The 96th Academy Awards, which took place on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, were a night to remember! Hosted by the ever-charming Jimmy Kimmel, the ceremony celebrated the best films of 2023. If you're anything like me, you were probably glued to your screen, cheering on your favorites and maybe even shedding a tear or two during those acceptance speeches. So, who took home the coveted golden statuettes? And which films and artists were in the running? Let's dive into the complete list of Oscar 2024 winners and nominees, shall we?

A Night of Triumphs: The Big Winners

Let's start with the heavy hitters. The film that stole the show and became the undisputed champion of the night was "Oppenheimer." Christopher Nolan's epic biographical thriller dominated the awards, bagging several key categories, including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan himself, and Best Actor for the incredible Cillian Murphy. Guys, if you haven't seen "Oppenheimer" yet, add it to your watchlist ASAP! It's a cinematic experience you won't forget. The film's exploration of J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. Nolan's direction is masterful, creating a tense and immersive atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Cillian Murphy delivers a career-defining performance, capturing the complexity and inner turmoil of Oppenheimer with remarkable depth. The supporting cast, including Robert Downey Jr. and Emily Blunt, also shines, adding layers of nuance to the story. "Oppenheimer" is not just a historical drama; it's a powerful commentary on the moral implications of scientific advancement and the burden of responsibility that comes with groundbreaking discoveries. The film's success at the Oscars is a testament to its artistic merit and its ability to resonate with audiences on a profound level. It's a must-see for anyone who appreciates intelligent and compelling cinema. And the way Nolan weaves together historical fact with dramatic storytelling is just pure genius!

But "Oppenheimer" wasn't the only film celebrating big wins. Emma Stone snagged Best Actress for her role in "Poor Things," a quirky and visually stunning film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Her performance was a tour de force, showcasing her incredible range and commitment to the character. Meanwhile, Da'Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress for her heartfelt portrayal in "The Holdovers," a touching dramedy set in a New England boarding school. And let's not forget Robert Downey Jr., who finally took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Oppenheimer." His portrayal of Lewis Strauss was a masterclass in subtlety and nuance, proving once again why he's one of the best actors of our time. These wins were not just personal triumphs for the actors involved but also a recognition of the diverse and compelling stories that cinema has to offer. From historical epics to quirky comedies, the Oscars celebrated the power of film to entertain, provoke, and inspire. And that's what makes the Oscars so special – it's a celebration of the art of storytelling and the incredible talent of the people who bring these stories to life. Whether you're a fan of big-budget blockbusters or independent films, there's something for everyone to appreciate at the Oscars.

The Nominees: A Showcase of Talent

Of course, the Oscars are not just about the winners; they're also about celebrating the incredible talent of all the nominees. Being nominated for an Oscar is a huge honor in itself, a recognition of excellence and a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the filmmaking process. So, let's take a moment to acknowledge some of the other outstanding films and artists that were nominated for the top awards.

In the Best Picture category, alongside "Oppenheimer," we saw a diverse range of films, including "American Fiction," a sharp and witty satire about race and identity; "Anatomy of a Fall," a gripping courtroom drama from France; "Barbie," Greta Gerwig's playful and subversive take on the iconic doll; "The Holdovers," a heartwarming story about unlikely friendships; "Killers of the Flower Moon," Martin Scorsese's epic crime drama; "Maestro," Bradley Cooper's biographical drama about Leonard Bernstein; "Past Lives," a poignant and bittersweet romance; "Poor Things," a visually stunning and surreal coming-of-age story; and "The Zone of Interest," a chilling and thought-provoking Holocaust drama.

