Hey everyone! The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, or as we all lovingly know it, the Oscars 2024, has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of glitz, glamour, and, of course, amazing winners. If you missed the show or just want a quick recap of who took home the golden statuettes, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the complete list of winners and nominees, celebrating the best in film from the past year!

Best Picture

Let's kick things off with the biggest award of the night: Best Picture. This is the one everyone's waiting for, the ultimate recognition of cinematic excellence. The nominees this year were a diverse and impressive bunch, each offering something unique and captivating to audiences. This year the Best Picture award went to "Oppenheimer". "Oppenheimer" was directed by Christopher Nolan, this epic historical drama captivated audiences and critics alike with its intense storytelling, stellar performances, and breathtaking visuals. The film explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant physicist who led the Manhattan Project during World War II, delving into the complex moral and ethical dilemmas he faced as he ushered in the atomic age. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Oppenheimer was nothing short of mesmerizing, perfectly capturing the character's intellect, inner turmoil, and quiet intensity. The supporting cast, including Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., and Matt Damon, delivered equally compelling performances, adding depth and nuance to the narrative. Nolan's masterful direction brought the story to life with stunning visuals and a gripping score, creating an immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience. "Oppenheimer" is not just a historical drama; it is a profound exploration of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of scientific progress. Its victory at the Oscars is a testament to its artistic merit and its ability to spark meaningful conversations about the human condition. For those who have yet to see it, "Oppenheimer" is a must-watch. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to reflect on the complexities of history and the choices that shape our world.

• Winner: Oppenheimer
• Nominees:
  • American Fiction
  • Anatomy of a Fall
  • Barbie
  • The Holdovers
  • Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Maestro
  • Past Lives
  • Poor Things
  • The Zone of Interest

Best Director

The Best Director category always highlights the visionary minds behind the camera, the individuals who bring these incredible stories to life. The nominees this year showcased a range of styles and approaches, each demonstrating exceptional skill in their craft. This year, Christopher Nolan won the award for Best Director for "Oppenheimer". Christopher Nolan's win for Best Director was widely celebrated as a long-overdue recognition of his exceptional contributions to cinema. Nolan has consistently pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, delivering innovative and thought-provoking films that have captivated audiences worldwide. His unique style, characterized by complex narratives, stunning visuals, and a meticulous attention to detail, has earned him a devoted following and critical acclaim. With "Oppenheimer," Nolan demonstrated his mastery of storytelling on an epic scale, seamlessly blending historical events with personal drama to create a truly immersive cinematic experience. His ability to elicit compelling performances from his cast, coupled with his innovative use of IMAX technology, elevated the film to a new level of cinematic artistry. Nolan's win is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to create films that are both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. As one of the most influential filmmakers of our time, Nolan continues to inspire aspiring directors and push the boundaries of what is possible in cinema. His victory at the Oscars solidifies his place among the greats and sets the stage for even more groundbreaking work in the years to come. For fans of Nolan's work, this award is a validation of his talent and a recognition of the impact he has had on the film industry.

• Winner: Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer)
• Nominees:
  • Justine Triet (Anatomy of a Fall)
  • Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon)
  • Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things)
  • Jonathan Glazer (The Zone of Interest)

Best Actor

Best Actor is always a hotly contested category, celebrating the male performers who have delivered unforgettable performances on screen. This year was no exception, with a lineup of incredibly talented actors vying for the coveted award. Cillian Murphy grabbed the Best Actor award for his role in “Oppenheimer”. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's epic historical drama was nothing short of transformative. Murphy completely embodied the complex character, capturing his intellectual brilliance, inner turmoil, and quiet intensity with remarkable nuance. His performance was a masterclass in subtlety, conveying Oppenheimer's internal struggles through subtle gestures, facial expressions, and a haunting gaze. Murphy's dedication to the role was evident in his physical transformation, as he lost weight to accurately depict Oppenheimer's gaunt appearance. Beyond the physical, Murphy delved deep into the character's psyche, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas that plagued Oppenheimer as he grappled with the consequences of his creation. His ability to convey the character's inner conflict made Oppenheimer a deeply sympathetic figure, despite the enormity of his actions. Murphy's win for Best Actor is a testament to his exceptional talent and his ability to immerse himself completely in his roles. He has long been admired for his versatility and his willingness to take on challenging characters, and his performance in "Oppenheimer" is undoubtedly the pinnacle of his career. For those who have followed Murphy's work over the years, this award is a well-deserved recognition of his dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to his craft. It is a moment to celebrate his talent and to anticipate even more great performances from him in the future.

