The glitz and glamor of the 96th Oscars dazzled viewers as the biggest stars of Hollywood gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Jimmy Kimmel led the evening as the charismatic host, setting the stage for a celebration of cinematic excellence. From nail-biting nominations to thrilling wins, let’s dive into all the category winners & nominees of the 2024 Oscars!
- Best Picture: A Triumph for Oppenheimer
The prestigious Best Picture award went to “Oppenheimer,” a captivating tale about the father of the atomic bomb, that led the award ceremony with a staggering 13 nominations. Competing against formidable contenders like “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Poor Things,” “Oppenheimer” emerged victorious, cementing its place in cinematic history. Oppenheimer won seven awards, including Best Picture.
- Best Actress: Emma Stone Shines in “Poor Things”
In the highly anticipated race for the Best Actress award, all eyes were on Lily Gladstone, critically acclaimed for her remarkable performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” However, it was Emma Stone who emerged victorious, stealing the spotlight with her mesmerizing performance in “Poor Things.” Facing stiff competition from the likes of Gladstone and Carey Mulligan, Emma Stone’s compelling performance captivated both audiences and critics, reaffirming her status as a versatile and formidable actress on the silver screen.
- Best Director: Christopher Nolan’s Vision in “Oppenheimer”
Nolan’s monumental saga, delving into the life of Oppenheimer, has proved itself as a cinematic masterpiece of 2023. From its outstanding reception at the Golden Globes to its success at the BAFTA awards, “Oppenheimer” has been the star of the awards circuit, winning top honors at nine respected guild and professional association ceremonies. In a fiercely contested category, Christopher Nolan’s directorial brilliance helped him secure his second Oscar win. Going toe-to-toe with cinematic heavyweights like Martin Scorsese and Yorgos Lanthimos, Nolan’s visionary narrative captivated audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a master director & storyteller.
- Best Actor: Cillian Murphy’s Riveting Performance in “Oppenheimer”
Cillian Murphy, in his debut Oscar nomination, emerged victorious after a remarkable streak of wins for his performance in “Oppenheimer,” securing titles such as Best Actor at the Baftas and Screen Actors Guild, as well as Best Actor (Drama) at the Golden Globes. Murphy’s captivating performance in “Oppenheimer” clinched him the prestigious title of Best Actor, reaffirming his place among Hollywood’s elite talents. Against formidable contenders like Bradley Cooper and Paul Giamatti, Murphy’s spellbinding portrayal left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
- Best Original Song: Billie Eilish and Finneas Triumph with “What Was I Made For?”
Billie Eilish and Finneas soared to new heights with their enchanting composition, “What Was I Made For?,” featured in “Barbie.” Their captivating melody resonated with audiences and secured the duo’s victory in the Best Original Song category.
- Best Visual Effects: “Godzilla Minus One” Reigns Supreme
Toho Studio’s legendary creation, “Godzilla Minus One,” made history by securing its first-ever Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Led by the visionary writer-director-visual effects supervisor Takashi Yamazaki, the talented team behind the film delivered awe-inspiring visual effects. This prestigious title is a fitting tribute to the iconic franchise’s 70th anniversary. Despite operating within a modest production budget of less than $15 million, Yamazaki and his team defied the odds to create award-winning visuals. In a fierce competition against blockbuster flix like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Godzilla Minus One” emerged triumphant, securing its status as the king of the monsters in cinematic history.
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Cord Jefferson’s Brilliance in “American Fiction”
Cord Jefferson’s brilliant adaptation of “American Fiction” earned him the prestigious title for Best Adapted Screenplay. The script of this movie has become the ultimate guide for screenwriters worldwide. His masterful storytelling prowess resonated deeply, outshining formidable contenders like Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig. During his acceptance speech at the 96th Academy Awards, Jefferson humbly acknowledged the numerous rejections his film faced before finding a home. However, he emphasized the importance of perseverance, highlighting how one affirmative decision eventually led him to his first Oscar win.
- Best International Feature: “The Zone of Interest” Takes Audiences on a Journey
“The Zone of Interest,” a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of World War Two, captivated audiences with its moving depiction of a German officer’s family living near the Auschwitz extermination camp. This cinematic masterpiece, representing Britain, won the prestigious award for Best International Feature at the 96th Academy Awards. Despite facing tough competition from acclaimed films like “Io Capitano” and “Perfect Days,” “The Zone of Interest” stood out as a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of human resilience and moral dilemmas during one of history’s darkest periods.
- Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph Shines in “The Holdovers”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s incredible success during the awards season reached its peak at the 96th Academy Awards, where she won the esteemed Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in “The Holdovers.” After winning several awards, Randolph secured this prestigious honor, establishing herself as a standout talent in Hollywood. Against tough competition, including Emily Blunt and Jodie Foster, Randolph’s compelling performance stood out, earning her well-deserved recognition from both critics and audiences alike.
- Best Original Score: Symphony of Brilliance in “Oppenheimer”
Ludwig Göransson’s mesmerizing composition for “Oppenheimer” soared to new heights as it secured the prestigious Best Original Score award at the 2024 Academy Awards. The hauntingly beautiful melodies of the film resonated deeply with audiences, capturing the essence of the story and elevating the viewing experience to new heights. Against a backdrop of stellar nominees, including “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Poor Things,” “Oppenheimer” emerged as a standout, thanks to its evocative compositions and masterful orchestration.
