Oscars round-up 

By KYE ANSON

All eyes were on the contest between Greta Gerwig’s exceedingly popular Barbie, and Christopher Nolan’s historically focused, Oppenheimer at the 96th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California. Four-time host, Jimmy Kimmel opened the awards ceremony with his adoration for Greta Gerwig, while providing some scathing feedback to the Academy for having left Gerwig off the director nominees list. 

“Hold on a minute, I know you’re clapping but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her by the way. Don’t act like you had nothing to do with this”. 

The decision by the Academy caused quite the stir, as the star of Barbie, Margot Robbie was also snubbed for a Best Actress nomination for her performance in the film. Her co-star Ryan Gosling, on the other hand, was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor, which was later taken home by Robert Downey Jnr for his role in Oppenheimer. 

However, Downey Jnr seemed unimpressed with Kimmel when the host referred to Oppenheimer as being the highest point in his career, then added: “well, one of the highest points in his career”, while subtly pointing at his nose.

When Downey responded with two taps on his own nose, Kimmel replied: 

“Was that two on the nose or a drug motion you made?”

Downey Jr then signalled for Kimmel to move on. The host was persistent with his vocal jabs, continuing to poke just a bit too much fun at the award-winner, leaving him visibly uncomfortable.  

The Christopher Nolan masterpiece amassed a total of 13 award nominations, winning Best Film Editing; Best Cinematography; Best Original Score; Best Director; Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), and rounding out the night with arguably the most important award, Best Picture. 

But believe it or not, there were nominations beyond the infamous ‘Barbenheimer’ spectacle. Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, followed closely behind Oppenheimer with a total of 11 nominations. Of those, the film won; Best Costume Design; Best Costume Design; Best Production Design; Best Actress (Emma Stone); and Best Make-Up And Hairstyling. 

The Zone of Interest prevailed against heavyweight Oppenheimer and Bradley Cooper’s Maestro for Best Sound In Cinema, while Best Visual Effects was awarded to Godzilla Minus One over Napoleon and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3. 

The remarkable all-star cast/director combination of Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Brendan Fraser seemed sure to win at least one award. Unfortunately, it was a rough night for Killers of the Flower Moon, which did not to pick up a single statue, even with Lily Gladstone being considered a sure-fire candidate for Best Actress.  

The Oscars had it all, and even Messi, the dog from Anatomy of a Fall, made a surprise appearance sporting a bowtie and causing excitement — and a bit of controversy. It was rumoured that the Academy was not too pleased with his visit, although stars and fans welcomed the dog with open pats.

Messi gave the ceremony the greatest performance of all but did not manage to fetch an award.