The Best Director category was equally impressive, with Christopher Nolan ("Oppenheimer") facing off against Justine Triet ("Anatomy of a Fall"), Martin Scorsese ("Killers of the Flower Moon"), Yorgos Lanthimos ("Poor Things"), and Jonathan Glazer ("The Zone of Interest"). Each of these directors brought their unique vision and style to their respective films, creating unforgettable cinematic experiences. The acting categories were also filled with incredible talent. In addition to the winners, the Best Actor nominees included Bradley Cooper ("Maestro"), Colman Domingo ("Rustin"), Paul Giamatti ("The Holdovers"), and Jeffrey Wright ("American Fiction"). The Best Actress nominees included Annette Bening ("Nyad"), Lily Gladstone ("Killers of the Flower Moon"), Sandra Hüller ("Anatomy of a Fall"), Carey Mulligan ("Maestro"), and Emma Stone ("Poor Things"). And in the supporting categories, we saw standout performances from Emily Blunt ("Oppenheimer"), Danielle Brooks ("The Color Purple"), America Ferrera ("Barbie"), Jodie Foster ("Nyad"), and Da'Vine Joy Randolph ("The Holdovers") for Best Supporting Actress, and Sterling K. Brown ("American Fiction"), Robert De Niro ("Killers of the Flower Moon"), Robert Downey Jr. ("Oppenheimer"), Ryan Gosling ("Barbie"), and Mark Ruffalo ("Poor Things") for Best Supporting Actor. The nominees represent the best and brightest in the film industry, and their contributions to the art of cinema are truly remarkable.

The Full List: 96th Academy Awards Winners and Nominees

Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's the complete list of winners and nominees from the 96th Academy Awards:

Best Picture

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

Best Director

• 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

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

Best Actress

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

Best Supporting Actor

• 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

• 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

• Winner: Anatomy of a Fall
• Nominees:
  • The Holdovers
  • Maestro
  • May December
  • Past Lives

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Winner: American Fiction
• Nominees:
  • Barbie
  • Oppenheimer
  • Poor Things
  • The Zone of Interest

Best Animated Feature Film

• Winner: The Boy and the Heron
• Nominees:
  • Elemental
  • Nimona
  • Robot Dreams
  • Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best International Feature Film

• Winner: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)
• Nominees:
  • Io Capitano (Italy)
  • Perfect Days (Japan)
  • Society of the Snow (Spain)
  • The Teachers' Lounge (Germany)

Best Documentary Feature Film

• Winner: 20 Days in Mariupol
• Nominees:
  • Bobi Wine: The People's President
  • The Eternal Memory
  • Four Daughters
  • To Kill a Tiger

Best Film Editing

• Winner: Oppenheimer
• Nominees:
  • Anatomy of a Fall
  • The Holdovers
  • Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Poor Things

Best Cinematography

• Winner: Oppenheimer
• Nominees:
  • El Conde
  • Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Maestro
  • Poor Things

Best Production Design

• Winner: Poor Things
• Nominees:
  • Barbie
  • Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Oppenheimer
  • Napoleon

Best Costume Design

• Winner: Poor Things
• Nominees:
  • Barbie
  • Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Napoleon
  • Oppenheimer

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• Winner: Poor Things
• Nominees:
  • Golda
  • Maestro
  • Oppenheimer
  • Society of the Snow

Best Sound

• Winner: The Zone of Interest
• Nominees:
  • Creator
  • Maestro
  • Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
  • Oppenheimer

Best Visual Effects

• Winner: Godzilla Minus One
• Nominees:
  • Creator
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
  • Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
  • Napoleon

Best Original Score

• Winner: Oppenheimer
• Nominees:
  • American Fiction
  • Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
  • Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Poor Things

Best Original Song

• Winner: What Was I Made For? (Barbie)
• Nominees:
  • I'm Just Ken (Barbie)
  • It Never Went Away (American Symphony)
  • Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People) (Killers of the Flower Moon)
  • The Fire Inside (Flamin' Hot)

Best Animated Short Film

• Winner: War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko
• Nominees:
  • Letter to a Pig
  • Ninety-Five Senses
  • Our Uniform
  • Pachyderme

Best Live Action Short Film

• Winner: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
• Nominees:
  • After
  • Invincible
  • Knight of Fortune
  • Red, White and Blue

Best Documentary Short Film

• Winner: The Last Repair Shop
• Nominees:
  • The ABCs of Book Banning
  • The Barber of Little Rock
  • Island in Between
  • Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó

Final Thoughts

The Oscars 2024 were a true celebration of cinematic excellence, honoring the talented individuals who bring stories to life on the big screen. From the big winners like "Oppenheimer" and Emma Stone to all the incredible nominees, it was a night to remember. So, whether you're a film buff or just enjoy a good movie, be sure to check out some of these award-winning and nominated films. You won't be disappointed! And who knows, maybe next year, we'll be cheering on your favorite film at the Oscars! Keep watching, keep supporting the art of cinema, and keep dreaming big!