Evaluating the quality of an Oscar year involves considering multiple factors: the winners, speeches, unscripted moments, and the host’s performance. Yet, a common critique often overshadows these aspects: the ceremony’s duration. Critics lament its length, craving a more concise celebration. However, it’s worth noting that the 96th Academy Awards, lasting three hours and 23 minutes, was notably shorter compared to its predecessors, moving swiftly without significant highlights or controversies, epitomizing a well-oiled, though somewhat unremarkable, event. It was a ceremony that, while efficient, could have soared higher in celebrating the cinematic achievements of the year.
Hollywood currently faces numerous challenges, from labor disputes to adapting to post-Covid realities and navigating the shifting sands of streaming services. Amid these turbulent times, the Oscars had a unique opportunity to shine a light on exceptional films and industry perseverance. The 10 Best Picture nominees represented a strong lineup, with “Oppenheimer” standing out not just for its storytelling but also for its profound commentary on the human capacity for destruction, packaged in a thrilling, entertaining film.
The Oscars also unfolded against a backdrop of global unrest, with pro-Palestinian protests near the Dolby Theatre. Despite the potential for impactful statements from the winners’ podium, the ceremony often felt like it was going through the motions, failing to fully embrace the significance of the nominated films or the broader context outside the theater.
Yet, there were highlights, such as the groundbreaking win for “The Zone of Interest” in Best Sound, and the acknowledgment of Hayao Miyazaki’s legacy through “The Boy and the Heron.” These moments, however, were overshadowed by speeches that, while polite, lacked the emotional depth and spontaneity that can make the Oscars truly memorable. Notably, moments of conscience and advocacy did emerge, particularly in Jonathan Glazer’s statement on the conflict in Gaza, offering a glimmer of the ceremony’s potential to engage with pressing issues.
While there were efforts to infuse the show with entertainment, including memorable presentations and performances, these were too few to elevate the overall experience. The ceremony did excel in celebrating the craft of cinema, showcasing the Best Picture nominees and honoring the acting talent, providing a platform for meaningful recognition.
Despite these bright spots, the Oscars felt restrained, not fully leveraging the opportunity to celebrate the bold and impactful stories that defined the year’s best films. In an era where cinema continues to evolve and confront challenges, the Academy Awards could have mirrored the creativity and courage of the films it honored. Instead, it delivered a safe and somewhat subdued celebration, missing the chance to resonate more deeply with the themes and issues at the heart of this year’s standout movies.
For a full list of winners, click here.
