Ever felt overwhelmed trying to catch up with all the details from a major event like the Oscars? You’re not alone. The 2024 Oscars ceremony, filled with its highs and lows, has everyone buzzing—from unforgettable wins to moments that left us scratching our heads.
This article is your go-to guide for navigating through the best and worst moments of this star-studded evening. We’ve got you covered from jaw-dropping speeches to those awkward silences that seemed to last forever.
The Best and Worst Moments of the 2024 Oscars Ceremony
Emma Stone shone brightly as Best Actress for “Poor Things,” a highlight that had everyone talking. The night was filled with laughter and surprise, especially when John Cena nearly bared it all on stage, sparking debates across social media.
This moment quickly became one of the ceremony’s most controversial yet unforgettable scenes.
Ryan Gosling’s reunion with the Kens from ‘Barbie’ brought another layer of excitement to the evening, blending nostalgia with contemporary humor. Meanwhile, Director Glazer seized this global platform to stress reflecting societal issues through film—underscored by serious speeches about dehumanization in society alongside Cena’s light-hearted joke on the importance of clothes.
These events contributed to an Oscars ceremony packed with both meaningful discussions and moments of pure entertainment.
Highlights of the Night
The night shone bright with stars hoisting their awards high, while memorable speeches tugged at our hearts. Surprising moments kept everyone on the edge of their seats, marking a ceremony to remember.
Full list of Oscars 2024 winners
Celebrating the peaks of cinematic excellence, the 2024 Oscars ceremony honored an array of talent across the board. From riveting performances to visionary direction, here’s a compact view of those who took home the gold.
- Best picture: “Oppenheimer”
- Best director: Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
- Best actress: Emma Stone, “Poor Things.”
- Best actor: Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”
- Best supporting actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”
- Best supporting actor: Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”
- Best original screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, “Anatomy of a Fall”
- Best adapted screenplay: Cord Jefferson, “American Fiction”
- Best animated feature: “The Boy and the Heron”
- Best animated short: “War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono”
- Best international feature: “The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom)
- Best documentary feature: “20 Days in Mariupol”
- Best documentary short: “The Last Repair Shop”
- Best live action short: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”
- Best score: Ludwig Göransson, “Oppenheimer”
- Best original song: Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
- Best sound: Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn, “The Zone of Interest”
- Best production design: James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek, “Poor Things”
- Best cinematography: Hoyte van Hoytema, “Oppenheimer”
- Best makeup and hairstyling: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston, “Poor Things”
- Best costume design: Holly Waddington, “Poor Things”
- Best editing: Jennifer Lame, “Oppenheimer”
- Best visual effects: Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima, “Godzilla Minus One”
Emma Stone’s win for Best Actress in “Poor Things” and Ryan Gosling’s unexpected reunion with the Kens from ‘Barbie’ were just the tip of the iceberg. These moments, coupled with John Cena’s almost-nude stunt, painted the night with a palette of emotions, from shocking to awe-inspiring. Director Glazer’s moment in the spotlight, emphasizing film as a mirror to society’s dilemmas, further underscored the ceremony’s depth. Engaging, controversial, and sometimes outright humorous, the 2024 Oscars encapsulated the multifaceted nature of the film industry.
Memorable speeches
The 2024 Oscars ceremony was full of surprises, and the speeches were no exception. They captured our hearts, made us think, and sometimes even had us laughing out loud.
- Emma Stone’s Heartfelt Acceptance – Winning Best Actress for “Poor Things,” Emma Stone delivered a speech that was both touching and inspiring. She spoke about the challenges and joys of filmmaking, dedicating her award to the young girls dreaming of directing or acting in their own stories one day.
- John Cena’s Unforgettable Moments – While nearly appearing nude on stage stole headlines, John Cena also used his speech to inject humor and lightness into the evening. He joked about the importance of clothes but quickly shifted to a more serious note, discussing dehumanization and its impacts on society.
- Director Glazer’s Powerful Message – Taking home an award for his latest film, Director Glazer didn’t miss the chance to speak on societal issues reflecting through cinema. His words were compelling as he urged fellow filmmakers and audiences alike to confront these themes head-on.
- Ryan Gosling & The Kens Reunion – A surprise reunion on stage led Ryan Gosling to reminisce about working on ‘Barbie,’ bringing laughter from the audience with behind-the-scenes stories. Yet, he skillfully tied these anecdotes back to deeper messages about identity and self-acceptance found in their roles.
