2024 Oscars: A Night of Triumph for ‘Anora’ and Moving Moments
A Night of Triumph for ‘Anora’
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by the charismatic Conan O’Brien, was a night to remember, with Sean Baker’s “Anora” stealing the spotlight. This madcap dramedy, which follows the whirlwind romance between a Brooklyn sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, took home five Oscars, including Best Picture. Sean Baker, known for his empathetic storytelling and portraits of working-class outsiders, also won awards for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. His speeches were heartfelt, as he celebrated the indie spirit of the film, emphasizing that it was “made on the blood, sweat, and tears of incredible indie artists.” Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old breakout star of the film, won Best Actress, capping off a historic night for the indie darling.
Other Major Winners of the Night
While “Anora” dominated the ceremony, other films also made their mark. “The Brutalist,” a sweeping epic about a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, won three awards, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Kieran Culkin earned Best Supporting Actor for his role in “A Real Pain,” a melancholy comedy about cousins traveling through modern-day Poland. “Dune: Part Two,” the genre-busting musical “Emilia Pérez,” and the big-screen adaptation of “Wicked” each took home two Oscars. Notably, “Wicked,” distributed by Universal Pictures, brought magic to the stage with its musical numbers, while “Emilia Pérez” showcased Zoe Saldaña’s powerful performance, earning her Best Supporting Actress.
Zoe Saldana’s Tearful Tribute to Her Roots
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Zoe Saldaña accepted her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” Saldaña, who played a Mexican drug kingpin’s attorney, broke down in tears as she honored her immigrant roots. She shared the story of her grandmother, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1961, and celebrated her identity as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award. “This is for my grandmother!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion. Her performance in “Emilia Pérez” was not only a triumph but also a personal victory, as she got to sing and speak in Spanish, a nod to her heritage.
A Call for Peace and Justice
The documentary “No Other Land,” which tells the story of a West Bank village under Israeli military occupation, won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. In a poignant acceptance speech, co-directors Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham called for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Adra, a Palestinian activist, expressed hope for his daughter’s future, while Abraham, an Israeli journalist, urged the world to seek a political solution without ethnic supremacy. Their words were a powerful reminder of the impact of filmmaking on global conversations and the importance of unity in the face of conflict.
Remembering a Hollywood Legend
The In Memoriam segment, introduced by Morgan Freeman, paid a touching tribute to the late Gene Hackman. Freeman, who co-starred with Hackman in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven,” remembered his friend as a “giant” of Hollywood and a generous performer whose work elevated everyone around him. Hackman, who passed away at 95 under suspicious circumstances, won two Oscars in his career and left an indelible mark on cinema. Freeman closed his eulogy by saying, “Gene, you’ll be remembered for that—and so much more.”
Spectacular Musical Moments
The ceremony was a treat for music lovers, with a series of spirited performances that brought the audience to their feet. The night opened with a dazzling tribute to “Wicked,” featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo singing iconic songs from “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Wiz.” Grande, dressed in a gown inspired by Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, delivered a stunning rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” while Erivo brought the house down with “Home.” The two stars then joined forces for a powerful performance of “Defying Gravity.” Later, the telecast featured a four-part tribute to the James Bond franchise, with performers like Margaret Qualley, Lisa of Blackpink, Doja Cat, and RAYE delivering classic Bond themes. The night concluded with Queen Latifah’s soulful performance of “Ease on Down the Road,” another nod to “The Wiz” and the late Quincy Jones, who produced the soundtrack album.
In all, the 97th Academy Awards was a celebration of artistry, diversity, and the power of storytelling. From the indie triumph of “Anora” to the emotional speeches and spectacular performances, the ceremony left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