• Winner: Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)
• Nominees:
  • Bradley Cooper (Maestro)
  • Colman Domingo (Rustin)
  • Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)
  • Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction)

Best Actress

Best Actress recognizes the leading ladies who have captivated us with their talent and brought compelling characters to life. This year's nominees were a force to be reckoned with, each delivering a performance that left a lasting impression. Emma Stone won the Best Actress award for her role in “Poor Things”. Emma Stone's performance in "Poor Things" is a tour de force of acting, showcasing her incredible range, versatility, and fearless approach to challenging roles. In the film, Stone plays Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life by a scientist who replaces her brain with that of an infant. Stone completely embodies Bella's childlike innocence, curiosity, and uninhibited exploration of the world around her. Her physical transformation is remarkable, as she contorts her body and adopts a distinctive gait to convey Bella's unique physicality. Beyond the physical, Stone delves deep into the character's psyche, capturing Bella's emotional journey as she learns to navigate the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. Stone's performance is both hilarious and heartbreaking, as she seamlessly blends comedic timing with moments of profound emotional depth. Her willingness to embrace the bizarre and unconventional aspects of the character makes Bella a truly unforgettable creation. Stone's win for Best Actress is a testament to her exceptional talent and her ability to completely immerse herself in her roles. She has long been admired for her versatility and her willingness to take on challenging characters, and her performance in "Poor Things" is undoubtedly one of the most daring and memorable of her career. For those who have followed Stone's work over the years, this award is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to her craft.

• Winner: Emma Stone (Poor Things)
• Nominees:
  • Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)
  • Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall)
  • Carey Mulligan (Maestro)
  • Annette Bening (Nyad)

Best Supporting Actor

The Best Supporting Actor award honors the actors who have delivered memorable performances in supporting roles, adding depth and richness to the films they appear in. This year's nominees were a stellar group, each deserving of recognition for their outstanding contributions. Robert Downey Jr. won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Oppenheimer”. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Lewis Strauss in "Oppenheimer" marks a triumphant return to form for the beloved actor. After years of being associated with his iconic role as Iron Man, Downey Jr. delivered a nuanced and compelling performance that reminded audiences of his immense talent and versatility. In the film, Downey Jr. plays Strauss, a complex and ambitious government official who plays a key role in the development of the atomic bomb and later becomes embroiled in a contentious political battle with Oppenheimer. Downey Jr. completely embodies Strauss's intelligence, charisma, and underlying sense of insecurity. His performance is a masterclass in subtlety, conveying Strauss's motivations and internal conflicts through subtle gestures, facial expressions, and a carefully modulated voice. Downey Jr.'s ability to humanize a character who could easily have been portrayed as a villain is a testament to his skill as an actor. His win for Best Supporting Actor is a well-deserved recognition of his talent and his ability to completely transform himself into a character. It is a moment to celebrate his achievements and to look forward to even more great performances from him in the future. For fans of Downey Jr.'s work, this award is a validation of his talent and a reminder of the power of his acting.

• Winner: Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer)
• Nominees:
  • Sterling K. Brown (American Fiction)
  • Robert De Niro (Killers of the Flower Moon)
  • Ryan Gosling (Barbie)
  • Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things)

Best Supporting Actress

Best Supporting Actress celebrates the actresses who have shone brightly in supporting roles, adding depth, nuance, and unforgettable moments to the films they've graced. This year's nominees were all exceptional, each bringing something special to their respective roles. Da'Vine Joy Randolph won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “The Holdovers”. Da'Vine Joy Randolph's portrayal of Mary Lamb in "The Holdovers" is a poignant and heartfelt performance that resonated deeply with audiences. In the film, Randolph plays Mary, a grieving cafeteria manager at a New England boarding school who forms an unlikely bond with a troubled student and a curmudgeonly teacher over the Christmas holiday. Randolph's performance is a masterclass in empathy, conveying Mary's pain, resilience, and quiet strength with remarkable authenticity. She brings a warmth and humanity to the role that makes Mary a deeply sympathetic and relatable character. Randolph's ability to convey Mary's emotions through subtle gestures, facial expressions, and a heartfelt delivery of dialogue is truly remarkable. Her win for Best Supporting Actress is a well-deserved recognition of her talent and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. It is a moment to celebrate her achievements and to look forward to even more great performances from her in the future. For those who have been following Randolph's career, this award is a validation of her talent and a reminder of the power of her acting.

• Winner: Da'Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers)
• Nominees:
  • Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer)
  • Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple)
  • America Ferrera (Barbie)
  • Jodie Foster (Nyad)

Other Key Categories

Of course, the Oscars celebrate excellence in many other areas of filmmaking. Here's a quick rundown of some other key categories and their winners:

• Best Original Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall
• Best Adapted Screenplay: American Fiction
• Best Animated Feature Film: The Boy and the Heron
• Best International Feature Film: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)
• Best Documentary Feature Film: 20 Days in Mariupol
• Best Original Song: "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie (Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell)
• Best Original Score: Oppenheimer (Ludwig Göransson)

So there you have it, guys! A complete list of the winners and nominees from the Oscars 2024. It was an amazing night celebrating the best in film, and we can't wait to see what next year brings. Until then, happy movie watching!