The Magnificent 7 moments of the Oscars 2024

The red-carpet parade of the stars and their dresses and outfits was as spectacular as ever but it was the ceremony that everyone was looking forward to and this year did not disappoint. It has been a bumper year for cinema with audiences returning to the silver screen in their droves and the box office dominated by Oppenheimer and Barbie. There were too many great moments to choose from but I am going to pick my personal favourites.

Oppenheimer and British directors/editors/actors swept the floor at the Oscars which showed that the UK still has a lot to offer Hollywood in expertise and artistry. The ceremony avoided controversy and thankfully avoided too much preaching and for another year had no slaps. In fact, the show was uplifting and one of the best award ceremonies that they have produced for many a year. There was humour a plenty, great musical numbers that didn’t go on too long but it also had its moments of being serious when it needed to be. It was also great that they pushed the start time back so that people in the Europe could watch it and still get some sleep. So, what were the highlights for me?

  1. 20 days in Mariupol won best documentary. 

Ukraine documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, by Pulitzer Prize-winning Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov, won best documentary. His speech was powerful, insightful and topical. It is Ukraine’s first ever Oscar in their history. 

In the film, he spends 20 days in Mariupol, Ukraine, in March 2022, while it is besieged after Russia’s invasion. Chernov’s footage was compiled by himself, along with US TV programme Frontline and the Associated Press (AP) and was harrowing but important viewing. He accepted the award with dignity and a message of how cinema can record history for the betterment of society.

  • Vanessa Hudgens showing her baby bump.

On a more light-hearted note, the High School Musical fans got the chance to get excited.  Vanessa Hudgens was looking absolutely stunning in a black high-necked dress with a diamond choker whilst showing off her baby bump. She married Baseball player Cole Tucker last year and with a baby on the way her fans were happy to see her settled and seemingly content.

  • Emma Stone beats Lily Gladstone to the Best Actress Oscar.

Emma stones performance as Bella Baxter in Poor Things was incredible and fully deserves to win this year’s award. Her first line in her speech was “my dress is broken and I think it happened in, I’m just Ken” (referencing the audience reaction to Ryan Goslings hugely entertaining live performance). She beat the hotly tipped Lily Gladstone, who is an American native who was the heart of Best Film nominee, Killers of the Flower Moon. No one would begrudge Emma Stone winning but for many the diversity of a Lily Gladstone win would have been welcome.

  • Billie Eilish becomes the youngest two-time Oscar winner in history

The 22-year-old Performed “What I was made for” which was absolutely breath-taking and she received a standing ovation and then went on to win best original song for it. The young superstar had an incredible night and now possesses two Oscars already. Billie probably didn’t believe that she was going win but I think the audience and everyone at home thought she was the favourite and deservedly so. History was made.  

  • Ryan Gosling steals the show.

With his bright sequined pink suit Ryan Gosling bought the ‘Kenergy’ to sing “I’m just Ken” from Barbie. He left the crowd in stitches and everyone was on their feet having a right old laugh and boogie. The Oscars have been criticised in the past in taking itself a bit too seriously so this fun, tongue -in cheek song and dance routine helped set the light-hearted tone. 

  • Past winners of acting Oscars gave monologues and introductions to this year’s acting nominees individually before the Oscar was awarded.

There was a surprising and welcome new touch that the academy introduced for the acting categories. Past acting winners made short speeches to each of the nominees saying how much they appreciated their work and how they deserved to be nominated. Could have been a bit over the top but was actually quite fun. 

  • John Cena naked whilst presenting the costume award. 

The comedy skit for the best costume award was hilarious. John Cena appeared naked with the winning envelope covering his private parts. Lucky there was no accidents!

This last pick captured the essence of this year’s ceremony. The emphasis was on having a good time and the appreciation that Cinema is a medium to be enjoyed by everyone. Yes, it is important to examine the darker side of human nature and with Oscar winners such as Zone of Interest the Academy showed appreciation of its responsibility to recognise this. But entertainment is at the heart of going to the movies and this year’s show was a great reflection of that and hopefully 2025 will carry on this tradition. 

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    March 16, 2024
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