A night of 077 and “Wicked” songs, tearful winners, and a little “Night at the Museum” reference for you.
Despite his favorite film of the year “Babygirl” not getting nominated, Conan O’Brien was able to bring on the laughs as the host of the Oscars. And that’s not all that happens on this annual show.
He also has Nick Offerman to narrate and make a joke with him. Ben Stiller, as a presenter, does a little “Night at the Museum” riff as her announces the winners for Best Production Design.” There’s also a medley of iconic James Bond songs from “Live and Let Die” to “Skyfall.” Morgan Freeman pays his respects to the legendary Gene Hackman, who passed away at the age of 95 last week. And in response to the LA fires of late, we get the brave firefighters providing some levity.
Here are this year’s winners.
Best Picture: “Anora”
My second choice as the Best Film of 2024, and it’s a wildly entertaining film that will make you laugh, cringe, and won over by the direction and performances.
Best Director: Sean Baker for “Anora”
Best Actor: Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist”
Listen to the dialogue and acknowledge the emotional weight he possesses as he wins that Oscar. And I think he may have shed some tears in his speech, which also speaks against hate and racism. “Not let hate go unchecked,” and “Let’s rebuilt together,” he says.
Best Actress: Mikey Madison in “Anora”
Many of us would suggest that Demi Moore would win for her performance in “The Substance,” but Madison was still a revelation in “Anora.”
Best Supporting Actor: Kiernan Culkin in “A Real Pain”
I knew he would win in this category, because of how good he was in that film. It’s quite the game changer for him.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana in “Emilia Perez”
You can see the tears in her eyes, when she shares her passion for the people behind this musical gem and her supportive family.
Best Original Screenplay: “Anora”
Best Adapted Screenplay: “Conclave”
As I mentioned in my review, “it has dialogue and dangers that makes it a brilliant political film as well as a religious film. It’s practically an example on how these two can be unholy partners. In fact, they both feature corruption and importance in general.”
Best Animated Feature: “Flow”
My pick for the best animated film of last year is also the first Latvian film to win an Oscar for this category.
Best International Feature: “I’m Still Here”
Best Documentary Feature: “No Other Land”
Best Documentary Short Film: “The Only Girl in the Orchestra”
Best Live Action Short Film: “I’m Not a Robot”
Best Animated Short Film: “In the Shadow of the Cypress”
Best Original Score: “The Brutalist”
It’s one of the rare current movies to receive an overture, and Daniel Blumberg’s music opens this gem with a powerful ambiance.
Best Original Song: “El Mal” from “Emilia Perez”
Best Sound: “Dune: Part Two”
Best Production Design: “Wicked”
Best Cinematography: “The Brutalist”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: “The Substance”
As stomach-churning as that film was, the make-up is quite impressive, especially when a vision like Demi Moore would be disguised as an old, ugly person. This has to do with the side effects of the drugs she buys off the black market, of course. I still would suggest you don’t buy snacks for this movie.
Best Costume Design: “Wicked”
Paul Tazewell is the first African-American man to win the Oscar for this category.
Best Film Editing: “Anora”
Best Visual Effects: “Dune: Part Two”