Oppenheimer wins Best Picture Oscar and dominates awards

Oppenheimer dominates 96th Academy Awards, giving Nolan and Murphy their first Oscars. Stone wins best actress, Barbie snubbed. Hollywood strikes continue.

The 96th Academy Awards saw Oppenheimer take home the best picture award, along with six other prizes, marking a significant moment for Christopher Nolan who won his first Oscar for best director. Cillian Murphy also received the top award for actor, a well-deserved recognition for his exceptional performance.

Nolan, who had been nominated five times before for his work as a writer or director, finally achieved his long-awaited victory. Emma Thomas, Nolan's wife and the producer of the film, graciously accepted the best picture prize on behalf of the team, expressing her disbelief at the momentous occasion.

Emma Stone's outstanding portrayal of Bella Baxter in Poor Things earned her the best actress award, while Yorgos Lanthimos's adaptation of the story captivated audiences and critics alike, leading to the film winning four awards. Willem Dafoe's role as a mad scientist added depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Nolan's ambitious biopic of J Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant mind behind the atomic bomb, proved to be a critical and commercial success, grossing close to $1 billion at the box office. The film resonated with audiences, solidifying Nolan's reputation as a master storyteller.

The Academy Awards ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was not without controversy as protesters gathered outside the venue to voice their opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza. Despite the political climate, the awards show remained focused on celebrating the art of filmmaking.

The In Memoriam segment paid tribute to Alexei Navalny, the Russian activist who tragically passed away in a prison camp. The best documentary award went to 20 Days in Mariupol, shedding light on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and marking a historic moment for Ukrainian cinema.

This year's Oscars showcased a diverse range of films, including blockbusters and works by renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese. The industry faced challenges due to strikes and disruptions, but the quality of the films released demonstrated the resilience and creativity of the filmmaking community.

As director Steven Spielberg aptly summarized, it was a great and eclectic year for movies, with each film and artist contributing to the rich tapestry of storytelling that defines the magic of cinema.