Rows of empty seats in a movie theater

Katie Barr

The 97th Academy Awards unfolded on March 2nd, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrating the cinematic achievements of 2024.

The evening was marked by a harmonious blend of anticipated victories, unforeseen surprises, and groundbreaking milestones, reflecting the evolving landscape of the film industry.

ANORA’S OSCAR SWEEP

Leading the accolades, Anora (2024) emerged as the night’s most lauded film, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture.

Director Sean Baker’s vision was duly recognised with the Best Director award. This was complemented by honours for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing. The quartet of awards emphasised Baker’s multifaceted talent and cemented Anora’s status as a cinematic tour de force.

In a category filled with formidable performances, Mikey Madison’s portrayal in Anora earned her the Best Actress award. Her unexpected triumph over seasoned actresses like Demi Moore, who was favoured for her role in The Substance (2024), sparked conversations about the Academy’s evolving appreciation for emerging talent.

Madison’s win not only highlighted her exceptional performance but also signified a shift towards recognising nuanced roles.

ADRIEN BRODY WINS BEST ACTOR

Adrien Brody’s compelling role in The Brutalist (2024) garnered him the Best Actor award, adding another accolade to his distinguished career.

The film’s achievement in Best Cinematography further emphasised its artistic and technical excellence, showcasing a visual narrative that resonated with both the audience and critics.

“The ceremony was punctuated by moments which transcended individual accolades”

In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain (2024) earned him the Best Supporting Actor award, while Zoe Saldaña’s role in Emilia Pérez (2024) secured her the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

Saldaña’s win was particularly significant for Emilia Pérez, a film that led the nominations with 13 nods but faced stiff competition throughout the night.

HISTORIC MILESTONES

The ceremony was punctuated by moments which transcended individual accolades, reflecting broader cultural and industry shifts.

Paul Tazewell’s win for Best Costume Design for Wicked (2024) marked a historic milestone, as he became the first Black man to receive this honour.

His groundbreaking achievement was a testament to the industry’s gradual steps towards inclusivity and recognition of diverse talents.

The international film category spotlighted pressing global issues with I’m Still Here (2024) winning Best International Film.

Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles poignantly addresses the plight of the thousands of disappeared individuals in Latin America. This has brought attention to historical and ongoing human rights concerns.

BEST DRESSED

The Oscars red carpet was as dazzling as the ceremony itself, with Hollywood’s biggest stars making bold fashion statements.

Mikey Madison stunned in a pink Dior gown featuring a bow on the bodice.

Demi Moore, despite her Best Actress upset, turned heads. She wore a classic silver Armani Privé gown, exuding old Hollywood glamour.

Kieran Culkin embraced a modern twist on classic menswear, sporting a custom Zegna tuxedo with a deep green unconventional shawl collar jacket.

“The red carpet showcased a balance between timeless elegance and daring innovation”

Zoe Saldaña, fresh off her Best Supporting Actress win, made a statement in a vibrant maroon Saint Laurent bubble gown, symbolising both power and passion.

Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell, the history-making Best Costume Designer winner, arrived in a Dolce and Gabbana ensemble, drawing inspiration from the ‘Black dandies of yesteryear’ when accessorising his look.

Across the board, the red carpet showcased a balance between timeless elegance and daring innovation, making it one of the most memorable fashion moments in recent Oscars history.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Oscars ceremony transcended traditional award presentations, offering attendees and viewers a rich tapestry of performances and entertainment.

The event featured a lineup of musical performances by renowned artists, including Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Lisa of BLACKPINK, and Raye.

These performances added a dynamic and engaging element to the evening, showcasing the intersection of music and film.

Hosting the ceremony, Conan O’Brian infused the event with his signature wit and charisma.

His seamless blend of humour and reverence for the art of filmmaking kept the audience engaged. He balanced the night’s emotional gravity well with lighthearted moments.

O’Brian’s adept handling of the proceedings contributed to a ceremony that was both entertaining and respectful of the honourees’ achievements.

UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES

These awards were not without their share of surprises and reflective moments.

Demi Moore, widely anticipated to win Best Actress, was edged out by Mikey Madison. This led to discussions about the Academy’s voting dynamics and the unpredictable nature of the awards.

Emilia Pérez, despite the highest number of nominations this year, only secured the Best Supporting Actress award for Zoe Saldaña. The outcome sparked debates about whether the film’s genre or other factors influenced its limited wins. This highlights the complexities of award-season politics.

“As the curtain falls on this year’s awards, the film industry stands at a crossroads”

The outcomes of this year’s Oscars suggest a shifting paradigm in Hollywood.

Anora’s success emphasises the rising prominence of independent films, signalling a broader acceptance and recognition of diverse storytelling approaches.

The increasing diversity among winners indicates the Academy’s expanding definition of cinematic excellence, reflecting a more inclusive and representative industry.

As the curtain falls on this year’s awards, the film industry stands at a crossroads, poised to embrace new narratives, voices, and perspectives. The 97th Academy Awards not only celebrated the past year’s achievements but also set the stage for a future where cinema continues to evolve, challenge, and inspire.

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Featured image courtesy of Felix Mooneeram via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license can be found here.

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