Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' Wins 7 Academy Awards

Killian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. Win First Trophies
Emma Stone Wins Best Actress for 'Poor Things'
Korean-American Celine Song's 'Past Lives' Leaves Empty-Handed

Director Christopher Nolan's film 'Oppenheimer' achieved a seven-award sweep at the American Academy Awards. At the 96th ceremony held on the 10th (local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA, it won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Music. Emma Thomas, the producer who received the Best Picture award, said, "Thanks to the genius director Nolan."

Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' Wins 7 Academy Awards

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

'Oppenheimer' is a biographical film depicting the life of Robert Oppenheimer, the genius scientist who led the United States' 'Manhattan Project' during World War II and developed nuclear weapons. Recreating a pivotal era in human history, it deeply explores the genius and anguish of one man, earning critical acclaim. It was nominated in thirteen categories at this ceremony, predicting multiple wins.

Director Nolan won the Best Director award for the first time in his career. He has directed several masterpieces such as 'Dunkirk' (2017), 'Interstellar' (2014), 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012), 'Inception' (2010), 'The Dark Knight' (2008), 'Batman Begins' (2005), and 'Memento' (2001), but had never been connected with Oscar Best Picture or Director awards. Breaking this unlucky streak, he expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for recognizing the potential of 'Oppenheimer.'"

Lead actor Cillian Murphy also won the Oscar for Best Actor for the first time since his debut in 1996. He was praised for excellently portraying the scientist's anguish of having to develop a weapon that could destroy the world to save it. He praised 'Oppenheimer' as "the most creative and satisfying film."

Robert Downey Jr., familiar as 'Iron Man,' also received his first Oscar award since his debut. He played Admiral Stross, who envies and hates Oppenheimer in 'Oppenheimer.' With his fierce gaze, he injected tension comparable to nuclear weapons, making him an early strong contender for the award. On stage, Downey thanked his wife and said, "Let me share a secret: I wanted this role (Stross). The producers, cast, and Nolan recognized that."

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The most fiercely contested Best Actress award went to Emma Stone, who played female Frankenstein Bella in Yorgos Lanthimos's 'Poor Things.' She won the trophy over Lily Gladstone of 'Flower Killing Moon.' This was her second career win, enjoying joy eight years after 'La La Land' in 2016. She said, "Thank you for letting me live as Bella."

Best Supporting Actress went to Divine Joy Randolph, who played the kitchen chef at a prestigious American high school in Alexander Payne's 'The Holdovers.' She was praised for portraying a character who overcomes the grief of losing her son while exchanging comfort with teachers and students.

Korean-American director Celine Song's 'Past Lives' was nominated for Best Picture and Best Screenplay but did not win. The latter went to Justin Trie's 'Anatomy of a Fall,' which won the Palme d'Or, the highest award at last year's Cannes Film Festival. The story follows a writer accused of a crime after her husband's sudden fall death. As the intense courtroom battle unfolds, the couple's relationship gradually reveals itself, confronting fundamental questions beyond the case's facts. Director Trie said, "Receiving this award during a midlife crisis feels helpful. I thank the actors who vividly brought the screenplay to life."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The Best Animated Feature award went to Hayao Miyazaki's 'How Do You Live?,' and the Best Documentary Feature was awarded to Mstyslav Chernov's '20 Days in Mariupol,' which depicts the horrors of the Ukraine war. The International Feature Film award, for works outside the United States, went to 'The John of Interest.' The awards for Costume Design, Makeup, and Production Design were swept by 'Poor Things,' which boasts outstanding visual beauty.

*List of winners and winning works at the 96th American Academy Awards

▲ Best Picture: Oppenheimer

▲ Best Director: Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer)

▲ Best Actor: Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)

▲ Best Actress: Emma Stone (Poor Things)

▲ Best Original Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall

▲ Best Adapted Screenplay: American Fiction

▲ Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer)

▲ Best Supporting Actress: Divine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers)

▲ Best Cinematography: Oppenheimer

▲ Best Editing: Oppenheimer

▲ Best Original Score: Oppenheimer