The 96th Oscars followed expectations closely, with “Oppenheimer” dominating by winning seven categories, including supporting actor, lead actor, director, and picture. There were minimal upsets, as the surprises of the evening were mostly in categories where the competition was deemed exceptionally tight. For instance, “Poor Things” secured the win for makeup and hairstyling over “Maestro” and also saw Emma Stone, appearing surprised, clinching the Best Actress award over the expected favorite, Lily Gladstone, from “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Jimmy Kimmel returned as the host for Sunday’s Oscars, which were generally lively, relaxed, and enjoyable. Here are seven standout moments from the event.
Jimmy Kimmel Teases Robert Downey Jr.
Shortly into his monologue, Kimmel shifted focus to Best Supporting Actor nominee Robert Downey Jr., acknowledging that his performance in “Oppenheimer” marked a significant milestone in his career. This subtle nod alluded to Downey’s well-known past struggles with drug addiction. The camera then captured Downey’s reaction as he lightly tapped his nose. Kimmel humorously questioned whether this gesture implied that the joke hit too close to home or if it was a playful reference to drug use. Downey responded in good spirits, engaging with gestures as Kimmel continued to playfully tease him.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph Delivers a Moving Acceptance Speech
Despite winning every precursor award this season and expressing gratitude numerous times, Randolph delivered a heartfelt and touching acceptance speech that moved her co-star Paul Giamatti to tears.
After explaining how her mother encouraged her to get into acting, Randolph said, “For so long I’ve always wanted to be different and now I realize I just need to be myself. And I thank you. I thank you for seeing me. Ron Van Lieu, I thank you when I was the only Black girl in that class, when you saw me and you told me I was enough. And when I told you I don’t see myself, you said, ‘That’s fine. We’re going to forge our own path. You’re going to lay a trail for yourself.’”
“Barbie” Performances: Billie Eilish, Finneas and Ryan Gosling
In a study of contrasts, the evening began with Billie Eilish and Finneas performing their poignant ballad “What Was I Made For?” with such purity and heartfelt emotion that it moved several individuals to tears. Finneas’s supportive applause for his sister at the end of their performance was a heartwarming moment.
Following this, Ryan Gosling took the stage to entertain, singing the opening lines of “I’m Just Ken” from the audience, much to the delight of Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, and the rest of the audience. Dressed in a pink bedazzled suit, he delivered his bombastic lament in perfect ironic sincerity, embodying his “Barbie” alter ego with flair.
John Cena Refuses to Streak, Presents Best Costume Design Naked Instead
Making a nod to Robert Opel, the streaker at the 1974 Oscars, Kimmel pondered aloud what it would be like if a similar incident occurred that evening. He playfully repeated the idea until an apprehensive and completely unclothed John Cena emerged from behind the set, expressing that he had reconsidered and decided against streaking. Eventually, Cena awkwardly made his way across the stage to the microphone in Birkenstocks, appearing embarrassed as he improvised with an Oscars envelope as a makeshift covering. Ironically, the category he presented turned out to be Costume Design.
Scott George and the Osage Singers Perform “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)”
Despite Martin Scorsese’s epic potentially going winless on Sunday (a disappointment in its own right), Scott George and the Osage Singers captivated the audience at the Dolby Theatre with their rendition of the Best Original Song nominee from the film, “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People).”
“P.I.M.P” Plays When “Anatomy of a Fall” Wins Best Original Screenplay
The 2003 track “P.I.M.P.” by 50 Cent plays a significant role in “Anatomy of a Fall,” but it was surprisingly delightful to hear it accompany Justine Triet and Arthur Harari as they made their way to the stage to accept their Best Original Screenplay Oscar, and later as they exited the stage.
In the press room, Triet shared her thoughts on the song, stating, “I’m 45, and when I was younger I listened lots to 50 Cent. It was the most passive-aggressive song, you know, for the husband. Of course, it’s a classic. I had it in my computer since five years ago. I think my daughter was obsessed by this song so it was a legend in my house.”
Messi, the Dog From “Anatomy of a Fall,” Applauds
Having quietly become the standout figure of awards season, Messi, known for portraying Snoop the dog in “Anatomy of a Fall,” was seated in the audience at the Dolby Theatre, enthusiastically applauding his personal favorite moments of the night with his tiny paws.