Oppenheimer Recreates Oscars History: Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” created hype among the audience way before its release. After being regarded as one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, “Oppenheimer” proved to be a monumental success as it hit the theaters.
Considering the hype surrounding the film, ever since it got nominated for the Oscars, people started betting on its win. Finally, the Oscars 2024 results were out, and “Oppenheimer” emerged victorious. It has not just marked its name in the Oscars, but it is the first film since “Ben-Hur” (in 1960) to take Best Picture, Actor, and Supporting Actor.
Oppenheimer repeats the iconic historical moment at the Oscars
It’s certainly not easy for any film to do what “Oppenheimer” has done. It has not only recreated a historical moment by winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, but it has also inspired millions. Almost seven decades ago, the legendary epic film “Ben-Hur” (1959) clinched all three major honors in a single evening. The other two films to achieve the rare feat were 1944’s “Going My Way” and 1946’s “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
Cillian Murphy took home the Best Actor award for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist behind the development of the atomic bomb. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. won the Supporting Actor award for his role as Lewis Strauss, the film’s primary antagonist. Last but not least, the most awaited moment of cinematic history took place as Christopher Nolan finally earned his first Best Director award after a remarkable career.
Apart from these four awards, “Oppenheimer” took home a total of seven trophies, including Best Score (Ludwig Göransson), Best Cinematography (Hoyte van Hoytema), and Best Editing (Jennifer Lame).
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Other Films That Won These Four Awards?
Securing the trophy in the top four aforementioned categories is indeed an enormous deal in the cinematic world. However, “Oppenheimer” isn’t the first film to achieve four major honors in one night.
“Ben Hur,” directed by William Wyler, dominated the Oscars in 1960, winning Best Picture and earning Wyler his third Best Director Oscar. Meanwhile, Charlton Heston won the Best Actor award for his incredible performance as Judah Ben-Hur, and Hugh Griffith won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sheik Ilderim.
The 1946 film “The Best Years of Our Lives” joins the list alongside “Oppenheimer” and “Ben Hur.” It was directed by Wyler and earned him the Best Director Oscar. The film also won Best Picture, Best Actor (Fredric March), and Best Supporting Actor (Homer Parrish).
Lastly, Leo McCarey’s directed film “Going My Way” earned the Oscar in all four major categories.
