Oscars 2024: Five Unforgettable Moments That Stole The Spotlight

The 96th Oscar was more than just a posh extravaganza for the best-of-best in the film fraternity. It was a memorable night of moving speeches and performances, activism, and a dog we cannot help but adore. As largely predicted, the Oppenheimer team copped a majority of the awards, winning seven categories including supporting actor, lead actor, best director and best picture. A close second was Poor Things which scored Emma Stone a Best Actress award. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the event full of light-hearted and lively fun. 

Despite the unsurprising awards lineup, several moments from the night stood out. From some long overdue wins to striking activism and even nudity, here are the five best, wildest, and even weirdest moments from the 2024 Oscars.

Cue The Waterworks: Da’Vine Joy Randolph's Tear-Jerking Speech

To nobody's surprise, Da'Vine Joy Randolph won the Best Supporting Actress award for The Holdovers. Randolph got nostalgic as she recalled how her mother pushed her into theatre and her mentor guided her. “When I was the only Black girl in that class; when you saw me and you told me I was enough; when I told you I don’t see myself, you said: ‘That’s fine. We’re going to forge our own path.’” Randolph expressed, addressing her mentor.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s acceptance speech for her first #Oscar   

See the full winners list: https://t.co/jw6TuStqIp pic.twitter.com/zA8spo9c17

— Chakra (@Prince39224271) March 11, 2024

Best Supporting Friend: Messi The Dog

Messi, the dog who plays 'Snoop' in Anatomy Of A Fall, one of the best picture nominees, stole the show as clapped with his hind legs for Robert Downey Jr's Best Supporting Actor win. The black-and-white border collie donned a big black bow tie around his neck, which grabbed him all the more eyeballs.

Messi at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/YLQPOivlcn

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 11, 2024

And The Best Costume Award Goes To... John Cena

John Cena walked up fully nude with an envelope containing the name of the Best Costume Design award covering his crotch. The only "covering" he had on was a pair of Birkenstock sandals. The act was a comedic tribute to the streaker who ran naked on stage during the 1974 Oscars.

Israel-Gaza War: Guests Don Red Pins To Call For Ceasefire

In a strong show of activism, several big stars including Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell, and Mark Ruffalo sported red pins to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Moreover, British director Jonathan Glazer, who accepted the Best International Film award for his film The Zone of Interest, mentioned the ongoing war and its impact on the people of the USA. "Whether the victims of October 7 in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of this dehumanisation, how do we resist?" he questioned.

We Cannot Get 'Ken'ough Of Ryan Gosling

While Ryan Gosling could not grab an Oscar award, he sure did grab the love of the crowd with his performance of I'm Just Ken from Barbie. Clad in a hot pink sequined ensemble, Gosling and 65 other 'Kens' delivered an unforgettable presentation, leaving the audience in splits. 

Ryan Gosling’s Oscars performance of “I’m Just Ken” itself deserves an Oscar pic.twitter.com/vZ9dMosMT8

— Armand Domalewski (@ArmandDoma) March 11, 2024