I do not consider myself a film critic, by any means. I simply watch movies, hoping to find pure joy in what I’m watching on the screen. When I don’t enjoy the movie, I complain, never watch it again, and move on to the next one. When Awards Season 2024 rolled around, I reminded myself that I am not a film critic.
I am, however, a critic of award shows such as the Oscars. I’ve recently written articles on the Grammy Awards and the Golden Globes, but I was particularly excited for the Academy Awards. I always look forward to piling up on the couch and being incredibly critical (or satisfied) with the results of the Oscars. And I was really looking forward to the Oscars this year after such a historic film season.
Oppenheimer, Poor Things, Anatomy of a Fall, Barbie and The Holdovers were among the nominated films, and took home the most awards. Oppenheimer dominated, taking home seven awards that night. Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey, Jr. and Christopher Nolan took home the three major awards, and the film also won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Once I finally watched it, I can see why it won so many awards. It’s a movie made for the Oscars.
I could go on and on about the awards won and the awards lost, but that would waste my time and yours. Rather, I’d like to praise the show for actually keeping my attention.
To start with, Ryan Gosling (wow). I am not a fan of Barbie, but there was something special about Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken.” I’m not the biggest fan of this song, but the performance was just so fun and vibrant at such a serious event that I couldn’t help but enjoy it. Gosling paid tribute to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” performance. The other Kens joined him on stage. Even Slash, one of the greatest guitarists of all time (in my opinion), made an appearance. It was just fun, and I can’t help but love it.
Another highlight of the night was Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s win, which hasn’t been praised enough for me. Randolph’s performance in The Holdovers was simply stellar. When she walked on the stage in her gorgeous Hollywood-glam gown to accept the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, I couldn’t help but cheer for her.
Speaking of fashion, I actually enjoyed the red carpet this year. My particularly favorite look was Carey Mulligan in Dior. The gown was pure old-Hollywood glam, and I was there for it. Zendaya, Emma Stone, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence were among those who looked absolutely phenomenal. If one thing kept my attention, it was absolutely the glamor.
Jimmy Kimmel, who I usually find intolerable, was actually palpable at this event. His jokes didn’t always land, but they weren’t as bad as Jo Koy’s Golden Globes fumble. Kimmel actually kept the attention and kept the crowd entertained. It genuinely wasn’t bad.
The show, overall, was just fine. It was entertaining, and it was a good way to end an iconic awards season. See you next year, Academy.