorsese
In a surprising twist, Billie Eilish now boasts more Oscar wins than legendary director Martin Scorsese. The young artist’s achievement underscores the unpredictability of the Oscars and the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.
The 94th Academy Awards was a night of highs and lows, triumphs and disappointments, marked by historical milestones, surprise wins, and unexpected twists. It was, in every sense, an Oscar night to remember.
