Oscars 2024: Unforgettable moments, surprises, and triumphs

The Oscars, an event steeped in glamour and cinematic grandeur, unfolded another chapter of memorable moments at the 96th annual Academy Awards. Beyond the glitz of red carpets and dazzling gowns, this year's ceremony etched its place in history with unexpected surprises, emotional victories, and an unconventional twist that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.  The 96th annual Academy Awards unfolded with a mix of laughter, tears, and a touch of unpredictability. Here are the key highlights that left audiences buzzing:

John Cena's playful presentation: A nod to Oscars history

In a daring homage to a wild moment from Oscars history, John Cena surprised the audience by appearing naked on stage while presenting the award for Best Costume Design to "Poor Things." The move was part of a comedic bit recalling the streaking trend of the '70s. Cena, who initially declined a streaker bit, eventually came on stage with an envelope covering his private parts, leaving the audience in stitches.

Emma Stone's emotional win for Best Actress

Following Cena's bold move, Emma Stone stole the spotlight, winning the Best Actress Academy Award for her role as Bella Baxter in "Poor Things." In her emotional acceptance speech, Stone expressed gratitude to her fellow nominees and the film's director, Yorgos Lanthimos. She humorously mentioned her gown's "broken" back and dedicated the win to her daughter, who was about to turn three.

AP Photo

Al Pacino's unique Best Picture announcement

As the night continued, legendary actor Al Pacino took a unique approach to presenting the Best Picture award, deviating from the traditional nominee announcement. Pacino simply opened the envelope and declared, "My eyes see Oppenheimer," surprising both the audience and viewers at home. Some found it chaotic, while others praised it as an Oscar-worthy performance in itself. 

"Oppenheimer" dominated with seven wins

Christopher Nolan's biopic, "Oppenheimer," dominated the Oscars, securing seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting accolades for Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. The J. Robert Oppenheimer story captivated audiences and brought home multiple honors.

Photo X @CP24

Other notable wins and moments

- Disney and Searchlight's "Poor Things" claimed four awards, including Best Actress for Emma Stone.
- Jimmy Kimmel hosted the ceremony with comedic flair, poking fun at past Oscars mishaps.
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph kicked off the night with a win for Best Supporting Actress in "The Holdovers."
- Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" won Best Original Song for "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell.

The 2024 Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, delivered a mix of unexpected moments, heartfelt victories, and playful nods to the rich history of the Academy Awards. From Cena's daring stunt to Stone's touching win and Pacino's unique presentation, it was truly a night to remember in Hollywood.

Information sourced from CNN, E! Online, Variety, AP News and CNBC