First-Time Oscar Glory for Robert Downey Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph
On a star-studded Sunday evening, Hollywood rolled out the red carpet to honor the year’s most exceptional performances in film, with Robert Downey Jr. of “Oppenheimer” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph from “The Holdovers” securing their inaugural Academy Awards. Downey, once a 1993 Oscar nominee whose career faced setbacks due to substance abuse, triumphed as the best supporting actor for portraying the formidable rival of the legendary physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. In his acceptance speech, Downey infused humor and gratitude, quipping about his challenging early years before heartily acknowledging his wife, Susan. He likened himself to a “snarly rescue pet” whom Susan nurtured back to vitality with her love.
Meanwhile, Randolph’s portrayal of a mourning mother and cafeteria worker in a comedic backdrop set at a New England boarding school earned her the best supporting actress award. Overwhelmed with emotion, she accepted her trophy, reflecting on her journey to authenticity and thanking the audience for their recognition.
The evening also spotlighted “The Zone of Interest,” a British Holocaust drama, which clinched the best international feature award, while “Anatomy of a Fall” took home the best original screenplay. “The Boy and the Heron,” a deeply personal narrative from Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki about dealing with loss, was celebrated as the best animated feature.
Selections were made by the expansive Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, comprising approximately 10,500 members. Jimmy Kimmel, in his fourth stint as host, skillfully balanced commendations and playful digs at the nominees and their projects. He notably lauded “Barbie” for transforming a once-passé toy into a feminist symbol and humorously critiqued the lengthy duration of some of this year’s films, including Martin Scorsese’s epic, “Killer of the Flower Moon.”
As Hollywood’s elite gathered, the ceremony’s backdrop was not without contention. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, voicing their frustration over the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, made their presence felt outside the Dolby Theatre. Inside, some celebrities, including Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell, donned red pins to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and activism.
The awards came after a tumultuous year marked by strikes within the industry, serving as a beacon for Hollywood to revel in the monumental success of films like “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” which together amassed over $2.4 billion at the box office. The event, dubbed “Barbenheimer,” not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also underscored the resilience and vibrancy of the film industry.
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