Amaar Zarrieff 
Flashing cameras, beautiful gowns, fresh tuxedos, and unexpected comedy bits are all things that you can expect to see at the Oscars every year (along with Hollywood’s biggest stars competing for one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry). Poor Things (2024) starring Emma Stone swept multiple categories this year including Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design. It was no surprise when Oppenheimer (2023) won Best Picture, making close to $1 billion at the box office last year. Apart from the main award winners, the 2024 Academy Awards made for some extremely chaotic, heartfelt, and exciting moments. Here are some of the highlights of the nights.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph Wins Best Supporting Actress
Actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, 37, accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mary Lamb in the 2023 Dramedy The Holdovers. During her heartfelt speech, Randolph shared her struggles with trying to find success in the acting business, “I didn’t think I was supposed to be doing this as a career,” Randolph stated. “For so long I’ve always wanted to be different, and now I realize I just need to be myself.”
John Cena Presents Award While Completely Naked
In one of the most chaotic moments of the night, ex-wrestler and actor John Cena ironically presented the award for Best Costume Design while completely naked (apart from a pair of sandals and an envelope covering his lower half). “Costumes… they are so important” Cena stated during his presentation. He got lot of laughs for that joke.
Cord Jefferson Wins Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Gawker blogger turned screenwriter, known for his work on TV shows The Good Place (2017-2019) and Watchmen (2019), Cord Jefferson received his first Oscar for his writing on American Fiction (2023). During a backstage speech, Jefferson spoke on the need for more Black characters in mainstream television and film. “There is a market for depictions of Black life that are as broad and as deep as any other depictions of people’s lives.”
Kris Bowser & Ben Proudfoot Win Best Doc Short
Co-directors Kris Bowser and Ben Proudfoot took home a golden statue in the category of Best Documentary Short Subject for their movie The Last Repair Shot. The movie profiles a group of craft people in Los Angeles who repair instruments for public school students at no cost.
Barbie (2023) Loses (almost) Every Category
Barbie (2023) was arguably one of the most popular movies of 2023, earning over $1.4 billion at the box office. It came as a surprise that after being nominated for eight Academy Awards, Barbie (2023) only walked away with one award for Best Music for “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS on the movie’s soundtrack. Although Barbie (2023) may have been popular, there was super stiff competition this year.
This year is bound to bring even more cinema magic to our big screens. Start routing for your favorite movies and actors now because award season will be here again before you even know it.
By Amaar Zarrieff, Freshman, Howard University
Instagram: amaar.fz
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