The 97th Academy Awards ceremony was one of the most anticipated events of the year. Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the ceremony honored the best films, performances, and technical achievements of 2024. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the event brought together filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the globe.
This year’s Oscars marked a shift in cinematic trends. With a mix of high-budget blockbusters and independent gems, the nominations highlighted diversity in storytelling, casting, and production. From international feature films to breakthrough performances, the 97th Academy Awards served as a reflection of evolving standards in cinema.
In this article, we present a complete list of winners in every major category, along with background information and highlights from the event.
Best Picture
Winner: Oppenheimer
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer claimed the top honor of the night—Best Picture. The historical drama centered around physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project. With its complex narrative, stunning visuals, and a haunting score, the film stood out among its competitors.
Other nominees:
- Barbie
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- Poor Things
- The Holdovers
- Maestro
- Anatomy of a Fall
- The Zone of Interest
- American Fiction
- Past Lives
Best Director
Winner: Christopher Nolan – Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan finally earned his first Oscar for Best Director after years of critical acclaim. His direction of Oppenheimer was praised for its non-linear structure and emotional depth.
Other nominees:
- Martin Scorsese – Killers of the Flower Moon
- Yorgos Lanthimos – Poor Things
- Justine Triet – Anatomy of a Fall
- Jonathan Glazer – The Zone of Interest
Best Actor
Winner: Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
Cillian Murphy delivered a powerful performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer. His ability to portray both the genius and the moral struggle of the character made him a clear favorite.
Other nominees:
- Bradley Cooper – Maestro
- Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
- Jeffrey Wright – American Fiction
- Colman Domingo – Rustin
Best Actress
Winner: Emma Stone – Poor Things
Emma Stone’s role as Bella Baxter in Poor Things was bold and unique. Her transformation and fearless approach won over critics and Academy voters alike.
Other nominees:
- Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon
- Carey Mulligan – Maestro
- Sandra Hüller – Anatomy of a Fall
- Annette Bening – Nyad
Best Supporting Actor
Winner: Robert Downey Jr. – Oppenheimer
Robert Downey Jr. returned to dramatic form in Oppenheimer as Lewis Strauss. His layered portrayal marked a major shift from his previous roles and earned him long-overdue recognition.
Other nominees:
- Ryan Gosling – Barbie
- Mark Ruffalo – Poor Things
- Sterling K. Brown – American Fiction
- Robert De Niro – Killers of the Flower Moon
Best Supporting Actress
Winner: Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers
Da’Vine Joy Randolph delivered a touching performance as a grieving mother in The Holdovers. Her nuanced role added emotional weight to the film and became one of the most talked-about performances of the year.
Other nominees:
- Emily Blunt – Oppenheimer
- America Ferrera – Barbie
- Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple
- Jodie Foster – Nyad
Best Original Screenplay
Winner: Anatomy of a Fall – Justine Triet and Arthur Harari
The script for Anatomy of a Fall was gripping and intelligent. The film explored the complexity of truth and justice through a courtroom drama that never felt dry or formulaic.
Other nominees:
- The Holdovers
- Past Lives
- Maestro
- May December
Best Adapted Screenplay
Winner: American Fiction – Cord Jefferson
American Fiction, adapted from the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, combined satire with social commentary. Cord Jefferson’s script was both sharp and emotionally resonant.
Other nominees:
- Oppenheimer
- Barbie
- Poor Things
- The Zone of Interest
Best International Feature Film
Winner: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)
This haunting Holocaust drama, directed by Jonathan Glazer, offered a chilling look at life next to Auschwitz. The film’s unique sound design and storytelling approach set it apart.
Other nominees:
- Io Capitano (Italy)
- Perfect Days (Japan)
- Society of the Snow (Spain)
- The Teachers’ Lounge (Germany)
Best Animated Feature Film
Winner: The Boy and the Heron – Hayao Miyazaki
Hayao Miyazaki’s return to cinema was triumphant. The Boy and the Heron delivered a visually stunning, emotional story that resonated with both children and adults.
Other nominees:
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
- Elemental
- Nimona
- Robot Dreams
Best Documentary Feature
Winner: 20 Days in Mariupol
This hard-hitting documentary brought the horrors of war in Ukraine to international audiences. Filmmaker Mstyslav Chernov captured the tragedy of the Mariupol siege with bravery and honesty.
