Oscars 2024: Oppenheimer Breaks Two-Decade-Old Record

In the cinematic universe, winning an Oscar for Best Picture is a prestigious honor. It not only signifies critical acclaim but also often translates to success at the box office. However, in recent years, there has been a trend of smaller, independent films winning the coveted award, rather than the big blockbuster hits. This makes it all the more remarkable when a film like Oppenheimer manages to take home the Best Picture Oscar and also dominate the box office. Here is everything you need to know about the Oscars Oppenheimer takedown.

Oppenheimer Breaks Records at Oscars 2024

“Oppenheimer,” Christopher Nolan’s biopic about the “father of the atomic bomb,” dominated the Oscars this year, winning seven awards including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. Despite losing at the box office to “Barbie” during last summer’s showdown, “Oppenheimer” emerged victorious in the awards race, with Greta Gerwig’s comedy “Barbenheimer” only securing one Oscar for best original song.

Cillian Murphy won the Best Actor award, defeating Paul Giamatti and Jeffrey Wright. Robert Downey Jr. won Best Supporting Actor, competing against Robert De Niro and Ryan Gosling. It was Murphy’s first Oscar win on his first nomination, making him the first Irish-born winner in his category. Overwhelmed, Murphy dedicated his award “to the peacemakers everywhere.”

Robert Downey Jr. won his first Oscar, previously nominated for “Chaplin” and “Tropic Thunder.” In his acceptance speech, he humorously thanked his “terrible childhood” and the Academy, in that order. Later, he expressed gratitude, saying, “I needed this job more than it needed me.”

Oppenheimer’s Accomplishments at the Oscars

Christopher Nolan won his first Best Director Oscar for “Oppenheimer,” after previous nominations for “Dunkirk.” He surpassed Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Glazer. In his speech, Nolan expressed gratitude for being considered a meaningful part of the cinematic journey. “Oppenheimer” also secured wins for editing, cinematography, and score.

Universal’s win for Best Picture marks a return to success after their previous win with “Green Book” five years ago. This achievement also places them in a rare category as the last time the studio won Best Picture twice within five years was in the 1970s with “The Sting” in 1973 and “The Deer Hunter” in 1979. Additionally, Universal is now the only legacy studio to win Best Picture over the past decade.

What do you think of Oppenheimer snagging all the major awards at the Oscars?

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