Show-stopping performances, jaw-dropping outfits (or lack thereof), and huge wins were just some of what happened during the biggest night for film
Awards season finally comes to a close with a zany and memorable Oscars 2024. Show-stopping performances, jaw-dropping outfits (or lack thereof), and huge wins were only some of what happened during film’s biggest night. Here are some key moments from this year’s Academy Awards.
READ: Oscars 2024: Full list of winners at 96th Academy Awards
You Ken do it
Donned in a sparkly pink suit that seemed to pay tribute to Barbie Pink and Marilyn Monroe’s “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Ryan Gosling led a show-stopping performance of “I’m Just Ken.” While the prominent song didn’t nab the win—which went to fellow Barbie nominee, “What Was I Made For”—the performance was definitely a highlight for many.
The ensemble cast including Margot Robbie and America Ferrera, as well as director Greta Gerwig, joined Gosling on stage for added impact. Gosling was also joined by the Guns and Roses guitarist Slash.
The powerful performance left many reeling and best actress Emma Stone jokingly blamed it for her wardrobe malfunction.
Emma Stone on her dress malfunction at the #Oscars: “They sewed me back in! I genuinely do think I busted it during ‘I’m Just Ken.’ I was so amazed by Ryan [Gosling] and what he was doing, and that number just blew my mind.” https://t.co/821VfR3G7u pic.twitter.com/Tkn4gKWxq0
— Variety (@Variety) March 11, 2024
What they were made for
Speaking of music, another number that garnered a standing ovation was Billie Eilish’s live rendition of “What Was I Made For,” which went on to win the Best Original Song award for the night.
Joined by her brother Finneas O’Connell on the piano, Eilish delivered a touching performance of the emotional song. A string orchestra accentuated the somber, existential mood, ultimately leaving the audience moved.
Billie Eilish and Finneas performing “What Was I Made For?” at the #Oscars
pic.twitter.com/OKdKL3Ghti— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 10, 2024
The best costume is… no costume?
Wearing nothing but Birkenstocks and an award envelope all but stuck to his crotch, John Cena presented the Best Costume Design award to “Poor Things’” Holly Waddington.
Cena’s bold move—a nod to the Oscar streaker of 1974—took many by surprise. However, the wrestling star and actor was not fully unsheathed. He was wearing a skin-colored covering to conceal his bum.
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WTF IS JOHN CENA DOING ??!? pic.twitter.com/j098cHFBKO
— juju 💰 (@ayeejuju) March 11, 2024
RDJ’s first
Despite Robert Downey Jr.’s lengthy four-decade career, the seasoned actor had yet to receive an Oscar—until today. The Tony Stark incarnate clinched the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in “Oppenheimer.”
“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the academy, in that order,” Downey Jr. said in jest during his acceptance speech.
Robert Downey Jr.’s acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/D9A8iUZ0hV
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 11, 2024
Kimmel’s Trump card
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel hosted this year’s Academy Awards. As an attuned presenter, he was quick to seek out reviews of his performance thus far. The first comment he stumbled upon was from former U.S. president Donald Trump. This was not the first tirade between the comedian and businessman, as they have taken jabs at one another over jokes and taco bowls. However, this feud in particular stood out due to its occurrence on the Oscars stage.
“Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars,” a post on the conservative social media platform Truth Social read. Trump went on to nag about Kimmel’s opening, as the comedian was “trying too hard to be something which he is not.”
“Isn’t it past your jail time?” Kimmel quipped in response.
Jimmy Kimmel calls out Donald Trump at the 2024 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/bAGWxUFg9P
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 11, 2024
The Oppenheimer sweep
The Christopher Nolan-directed epic ended up with the most awards for the night. Oppenheimer won Best Picture, while Cillian Murphy took home the Best Actor award. Nolan also nabbed the Best Director title, and as previously mentioned, Downey Jr. won his first Oscar as the film’s Best Supporting Actor. All in all, the film won seven of the thirteen nominations they received.
A comedic highlight involved Hollywood giant Al Pacino getting straight to the point for the announcement of the night’s biggest award. “Best Picture…uh, I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer,” the actor slurred.
I’m obsessed with the way Al Pacino announced Oppenheimer as Best Picture. couldn’t have been more chaotic or confusing lol
“Best Picture…uh, I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer?”#Oscars pic.twitter.com/a0hNQ4ZP7j
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 11, 2024
Artists for ceasefire
Numerous attending artists including Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connor, Ramy Youssef, Mahershala Ali, and more wore red pins alongside their Oscars ensembles.
These red pins symbolize a call for a ceasefire in response to months’ worth of tensions and tragic events between Israel and Palestine. Aside from an end to violence, wearers of the pin—not only during the Academy Awards but also prior awards ceremonies—call for humanitarian aid to be provided to Palestinians in Gaza.