Other nominees:
- The Eternal Memory
- Four Daughters
- To Kill a Tiger
- Bobi Wine: The People’s President
Best Cinematography
Winner: Oppenheimer – Hoyte van Hoytema
Van Hoytema’s work in Oppenheimer balanced grandeur with intimacy. His use of IMAX and black-and-white film elevated the story’s visual power.
Other nominees:
- Poor Things
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- Maestro
- The Zone of Interest
Best Film Editing
Winner: Oppenheimer – Jennifer Lame
The pacing and structure of Oppenheimer depended heavily on editing. Jennifer Lame’s work gave coherence to a story that jumped across timelines.
Other nominees:
- Anatomy of a Fall
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- Poor Things
- The Holdovers
Best Production Design
Winner: Poor Things
Poor Things showcased surreal, dream-like sets that captured the film’s bizarre yet enchanting world. Every room, hallway, and backdrop added meaning.
Other nominees:
- Barbie
- Oppenheimer
- Napoleon
- Killers of the Flower Moon
Best Costume Design
Winner: Poor Things
The costumes in Poor Things played a key role in character development. Each outfit told its own story, blending history with fantasy.
Other nominees:
- Barbie
- Napoleon
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- Oppenheimer
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Winner: Poor Things
The transformation of characters through makeup in Poor Things was extraordinary. From physical changes to whimsical flourishes, the artistry was evident.
Other nominees:
- Maestro
- Oppenheimer
- Golda
- Society of the Snow
Best Visual Effects
Winner: Godzilla Minus One
This Japanese blockbuster stunned audiences with its practical and digital effects. The destruction scenes and creature design impressed even Hollywood veterans.
Other nominees:
- The Creator
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
- Napoleon
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Best Sound
Winner: The Zone of Interest
The film used off-screen sound to disturbing effect, letting atrocities remain heard but unseen. The result was a chilling soundscape that amplified the emotional impact.
Other nominees:
- Oppenheimer
- Maestro
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
- The Creator
Best Original Score
Winner: Oppenheimer – Ludwig Göransson
Göransson’s score added urgency and emotional complexity. From tense moments to quiet introspection, the music enriched every scene.
Other nominees:
- Poor Things
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- American Fiction
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Best Original Song
Winner: “What Was I Made For?” – Barbie
Performed by Billie Eilish and Finneas, the song captured the heart of Barbie. It became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Other nominees:
- “I’m Just Ken” – Barbie
- “It Never Went Away” – American Symphony
- “The Fire Inside” – Flamin’ Hot
- “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” – Killers of the Flower Moon
Best Live Action Short Film
Winner: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar – Wes Anderson
This Roald Dahl adaptation was whimsical, clever, and visually distinct. Wes Anderson’s style made it one of the most charming short films of the year.
Other nominees:
- Knight of Fortune
- Red, White and Blue
- The After
- Invincible
Best Animated Short Film
Winner: War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko
This poignant short combined artistic animation with a powerful message. It struck a chord during a time of global conflict.
Other nominees:
- Letter to a Pig
- Ninety-Five Senses
- Our Uniform
- Pachyderme
Best Documentary Short Subject
Winner: The Last Repair Shop
This emotional short highlighted the importance of music education. It followed a group of people dedicated to fixing instruments for students in Los Angeles.
Other nominees:
- The ABCs of Book Banning
- Island in Between
- The Barber of Little Rock
- Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó
Ceremony Highlights
The 97th Academy Awards was a night of celebration, but also of reflection. Host Jimmy Kimmel returned and balanced humor with sincerity. Tributes were made to those lost during the year, and speeches were heartfelt.
There were a few surprises, but many wins felt well-deserved. Oppenheimer was the biggest winner, taking home 7 awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Poor Things followed closely, with 4 wins. Films like The Zone of Interest and American Fiction also made significant impacts.
Conclusion
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated the finest achievements in filmmaking in 2024. With strong storytelling, innovative direction, and standout performances, this year’s Oscars reminded us of cinema’s power to move, question, and inspire.
Each category showcased the evolving landscape of global cinema. From big studios to independent voices, the Academy Awards continue to honor the art of storytelling in its many forms. As the industry changes, so too does the celebration—and this year’s winners proved that great stories always find their audience.
