Best Picture Winner: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Director: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, James Hong, Jamie Lee Curtis
Everything Everywhere All at Once is a genre-defying, mind-bending film that blends science fiction, action, and heartwarming family drama. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the movie follows Evelyn Wang, a struggling laundromat owner who is thrust into a multiverse-spanning adventure. As she navigates parallel realities, Evelyn discovers that she is the key to saving existence itself. With an extraordinary mix of humor, emotional depth, and dazzling visual effects, the film explores themes of identity, purpose, and the complexities of family dynamics. Everything Everywhere All at Once became a critical and cultural phenomenon, winning multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Best Actor： Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor known for his compelling performances in both independent films and major blockbusters. Born on May 25, 1976, in Douglas, County Cork, Ireland, he rose to fame for his roles in 28 Days Later (2002), Inception (2010), and The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012), where he portrayed the enigmatic Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow. Murphy is celebrated for his versatility, often playing intense, complex characters. With a background in theater, he continues to work with renowned filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan and Danny Boyle. His career is marked by both critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
Best Actress：Emma Stone
Emma Stone is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatility and charismatic performances. Born on November 6, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona, she gained widespread recognition with her breakthrough role in Superbad (2007). Stone’s career soared with roles in films like La La Land (2016), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. She has also starred in Easy A (2010), The Help (2011), and The Favourite (2018). Known for her wit, charm, and distinctive voice, Stone remains one of Hollywood’s most respected and popular actresses. She is also celebrated for her advocacy work and down-to-earth persona.
Best Adapted screenplay: Women Talking
Screenwriter: Sarah Polley
Stars: Rooney Mara,Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand, Ben Whishaw
“Women Talking” is a powerful 2022 drama directed by Sarah Polley, based on Miriam Toews’ novel of the same name. Set in a Mennonite community, the film follows a group of women who convene in a barn to discuss the aftermath of shocking sexual abuse within their religious colony. Faced with limited options, they must decide whether to stay or leave, exploring themes of faith, autonomy, and survival. With a star-studded cast led by Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, and Jessie Buckley, the film is a poignant exploration of trauma, solidarity, and the fight for justice in the face of systemic oppression.
Best Animated movie: Wish
Director: Chris Buck
Stars: Ariana DeBose, Alan Tudyk, Angela Bassett, Chris Pine, Julia Lester
Wish is a vibrant Disney animated film that blends traditional hand-drawn animation with modern CGI. Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the story follows Asha, a determined young woman who makes a heartfelt wish to a magical star in a desperate attempt to save her homeland. Voiced by Ariana DeBose, Asha embarks on an extraordinary adventure with the star, Valentino, and her friends. Directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, Wish explores themes of hope, courage, and the power of dreams, while celebrating Disney’s animation legacy with stunning visuals and memorable music.
Best Vfx: Dune: Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Dune: Part Two (2024), directed by Denis Villeneuve, continues the epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal science fiction novel. Picking up where the first film left off, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) embraces his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach and rallies the Fremen to overthrow the oppressive forces of House Harkonnen. The film deepens the political intrigue, exploring Paul’s complex relationships and his growing power. With a star-studded cast including Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Austin Butler, Dune: Part Two promises breathtaking visuals, intense action, and a thrilling continuation of the struggle for control of the desert planet, Arrakis.
Best Original screenplay: The Holdovers
Screenwriter: David Hemingson
“The Holdovers” is a heartwarming and witty dramedy set in a 1970s prep school, following a curmudgeonly teacher, Paul Hunham, who is forced to spend the Christmas holidays with a group of students left behind due to family issues. Directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, the film explores the unlikely bonds formed between the misfit characters during their time together. With standout performances and a script brimming with sharp humor and emotional depth, The Holdovers delves into themes of isolation, redemption, and the transformative power of unexpected connections, offering both laughter and heart.
