The 96th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, showcased a night of triumphs and surprises. Among the highlights, 'Oppenheimer' emerged as a powerhouse, clinching a total of seven awards, including the prestigious Best Picture title. Christopher Nolan's adept direction earned him the Best Director accolade, while Cillian Murphy's captivating portrayal secured him the Best Actor award. Robert Downey Jr added to the film's triumph by winning the Best Supporting Actor award. With a touch of humour, he joked about his childhood during his acceptance speech, garnering laughs from the audience. He then thanked the Academy and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife, Susan, for her support in his journey of redemption.
In a twist, Emma Stone claimed the Best Actress award for her role in 'Poor Things,' which also secured wins in three craft categories for Best Costume Design, Production Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling. The unexpected victory for Stone overshadowed Lily Gladstone's anticipated win for her role in 'Killers of the Flower Moon.'
Da’Vine Joy Randolph's portrayal in 'The Holdovers' earned her the Best Supporting Actress award. Additionally, Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki’s animated feature 'The Boy and the Heron' clinched the Best Animated Feature title, while Jonathan Glazer’s 'The Zone of Interest' was honoured as the Best International Feature.
The musical talents of Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell were acknowledged with the Best Original Song award for “What Was I Made For?” from 'Barbie.' Billie Ellish is now the youngest two-time Oscar winner in history at 22 years old. Justine Triet and Arthur Harari secured the Best Original Screenplay award for 'Anatomy of a Fall,' while Cord Jefferson was honoured with the Best Adapted Screenplay award for "American Fiction." Heading into the ceremony, 'Oppenheimer' led the nominations with an impressive 13 nods, followed by 'Poor Things' with 11, 'Killers of the Flower Moon' with 10, and 'Barbie' with eight.
In the acclaimed film "Anatomy Of A Fall," Messi starred as Snoop, Daniel's guide dog, and made an appearance at the 2024 Oscars. A viral moment ensued as the adorable dog was caught clapping, becoming an instant hit on the internet. Ryan Gosling embraced his inner Ken at the Oscars, delivering a spirited rendition of "I'm Just Ken" on stage. The visuals from "Naatu Naatu" from RRR, which won the Oscar for Best Original Song last year, were showcased during this year's presentation of the same category.
The Los Angeles Times has covered the Oscars for 95 years- now it has won one. The heartwarming “The Last Repair Shop” directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers and co-distributed by L A Times Studio and Searchlight, took home the prize in the documentary short category at the Oscars.
South Asian stars at Oscars
Renowned actor Ben Kingsley paid a heartfelt tribute to lead actor nominee Cillian Murphy, who later emerged as a winner for his stellar performance in “Oppenheimer.” Liza Koshy exuded elegance in a striking red gown, while British actor and rapper Riz Ahmed, of South Asian origin showed his support for "Nimona," which was nominated for Best Animated Feature, by attending the award show.
Indian-born Canadian filmmaker Nisha Pahuja, celebrated for her impactful documentaries, graced the event alongside Ranjith, the father of a rape survivor depicted in her nominated film “To Kill a Tiger.” Additionally, Indian-American Bela Bajaria proudly flaunted her Indian heritage with her outfit choice, adding a touch of cultural significance to the red carpet.
“Never Have I Ever” actress Maitreyi Ramakrishna looked gorgeous in this black and white gown at the ceremony. Writer-Director-Producer Nazrin Choudhury looked stunning in a multi-coloured gown for the event. American Fiction composer Laura Karpman accessorised her look with a Dairy Milk logo adorned handbag, adding a playful touch to her ensemble.
Oscars honours Late Nitin Desai alongside industry icons
During the Oscars' In Memoriam segment, art director and producer Nitin Desai was honoured alongside luminaries such as Tina Turner, Friends star Matthew Perry, composer Bill Lee, actress Chita Rivera, actor Ryan O'Neal, and others. Desai, who tragically passed away at the age of 57 last year, was remembered for his contributions to the industry.
A frequent collaborator of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Nitin created the sets of a number of memorable films such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Bajirao Mastani. He also worked with filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Ashutosh Gowariker. His other credits include Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dostana, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Munna Bhai MBBS, Mission Kashmir and many others. His last film was the 2019 war epic drama Panipat, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
To Kill A Tiger's Jharkhand farmer Ranjit attends Oscars
At the 2024 Oscars, Jharkhand farmer Ranjit, featured in Priyanka Chopra-produced film "To Kill A Tiger," was a special guest, marking a significant moment. Nisha Pahuja, sharing photos with him on Instagram, expressed pride in his presence. Despite initial visa denials, supporters ensured their attendance. Ranjit's resilience resonated, inspiring millions globally.
To Kill A Tiger, the documentary feature set in India that was competing at the Oscars in the Best Documentary Feature category, lost the award to 20 Days in Mariupol. Directed by Ukrainian filmmaker and war correspondent Mstyslav Chernov, 20 Days in Mariupol follows the story of Ukrainian journalists trapped in Mariupol after Russia's invasion.
Unveiling the secrets: How celebrities master the red carpet in heel
At the Oscars, celebrities arrive in style, meticulously groomed from head to toe. Despite chauffeur-driven limousines whisking them to the ceremony, many still grapple with the daunting task of strutting the red carpet in towering heels. What secrets do celebrity stylists employ to ease their journey?
Dipesh Raja is HCPC registered Podiatrist with over 28 years clinical experience and is a member of the Royal College of Podiatrists. He is director and founder of Footopia in London’s Chelsea. In an interview with media, Dipesh revealed some are comfortable in using foot spray, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties, known to ease soreness and foot pain. However, it doesn't solve the long-term issues of frequent high heel wear.
Talking about leather soles, He noted that leather soles are ideal for high heels, offering a middle ground between bulky custom orthotics and going without any support. Regarding Bunion busters, he noted that they're a wise option if high heels are a must. Their design caters to foot comfort. Nevertheless, it's not a green light to wear them daily.
Numerous actresses opt for larger shoe sizes to prevent blisters on the red carpet. However, to address potential slipping, they often use silicone pads in the heels or stuff tissue or cotton wool in the toes. Dipesh cautions against this approach, as it can lead to foot movement inside the shoe, increasing the risk of injury or accidentally stepping out of the shoe.