- Standing Ovation for Acknowledging Technicians – An unexpected but deeply impactful moment came when one winner used their time to highlight the often-overlooked efforts of backstage technicians and crew members. This speech not only garnered a standing ovation but reminded everyone of the collective effort it takes to bring stories to life.
Each of these speeches brought something unique to the table—be it laughter, tears, or thought-provoking messages—making them memorable highlights of an eventful evening at the Oscars 2024.
Surprising moments
The 2024 Oscars ceremony was full of unexpected twists and turns. Highlights ranged from shocking to downright heartwarming.
- Emma Stone left everyone speechless by winning Best Actress for “Poor Things.” Her victory was a surprise, but her performance had critics raving for months.
- John Cena’s nearly nude appearance on stage made jaws drop. It was a bold move, intended as a joke about the importance of clothes, but not everyone was laughing.
- Ryan Gosling and the Kens from ‘Barbie’ staging a reunion was another unexpected delight. Fans went wild seeing them together again, showcasing the lasting impact of their film.
- Director Glazer took a serious turn by discussing societal issues in his acceptance speech. He stressed the importance of films reflecting and confronting real-world problems, which gave the audience food for thought.
These moments kept viewers on their toes and added an extra layer of excitement to the night. From laughter to deep reflections, the 2024 Oscars certainly delivered surprises at every turn.
Low Points of the Evening
Even the Oscars have their rough moments, from on-stage mix-ups to microphone malfunctions that left us all cringing. Keep reading for the juicy details!
Controversial moments
The 2024 Oscars ceremony was buzzing with memorable moments, some that sparked more debate than applause. From unexpected on-stage antics to politically charged speeches, the event had its fair share of controversy.
- John Cena’s Near-Nude Appearance: The crowd was in for a surprise when John Cena teased stepping onto the stage with barely anything on. This stunt aimed at humor ended up dividing viewers, sparking discussions on appropriateness and boundaries in entertainment.
- Glazer’s Political Speech: Director Glazer took a bold step by using his acceptance speech as a platform to address societal issues. While many praised him for shining a light on deep-seated problems, others felt the Oscars wasn’t the right place for such heavy dialogue.
- Mispronunciation of Names: Throughout the night, presenters stumbled over names, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere among attendees and viewers alike. This lack of preparation didn’t sit well with fans who expected more respect for nominees.
- Technical Malfunctions During Performances: Singers and actors faced awkward pauses as technical difficulties interrupted their performances. These glitches not only disrupted the flow of the ceremony but also drew criticism over the event’s organization.
Each controversial moment from the ceremony sparked conversations online and in person, proving that even Hollywood’s biggest night isn’t immune to critique and debate.
Technical difficulties
Technical difficulties made some parts of the Oscars a bit bumpy. A microphone didn’t work right when a winner was about to give their speech. This left everyone hanging for a moment.
Lights also flickered on and off during one presenter’s time on stage, causing confusion.
Another issue was with the teleprompter. At one point, it showed the wrong text to a presenter, leading to an awkward pause as they figured out what to say next. These glitches added unexpected moments to the ceremony but were quickly fixed by the crew.
Awkward or cringe-worthy moments
The 2024 Oscars ceremony had its fair share of moments that left audiences feeling a mix of emotions. Some parts of the evening made us cringe or shift uncomfortably in our seats. Here’s a look at those awkward or cringe-worthy moments:
- John Cena’s near – nude appearance stirred quite the controversy. He joked about the importance of clothes but his almost naked entrance was more shocking than funny for many viewers.
- A technical hiccup during a live performance led to silence filling the room for an uncomfortable few seconds. The performer bravely continued, but you could feel the collective squirm.
- During one acceptance speech, the winner forgot their co – star’s name. They stumbled over words, trying to cover up, but the damage was done.
- An attempt at a joke about movie sequels fell flat when presented by an announcer, leading to an awkward silence instead of laughter.
- A presenter accidentally tripped on stage while walking to the microphone. They quickly recovered with a smile, but it was a tense moment for everyone watching.
- A mix – up in cue cards caused a presenter to announce the wrong name before quickly correcting themselves—echoes of past mistakes lingered in everyone’s minds.
- The camera caught a nominee looking visibly upset after losing an award, creating an uncomfortable moment for viewers who could feel the tension through their screens.
