Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," a biopic chronicling the creation of the atomic bomb, emerged as the night's biggest victor at the 96th Academy Awards. The film, a critical and commercial darling, swept seven awards, including the coveted Best Picture and Best Director for Nolan himself.
This win marked a turning point for Nolan, a highly regarded filmmaker who had previously been nominated for eight Oscars without ever winning. In his acceptance speech, a visibly emotional Nolan dedicated the award to "peacemakers everywhere," acknowledging the film's exploration of the moral complexities surrounding nuclear weapons.
Cillian Murphy, who delivered a nuanced performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the film's titular physicist, secured the Best Actor trophy. Murphy's portrayal of Oppenheimer's internal struggle with the consequences of his work resonated with audiences and critics alike. Robert Downey Jr. also took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in "Oppenheimer," solidifying the film's dominance across multiple categories.
While "Oppenheimer" reigned supreme, Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things" and Patrice Leconte's "The Zone of Interest" also enjoyed a successful night. "Poor Things," a darkly comedic period piece, garnered critical acclaim for its unconventional storytelling and Emma Stone's captivating performance, which earned her the Best Actress award. Stone's nuanced portrayal of a woman defying societal expectations in a fantastical setting proved to be a crowd favorite. "The Zone of Interest" received recognition for its technical achievements, winning awards for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design. The film's haunting exploration of pre-war Vienna on the cusp of Nazi Germany resonated with voters.
Martin Scorsese's highly anticipated "Killers of the Flower Moon," a star-studded drama based on the Oklahoma oilfield murders, surprisingly went home empty-handed. Despite strong performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, the film failed to convert nominations into wins.
Overall, the 96th Academy Awards ceremony celebrated a diverse range of films, with both large-scale epics like "Oppenheimer" and more intimate character studies like "Poor Things" finding recognition. The night ultimately belonged to Christopher Nolan, who finally received the long-awaited Oscar recognition for his filmmaking prowess.