8 Remarkable and Surprising Moments at the 2024 Oscar Ceremony

The 96th Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, unfolded on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, the event celebrated the finest films of 2023.

Throughout the night, a tapestry of unforgettable and unforeseen occurrences captured attention, ranging from breathtaking performances and impassioned speeches to groundbreaking victories and notable oversights. Here are eight noteworthy and unexpected highlights from the 2024 Oscar ceremony.

1. Oppenheimer sweeps the awards

Oppenheimer, the biographical drama film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy as the physicist and father of the atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer, dominated the night, winning seven awards out of its 11 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. The film, which was praised for its technical excellence, historical accuracy, and moral complexity, became the first film since The Hurt Locker in 2010 to win both the Best Picture and the Best Director awards.

2. Mstyslav Chernov condemns Russia

Mstyslav Chernov, the Ukrainian director behind 20 Days in Mariupol, a documentary film about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, delivered a powerful and emotional speech when he accepted the award for Best Documentary Feature. He dedicated the award to the people of Ukraine, who have been suffering and resisting Russian aggression for more than a decade and called on the international community to support and protect the sovereignty and integrity of his country.

3. Hayao Miyazaki’s win

Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary Japanese animator and filmmaker, received a standing ovation when he won the award for Best Animated Feature for his film The Wind Rises, which was his final film before his retirement. The film, which tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the fighter planes used by Japan in World War II, was a critical and commercial success and was widely regarded as Miyazaki’s masterpiece. Miyazaki, who was not present at the ceremony, thanked the Academy and his fans in a video message and said that he was honoured and humbled by the recognition.

4. Da’Vine Joy Randolph triumphs

Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s triumph at the 2024 Oscars was a momentous occasion, as she secured the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Holdovers”. Her performance, which captivated audiences and critics alike, was recognised by the Academy as one of the year’s best. Randolph’s win is a personal achievement and a significant milestone highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in Hollywood. Congratulations to Da’Vine Joy Randolph on her well-deserved Oscar win!

5. A ‘Kenergetic’ performance

Ryan Gosling, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ken Carson, the love interest of Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, in the musical comedy film Barbie, received a standing ovation after performing “I’m Just Ken” from the film. Gosling, who wore a pink sparkly suit and sunglasses, started the performance from his seat, before rising to the stage, where he was joined by 65 male dancers dressed as different versions of Ken. The performance was a highlight of the night and was praised for its humour, energy, and choreography.

6. Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s win

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, the sibling duo behind the hit song “What Was I Made For?” from the film Barbie, became the youngest two-time Oscar winners across all categories when they won the award for Best Original Song. The pair previously won the award in 2022 for “No Time to Die” from the James Bond film of the same name. They also performed a beautiful and moving rendition of the song, accompanied by a live orchestra, which drew many tears from the crowd.

7. Lily Gladstone’s ‘snub’

Lily Gladstone, the Native American actress who starred as Mollie Burkhart, the Osage woman whose family was murdered by the white settlers in the historical drama film Killers of the Flower Moon, was widely expected to win the award for Best Actress, after winning several precursors, such as the Golden Globe, the SAG, and the BAFTA. However, in a shocking twist, she lost the award to Emma Stone, who played Belle Baxter in the dark comedy film Poor Things, based on the novel by Alasdair Gray.

8. John Cena appears ‘naked’

John Cena’s appearance at the 2024 Oscars certainly made headlines with his nearly nude presentation skit. The moment was a humorous nod to a past Oscars incident and was carefully orchestrated to ensure it remained tasteful. Cena, known for his charismatic presence, delivered a memorable Oscars moment while presenting the award for Best Costume Design.