Oppenheimer dominates the 96th Oscars with top honors for Nolan and Murphy
Christopher Nolan claimed the best director Oscar for Oppenheimer, a victory that underscored the film’s prominence at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony also honored the movie as best picture, with Cillian Murphy earning the leading actor trophy for his portrayal of a pivotal historical figure. The night highlighted Nolan’s sustained impact on contemporary cinema and recognized Murphy’s transformative performance within a film that traces a defining moment in world history.
In a post-win moment that spoke to the long arc of a filmmaker’s career, Nolan reflected on the lasting journey of cinema. He noted the centennial span of the industry and expressed how meaningful it felt to be seen as an essential part of that evolving story. He accepted the directing prize from a veteran of the field, marking the culmination of years of creative effort. The victory represented a milestone after multiple nominations and a career that has persisted across two decades in the industry.
Complete list of winners of the 96th Oscars
Murphy, who plays Julius Robert Oppenheimer in the film, spoke about the larger meaning of the project as he accepted his statuette. He described the work as a portrayal set within a world shaped by scientific discovery and its consequences, and he dedicated the award to those who advocate for peace and responsible science. The statement underscored the film’s reflective stance on power, responsibility, and the human cost of progress.
Oppenheimer swept several major categories, including best film, best directing, and best actor. The film also earned recognition for its technical craft, with Ludwig Göransson receiving best soundtrack, Hoyte van Hoytema earning best photography, Jennifer Lame for best editing, and Robert Downey Jr. honored for a standout supporting performance as a political figure. Downey Jr. remarked that the ceremony felt like a nod to a challenging personal journey and to the collaborative effort behind the movie.