LOS ANGELES – The solemn three-hour biopic “Oppenheimer” emerged as an unlikely billion-dollar box-office sensation, securing the coveted Best Picture award. The ceremony also marked a long-overdue recognition for Christopher Nolan, the blockbuster’s director, as he received seven awards, including Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr., and Best Director.
Breaking a decade-long tradition, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences honored a widely seen, big-budget studio film with its top prize. “Oppenheimer” captivated audiences with its intricate portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb.
In his acceptance speech, Cillian Murphy acknowledged the film’s reflection on the world shaped by Oppenheimer, dedicating the award to peacemakers. The movie, delving into the human capacity for mass destruction, took center stage amid a backdrop of global conflicts, including wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and a looming U.S. election.
The much-anticipated Best Actress award went to Emma Stone for her stellar performance as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things,” triumphing over strong competition, notably Lily Gladstone of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Stone’s win, her second for Best Actress following her 2019 victory for “La La Land,” solidified her status as a leading actress of her generation.
Christopher Nolan, known for his previous Oscar-nominated works like “Inception” and “Dunkirk,” celebrated his first Academy Award for Best Director. In his speech, Nolan reflected on the relatively short history of cinema, expressing gratitude for being a meaningful part of its ongoing journey.
The ceremony was not without its share of political undertones and protests. Demonstrations for Gaza unfolded outside the Dolby Theatre, where “Oppenheimer,” “The Zone of Interest,” and “20 Days in Mariupol” received awards. Jonathan Glazer, winner for Best International Film with “The Zone of Interest,” drew parallels between his film’s depiction of dehumanization and present-day conflicts.
“Oppenheimer” continued to dominate the night, securing accolades for cinematography, editing, score, and Robert Downey Jr.’s supporting performance. Downey, in his first Oscar win, humorously thanked his “terrible childhood” and the academy.
While last year’s box-office hit “Barbie” garnered significant attention, it took time for the film to secure awards. Ultimately, it won Best Song for Billie Eilish and Finneas’ “What Was I Made For?” The ceremony also saw “The Boy and the Heron” upsetting expectations by winning Best Animated Feature over the favored “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
Despite Netflix’s 19 nominations, the streaming giant played a minor role in the awards, winning only for live action short with Wes Anderson’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.”
The Oscars’ spotlight on theatrical-first films emphasized a shift away from streaming dominance, and the night concluded with a call from Cord Jefferson, winner of Best Adapted Screenplay for “American Fiction,” urging executives to take risks on young filmmakers.
While “Barbie” triumphed at the box office, it took a back seat to “Oppenheimer” at the Oscars, sparking discussions about the film industry’s dynamics and recognition. The oversight of Greta Gerwig for Best Director fueled conversations about gender bias in the industry, echoing themes depicted in “Barbie.”