In an evening that celebrated cinematic brilliance, the 96th Academy Awards crowned “Oppenheimer” as the Best Picture, marking a historic win for director Christopher Nolan. The film, which garnered a total of 13 nominations, emerged victorious with seven Oscars, including the coveted Best Actor and Best Director awards.
“Oppenheimer,” a biographical drama that delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb, has been a critical darling since its release. It was the third highest grossing film of 2023 and its box office earning is already slowly creeping into the billions.
In her acceptance speech, producer Emma Thomas, who is also Nolan’s wife, expressed her elation and gratitude.
“I think any of us who make movies know that you kind of dream of this moment. I could deny it, but I have been dreaming about this moment for so long, but it seemed so unlikely that it would ever actually happen, and now I’m standing here and everything’s kind of gone out of my head.”
The film’s lead, Cillian Murphy, who portrayed the enigmatic physicist, took home the Best Actor award. His performance was lauded for its depth and intensity, bringing to life the complex figure of Oppenheimer.
While concluding his acceptance speech, Murphy dedicated his win to “the peacemakers everywhere”.
“We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or for worse, we are all living in Oppenheimer’s world, so I’d like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere.”
The supporting cast also received accolades, with Robert Downey Jr. winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.
The Oscars ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, was a night of glitz and glamour, with stars walking the red carpet and celebrating the year’s best films. Al Pacino presented the Best Picture award, commemorating the 50th anniversary of “The Godfather Part II.”
Other notable winners included Emma Stone, who won Best Actress for her role in “Poor Things,” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who clinched Best Supporting Actress for “The Holdovers.”