- Best Documentary Feature: “20 Days in Mariupol” Shines a Light
Mstyslav Chernov’s powerful documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” emerged victorious at the 2024 Academy Awards, capturing the hearts and minds of viewers with its harrowing depiction of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Through a compelling first-person account, Chernov brings to life the stark realities of war, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the early days of the conflict. Against a lineup of formidable contenders, including “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” and “To Kill a Tiger,” “20 Days in Mariupol” stood out for its unwavering honesty and profound emotional impact, earning it the prestigious award for Best Documentary Feature.
- Best Costume Design: Elegance and Grandeur in “Poor Things”
Holly Waddington’s exceptional costume designs in “Poor Things” were a highlight at the 2024 Oscars, captivating audiences with their stunning beauty and meticulous attention to detail. The film’s stunning wardrobe earned it the coveted award for Best Costume Design, triumphing over sumptuous contenders like “Barbie” and “Napoleon.” Waddington’s meticulous craftsmanship breathed life into the characters, adding depth and authenticity to the film’s narrative. - Best Live-Action Short: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” Charms Audiences
Wes Anderson’s long-awaited Oscar victory came with his live-action short “The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch. After seven nominations, Anderson’s eighth nomination proved to be the charm as his captivating short film won the prestigious award for Best Live-Action Short. In a field of compelling contenders, including “The After” and “Red White and Blue,” “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” stood out, capturing the hearts of audiences and critics alike with its charm and storytelling brilliance. - Best Hair and Makeup: Transformative Artistry in “Poor Things”
The transformative hair and makeup of “Poor Things” dazzled critics and earned the film the accolade for Best Hair and Makeup. Against a backdrop of stunning contenders like “Golda” and “Society of the Snow,” “Poor Things” stood out for its impeccable artistry and attention to detail.
- Best Original Screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari for “Anatomy of a Fall”
“Anatomy of a Fall” depicts the gripping story of a novelist and mother, accused of her husband’s murder, while caring for her visually impaired young son, setting a new screenwriting definition. The film’s triumph began with the prestigious Palme d’Or win at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. Justine Triet and Arthur Harari’s brilliant screenplay captured hearts and minds, earning them the prestigious award for Best Original Screenplay. Amidst contenders like “Maestro” and “Past Lives,” “Anatomy of a Fall” distinguished itself with its innovative storytelling and deep character development, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
- Best Production Design: Spectacular Worlds in “Poor Things”
“Poor Things” mesmerized audiences with its stunning production design, securing the coveted award for Best Production Design. Amidst a field of immersive contenders like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things” distinguished itself with its meticulous attention to detail and imaginative world-building. From captivating set pieces to intricate costumes, every aspect of the film’s design contributed to its immersive storytelling, making it a standout among its peers.
- Best Sound: Immersive Audio Experience in “The Zone of Interest”
Tarn Willers, the sound engineer behind “The Zone of Interest,” captivated audiences with his masterful sound design, earning the film the prestigious award for Best Sound. In a competitive field that included immersive contenders like “Maestro” and “Oppenheimer,” “The Zone of Interest” distinguished itself with its innovative use of sound to enrich the storytelling experience. From subtle ambient sounds to powerful effects, Willers’ work transported viewers into the world of the film, immersing them in its narrative like never before.
- Best Animated Feature: Heartwarming Tale in “The Boy and the Heron”
Renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki continued to mesmerize audiences and critics with his latest creation, “The Boy and The Heron,” securing his second Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. In a field teeming with revolutionary contenders like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Nimona,” and “Robot Dreams,” Miyazaki’s film stood out for its captivating tale of enchantment and self-discovery set against the backdrop of World War II. With its rich storytelling and breathtaking animation, “The Boy and the Heron” transported viewers on an unforgettable journey, reaffirming Miyazaki’s status as a master storyteller in the world of animation.
- Best Animated Short: Inspirational Stories in “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko”
“War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko,” directed by Dave Mullins, inspired audiences with its powerful message and stunning animation, earning the film the highly desired award for Best Animated Short. Amidst a field of emotionally charged contenders like “Letter to a Pig” and “Ninety-Five Senses,” “War Is Over!” distinguished itself with its brilliant story and breathtaking visuals. With its heartfelt narrative and captivating imagery, the film left a lasting impact, resonating deeply with viewers around the world.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinematic excellence, the 2024 Oscars showcased the remarkable talent and innovation driving the film industry forward. As we honor the creative minds who came up with these amazing stories, it’s important to emphasize how crucial talented writers are. Mugafi, as a platform tailored for writers, recognizes that good writers are the lifeblood of compelling storytelling.
While the criteria for Academy Award nominations may vary upon the length, picture quality, screenings, theatrical premier etc., it’s clear that the strength of a film’s story and screenplay plays a crucial role. Crafting a compelling narrative and translating it into a captivating screenplay is no small feat. Many talented writers struggle with the intricacies of creating essential elements like loglines, synopses, character sketches, and outlines, not to mention the daunting task of developing pitch decks for studios and production houses.
Organizations like Mugafi have recognized this challenge and have stepped in to offer a solution. With their free script writing software, VED, writers can now streamline their writing process and bring their stories to life with the help of essential tools and features to develop their ideas into polished screenplays. Additionally, Mugafi offers invaluable support to their writers in the pitching process, assisting in developing pitch decks and taking their stories to production houses for audio/visual adaptations.
As writers in India embrace tools like VED, their journey in the world of storytelling becomes more accessible and streamlined. With the potential for more nominations from India at prestigious events like the Academy Awards, the landscape of cinema stands poised for transformation. Simplifying the life of a writer means unlocking untold narratives, potentially paving the way for the next iconic film franchise to emerge from the country.