Each of these instances reminded us that live events can be unpredictable and sometimes downright awkward.
Overall Reception of the Ceremony
Critics shared their thoughts, and viewers posted reactions online. Everyone had something to say about the 2024 Oscars ceremony.
Critic reviews
The 2024 Oscars ceremony sparked much conversation, with critics pointing out both its highs and lows. The night was a mix of serious discussions and light-hearted moments. Here’s what some of them had to say:
- Emma Stone’s Win – Critics praised Emma Stone’s performance in “Poor Things,” calling it a career-best. They admired how her role brought attention to societal issues, aligning with the Oscars’ theme of reflecting on humanity.
- John Cena’s Controversial Appearance – John Cena nearly appearing nude on stage divided opinions. Some found it bold and humorous, fitting for the night’s lighter moments. Others felt it detracted from the ceremony’s more serious discussions.
- Ryan Gosling and the Kens Reunion – Ryan Gosling’s reunion with his co-stars from “Barbie” was a hit among critics. It showcased the fun side of Hollywood, providing a much-needed break from the heavier topics of the night.
- Director Glazer’s Speech – Critics lauded Director Glazer for using his acceptance speech as a platform to discuss societal issues through film. Many appreciated this moment as one of the night’s most poignant.
- Technical Difficulties – Technical glitches during the live broadcast drew criticism, with some suggesting they undermined the overall professionalism of the Oscars.
- Viewer Reactions Mixed – Critic reviews also highlighted mixed reactions from viewers online, noting that while some celebrated the event’s diversity in emotions and themes, others criticized it for lacking coherence between its serious and comedic elements.
- Importance of Addressing Dehumanization – The ceremony’s focus on addressing dehumanization in society received high marks from critics who saw it as vital in today’s socio-political climate.
- Balancing Act Between Seriousness and Humor – Finally, critiques often mentioned how well (or poorly) the Oscars managed to balance grave conversations with entertaining performances and jokes, affecting overall reception.
Through these varied critic reviews, it’s clear that while there were standout moments worth celebrating, there were also aspects that could have been improved upon to create a more seamless viewing experience.
Viewer reactions
Viewer reactions to the 2024 Oscars ceremony covered a wide spectrum of emotions. Social media platforms buzzed with opinions, jokes, and critiques from the moment the red carpet rolled out until long after the last award was handed out.
- Emma Stone’s win for Best Actress had fans cheering. Her performance in “Poor Things” was a clear favorite among viewers, many of whom took to Twitter to celebrate her victory.
- John Cena’s nearly nude appearance stirred up quite a controversy. It divided fans, with some finding it hilarious and others deeming it inappropriate for the occasion.
- Ryan Gosling reuniting with his co – stars from “Barbie” became an instant meme. People loved seeing them together again and shared numerous photos and funny captions.
- Director Glazer’s speech on societal issues earned praise for its depth. Viewers appreciated the serious tone and felt it added meaningful commentary to the night.
- Jokes about the importance of clothes, sparked by John Cena’s stunt, spread like wildfire online. Many found humor in the situation and created playful posts about showing up to work without clothes.
- The mix of light – hearted jokes and serious speeches resonated well. Fans expressed how this balance reflected the diverse nature of film and its impact on society.
- Controversial moments led to heated debates online. Some viewers argued they detracted from the ceremony’s elegance, while others found them refreshingly honest or entertaining.
- Technical difficulties during live performances were met with sympathy for those involved. Many tweets offered support, understanding how nerve-wracking such moments can be.
- Awkward moments caught on camera became fodder for gifs and viral videos. These clips were widely shared, with people adding humorous commentary to lighten up these occurrences.
Fans enjoyed dissecting every part of the ceremony, from wins and speeches to unexpected events. Their reactions contributed greatly to the overall buzz surrounding one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.
Conclusion
The 2024 Oscars definitely had us on a roller coaster of emotions, showcasing everything from Emma Stone’s triumphant win to John Cena’s almost-nude appearance. It was a night filled with laughter, surprise reunions, and powerful speeches that made us think deeply about societal issues.
Both the best and worst moments kept us glued to our screens, proving once again why the Oscars are the talk of Tinseltown every year. Through all its highs and lows, this ceremony reminded us of the magic and mishaps that come with live television.
And yes, we’re already counting down the days until next year’s show!
