Couldn’t catch the Oscars 2024? Eager to know what unfolded? Here’s a roundup of the highlights!
The 96th Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, were held this Sunday in Hollywood, California. It was a night dedicated to celebrating cinematic achievements, but it also served as a platform for voicing opposition against the genocide in Gaza.
The evening was filled with electrifying performances, dominant wins, victories for sibling duos, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and protests advocating for an end to the ceasefire in Gaza. Let’s delve into the highlights of the 2024 Oscars.
Ryan Gosling’s Super Pink Performance Of I Am Just Ken
Ryan Gosling will forever be our Ken! The actor, known for his portrayal of Ken in the Barbie movie, performed his beloved musical number “I’m Just Ken” from this year’s summer hit, Barbie. His performance captivated the entire audience, earning thunderous applause.
Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For Wins Again
The sibling duo Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won an Oscar win for the song What Was I Made For? from the movie Barbie.
“I had a nightmare about this last night,” Eilish shared, before letting out a nervous laugh. “I just didn’t think this would happen.” “I feel so incredibly lucky and honoured,” as she cried, she continued “This goes out to everyone who was affected by the movie and how incredible it is.”
She also in a sweet tribute, thanked her childhood best friend “for playing Barbies growing up”.
Oppenheimer Obviously Made A Clean Sweep!
Christopher Nolan’s box office hit emerged as the night’s big winner, notching up an impressive seven Oscars out of its 13 nominations. The film triumphed in all the major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Best Actress, An Emotional Win
Emma Stone was truly humbled and emotional as she won the Best Actress award for her highly acclaimed role in the movie “Poor Things.” This marked her second win in the Best Actress category, following her previous victory for her performance in the musical film “La La Land.”
Best Actor Of Course Went To Cillian Murphy
It’s truly the Cillian Murphy era! The Irish star clinched the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “Oppenheimer,” following multiple wins in the same category at previous award ceremonies. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, he dedicated his victory to “the peacemakers of this world.”
Notable Celebrities Used The Platform To Call For An Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza
A certain segment of Hollywood is not tone-deaf; they are clear and unafraid in their support for Palestine. The most significant highlight from the Oscars was how these stars used their influence for worthy causes. Additionally, there were protests around the venue against Israel’s war in Gaza, which resulted in traffic being blocked near the venue.
Even celebrities’ walks on the red carpet and acceptance speeches included messages calling for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza. The night wasn’t just about glamour; several notable celebrities used the platform and their influence by donning the red Artists4Ceasefire pin on the red carpet, advocating for a permanent and immediate end to the ongoing genocide by Israel in Gaza.
Billie Eilish & Finneas
High-profile figures wearing the pin included Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, who won for Best Original Song for their contribution to the Barbie soundtrack. Clad in head-to-toe Chanel, the siblings made a bold statement, unafraid of judgment or being shunned.
Ramy Youssef
Ramy Youssef, the Egyptian-American actor known for his role in the popular series Ramy and a nominee for Best Actor, showed support for the Artists4Ceasefire movement during a red-carpet interview with Variety. He stressed the importance of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, matching his attire with his dedication to the cause. “Many of us are wearing artists for ceasefire pins,” said Ramy Youssef. “We’re advocating for an instant, permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We’re advocating for peace and long-term justice for the people of Palestine.”
Ava Duvernay
Ava Duvernay, a renowned filmmaker and nominee for Best Director, elegantly walked the red carpet adorned in a baby blue custom Louis Vuitton gown, accentuated by the Artists4Ceasefire pin. Mark Ruffalo, a vocal advocate for a Gaza ceasefire and the Palestinian cause, joined her. He has consistently worn the Artists4Ceasefire pin at every award show this season and continued to do so at the Oscars. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Ruffalo once more utilized the Oscars as a platform to spotlight the urgent necessity for peace in the region.
What stands out to you as the most memorable highlight from this year’s Oscars?
