LOS ANGELES: In a night that celebrated the triumph of cinema, Christopher Nolan’s epic biopic “Oppenheimer” emerged as the big winner at the 96th Academy Awards, clinching the coveted title of Best Picture among seven other awards.
Nolan’s sprawling three-hour masterpiece, which delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb, captivated audiences worldwide and resonated deeply with the Academy. The film’s success marks a significant milestone, as it becomes the first widely seen, big-budget studio film to claim the top prize at the Oscars in over a decade.
Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Oppenheimer earned him the accolade of Best Actor, while Robert Downey Jr. received recognition as Best Supporting Actor for his performance. Additionally, Nolan himself was honored with the award for Best Director, marking a long-awaited triumph for the acclaimed filmmaker.
In his acceptance speech, Murphy reflected on the enduring impact of Oppenheimer’s legacy, dedicating the award to peacemakers and underscoring the film’s themes of tolerance and unity.
While “Oppenheimer” stole the spotlight, other notable winners included Emma Stone, who secured the title of Best Actress for her role in “Poor Things,” reaffirming her status as a preeminent talent in Hollywood. The night also saw Hayao Miyazaki’s animated feature “The Boy and the Heron” emerge as a surprise victor in the Best Animated Feature category.
