The 2024 Oscars burst forth with the exuberance of a champagne cork, marking a triumphant return to celebration after the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and prolonged actors’ and writers’ strikes. Tinseltown, buoyed by the overwhelming success of the ‘Barbenheimer’ box-office phenomenon, witnessed a resurgence of cinematic love, setting the stage for a night of extravagant revelry. As stars gathered to commemorate the magic of cinema, the annual Vanity Fair party became a nexus for the glitterati, with singer Kylie Minogue capturing the essence, describing the evening as a moment to bask in the ‘general sparkle.’
Reunions and Reminiscence: Nolan’s Victory and Nolan’s History
The air was filled with nostalgia as Christopher Nolan, fresh from winning the Best Director award for “Oppenheimer,” took a moment backstage to reflect on shared history. Recalling days spent together in History lessons at Haileybury College in Hertfordshire, Nolan’s reminiscence added a personal touch to the glitzy evening. The awards ceremony itself was followed by a cascade of parties, each vying for the presence of Hollywood’s elite. Universal, the Governors Ball, Jay Z’s event, and Madonna’s soirée competed for the stars’ attention, with Vanity Fair’s gathering reigning as the grandest affair of them all.
Protests and Glamour: Turmoil Outside, Opulence Inside
However, the night was not without its share of challenges. Pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters clashed outside the venue, underlining the gravity of issues beyond the red carpet. Inside, amidst the glamour and opulence, the Kardashians posed, and Amazon-founder Jeff Bezos navigated the room with his fiancée Lauren Sanchez. The commencement of the Oscars broadcast faced delays due to protests, and late arrivals, including Martin Scorsese, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling, added an element of suspense.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Mishaps, Pre-Recorded Shots, and Modesty Pouches
Carey Mulligan, a nominee for Best Actress, encountered delays and witnessed Da’Vine Joy Randolph winning Best Supporting Actress from outside the auditorium. Backstage, Eva Mendes observed husband Ryan Gosling’s performance, while Martin Scorsese provided comfort to Lily Gladstone after her loss. The peculiar sight of Messi the dog clapping turned out to be a pre-recorded shot, adding a touch of unexpected humor. Wrestler-turned-actor John Cena’s appearance, seemingly sans attire on stage, was clarified as a clever use of a modesty pouch for love scenes.
Al Pacino’s Unconventional Moment: Intentional Mumbling or Unscripted Surprises?
Al Pacino’s unique and terse presentation of the Best Picture Oscar sparked debate over its intent. At 83, Pacino deviated from tradition, opting not to read out the titles of all nominated films. Some questioned whether this was a deliberate choice, as the show ran two and a half minutes short of its scheduled duration. The night, however, belonged to “Oppenheimer,” which secured seven awards, marking a career-making triumph for director Chris Nolan and producer Emma Thomas.
Backstage Shenanigans and Engravings: Celebrations Beyond the Ceremony
Winners, including Nolan and Thomas, made their way to the Governors Ball to have their Oscars engraved. The festive atmosphere included chef Wolfgang Puck’s delectable spread and Academy Award holders engaging in the tradition of passing their trophies for others to hold. Emma Stone, a surprise winner for Best Actress, revealed a minor wardrobe malfunction, adding an amusing anecdote to her victory. As the night unfolded, Nolan continued his celebration at the Vanity Fair party and the Universal after-party, reflecting the jubilant spirit of the occasion.
Extravagant Bashes: From Vanity Fair to Madonna’s Soiree
Vanity Fair’s grand celebration featured celebrities such as Margot Robbie, Michael Douglas, and Usher. The ambiance included a vibrant dancefloor and trays of In-n-Out burgers, contributing to the festive mood. Madonna’s party, supporting Raising Malawi charity, showcased a racy crowd, while Elton John’s Aids Foundation fundraiser attracted notable figures like Liz Hurley and Julia Fox. Jay Z and Beyonce’s bash at the Chateau Marmont marked the culmination of cross-town revelry, with Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly making a late-night appearance.
Dawn of a New Era: Hollywood’s Finest Rejoice in the Oscars’ Resplendent Return
As dawn broke, Hollywood’s finest reveled in the resounding success of the Oscars, signaling a triumphant return and reaffirming their confidence in the enduring allure of cinema. The night unfolded as a riotous celebration, with memories made, awards engraved, and stars shining brighter than ever. The 2024 Oscars proved not only a night of glamour and recognition but a testament to the industry’s resilience and enduring spirit.
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