The 2024 Oscars ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marked a significant departure from the previous year's flamboyance. With a subdued tone, the event celebrated the achievements of independent films, highlighting their growing prominence in the film industry. Adrien Brody, recipient of the best actor award, captivated the audience with his negotiation skills, managing to extend his acceptance speech despite the strict 45-second limit imposed since 1942. Meanwhile, independent films like Anora, The Brutalist, and A Real Pain emerged as major winners, underscoring the success of campaigns focused on resourcefulness and creativity.
The Oscars night witnessed an impressive performance from independent films, which took home several above-the-line awards. Anora, The Brutalist, and A Real Pain were among the standout winners, each relying on innovative campaigns that emphasized the value of making a lot from a little. This success story for independent filmmaking highlighted the industry's shift towards diverse and impactful storytelling.
Adrien Brody's acceptance speech became a focal point of the evening. Winning the best actor award, Brody managed to persuade the orchestra to allow him extra time for his heartfelt remarks.
"I'm wrapping up, please turn the music off," – Adrien Brody
Brody demonstrated his experience with a confident delivery.
"I've done this before. Thank you. It's not my first rodeo, but I will be brief." – Adrien Brody
This moment drew attention back to Greer Garson's record-setting six-minute speech in 1942, which led to the establishment of the current time limit.
While independent films basked in glory, streaming platforms faced an embarrassing night. Netflix's highly anticipated film Emilia Pérez secured only two awards out of thirteen nominations, marking a disappointing outcome for the streaming giant. Conan O'Brien's sharp comedy bit made light of this situation, humorously addressing the concept of "cinemastream."
"Karla if you are going to tweet about the Oscars tonight, my name is Jimmy Kimmel." – Conan O'Brien
The lead actress category also showcased a notable shift. Historically known for recognizing young female actors, recent years have seen a change in this trend. Marlee Matlin and Jennifer Lawrence made history as the youngest winners at ages 21 and 22, respectively, but the trend has gradually evolved towards honoring more seasoned performances.
In a surprising twist, Karla Sofía Gascón became the first transgender actor to receive an Oscar nomination. However, her journey was marred by past controversies that resurfaced just before the ceremony, affecting her chances at securing a win.
The specter of Harvey Weinstein loomed large over the event when Adrien Brody mentioned his partner, Georgina Chapman, Weinstein's ex-wife, in his acceptance speech. This unexpected reference served as a reminder of Weinstein's lasting impact on Hollywood.
The ceremony recognized Conclave with the best adapted screenplay award. This film, an adaptation of Robert Harris's novel about the Catholic Church, was lauded for its meticulous execution.
"If you haven’t seen Conclave, it’s a movie about the Catholic church, but don’t worry." – Adam Sandler
Macaulay Culkin won best supporting actor but stumbled during his acceptance speech with an anecdote about his wife's promise of a fourth child if he secured an Oscar win. While meant to be humorous, it drew mixed reactions from the audience.
The 2024 Oscars further distinguished itself with unconventional choices in its lineup. It featured a musical about witches, a comedy centered around a sex worker, an opera depicting a trans cartel boss, and a body horror film about a magic drug. These selections demonstrated the Academy's willingness to embrace diverse genres beyond traditional Oscar fare.