The 96th Oscars: Nominations, Favorites, and Controversies
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Entertainment Reporter in Los Angeles
Why are the Oscars such a big deal?
The biggest night in the entertainment calendar is finally upon us – the 96th Oscars. More formally known as the Academy Awards, the Oscars have been recognizing big screen talent since 1929. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, based in Los Angeles, annually nominates and votes across more than 20 categories including best picture, best actor, and best actress. While film awards ceremonies including the Golden Globes and the Baftas attract plenty of attention, the Oscars is the pinnacle of achievement in the awards season calendar. The awards are voted for by Academy members.
Which films are in the running?
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, about the life of the man who helped develop the atomic bomb, is leading the charge with 13 nominations including best picture, best actor (Cillian Murphy), and best supporting actress (Emily Blunt). Titanic, Ben Hur, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King jointly hold the record for the most wins with 11, so could Oppenheimer match it or even do better?
Its British-born filmmaker Nolan is the hot favorite to pick up the best director award. Nolan has never won this prestigious category despite his previous films collecting Oscars. In this year’s nominations, up to four out of five directors are European. If, as widely expected, Oppenheimer’s Robert Downey Jr. picks up the award for best supporting actor, it will also be his first Oscar win.
What else is there to look out for?
The race for best actress between Emma Stone (Barbie) and Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) is too close to call. Stone has the showier role as Poor Things’ charming protagonist Bella Baxter, while Gladstone’s dignified and resilient Molly Kyle in Flower Moon is a more understated part. It’s an intriguing contest.
Furthermore, the best picture category includes a diverse range of films, such as Anatomy of a Fall, Past Lives, Maestro, American Fiction, The Holdovers, and The Zone of Interest. This year’s Oscars also mark a significant moment in representation, with people of color represented in every acting category.
Which stars are attending?
Anyone who’s anyone will be there. Most of the nominees will be gracing the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Presenters include Zendaya, Al Pacino, Lupita Nyong’o, Dwayne Johnson, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Excitement is also brewing for the live performances from the best song nominees, including Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson from the film Barbie, who will be performing their nominated song “I’m Just Ken.”
How can I watch the Oscars?
The 2024 Oscars will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. US viewers can watch it on ABC and various streaming services. It will also be broadcast around the world in more than 200 territories. For viewers in the UK, the Oscars will be available on ITV and ITVX from 22:30 GMT.
British and international buzz
British talent is well-represented in this year’s Oscars. Besides Nolan, Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer), Carey Mulligan (Maestro), and Jacqueline Durran (Barbie) are nominated. Special effects wizard Neil Corbould is also competing for three awards this year. Additionally, if Sandra Huller wins the best actress award, she will be the first German to do so in 60 years. The 96th Oscars also witnessed the nominations of two international films in the non-English language for the Best Picture category.