Best International feature film: The Promised Land
Director: Nikolaus Riebel
Stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Andrea Heick Gadeberg
The Promised Land, directed by Nikolaj Arcel, is a gripping Danish historical drama set in the early 19th century. The film follows Jacob, a poor farmer who journeys to America in search of a better life. After enduring great hardships and facing moral dilemmas, Jacob navigates the treacherous landscape of a foreign land, grappling with both personal ambition and the harsh realities of settling in an unknown world. Through stunning cinematography and powerful performances, The Promised Land explores themes of perseverance, identity, and the human cost of ambition, shedding light on the immigrant experience during a transformative period.
Best Documentary feature: American Symphony
Director: Matthew Heineman
Stars: Batiste, Suleika Jaouad
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, the documentary feature category stands out as one that both informs and inspires, shedding light on important stories from the past, present, and future. The 2024 Best Documentary Feature category at the Academy Awards highlighted a diverse range of subjects, from environmental activism to personal narratives that speak to the human experience. Among these nominees, “American Symphony” captivated the hearts of both critics and audiences alike with its unique blend of personal biography and cultural commentary.The film takes viewers behind the scenes of Jon Batiste’s dynamic career, blending performance footage, personal reflections, and historical context. Through his work, Batiste has not only been recognized for his musical genius but also for his passion for societal change. The documentary showcases his journey through a difficult and often divided world, offering a testament to the power of music as a tool for unity and social transformation.American Symphony transcends the traditional music documentary, offering deep insight into the complexities of identity, the intersection of art and activism, and the unyielding drive to challenge the status quo. With its raw emotional depth and visual artistry, the film garnered widespread acclaim for both its artistic and historical significance, ultimately earning it the coveted title of Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards.
Best Director： Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan, one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. His work on Oppenheimer, a film about the complex moral and scientific dilemmas surrounding the creation of the atomic bomb, was hailed as a remarkable achievement in cinematic artistry.
Best Editing: Poor Things
Editor: Yorgos Mavropsaridis
Poor Things is a unique narrative that blends elements of gothic horror and social commentary, centering on the character Bella Baxter. The story unfolds in late Victorian London, where Bella is brought back to life by the eccentric scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter after she commits suicide while pregnant. Baxter replaces her brain with that of her unborn child, resulting in a woman with the mind of a child who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation.
Best Foreign Film: The Zone of Interest
Director: Jonathan Glazer
Stars: Christian Friedel, Sandra Hüller, Johann Karthaus
The Zone of Interest presents a chilling yet thought-provoking narrative that juxtaposes the mundane domestic life of commandant Rudolf Höss and his family with the horrors occurring just beyond their garden. The film is based on a novel by Martin Amis and has been praised for its innovative use of sound to convey the atrocities of the Holocaust without graphic violence, focusing instead on the dehumanization inherent in such an environment. This film not only won the Oscar but also received the Grand Prix at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, highlighting its critical success and impact within contemporary cinema12.
Best Short Film: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Director: Wes Anderson
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar follows the tale of Henry Sugar, a wealthy man who discovers a mysterious book that reveals the secrets of a mystic who can see without using his eyes. Intrigued by the potential to gain extraordinary abilities, Henry embarks on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The film combines whimsical storytelling with rich cinematography, characteristic of Anderson’s work, and explores themes of greed, compassion, and the quest for meaning beyond material wealth. This Oscar win marks Wes Anderson’s first Academy Award after multiple nominations throughout his career.
Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr
Robert Downey Jr. is an acclaimed American actor and producer, best known for his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Born on April 4, 1965, in New York City, he began acting at a young age, making his film debut at just five years old in his father’s movie Pound.Throughout his career, Downey has demonstrated remarkable versatility, starring in a wide range of films from the biographical drama Chaplin (1992), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, to the satirical comedy Tropic Thunder (2008), earning him another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His role as Iron Man, starting with the film Iron Man (2008), not only established him as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors but also played a crucial role in the success of the Marvel franchise.Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse, Downey made a significant comeback in the 2000s and has since become one of the most influential figures in contemporary cinema. His recent work includes a celebrated performance in Oppenheimer (2023), which won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.