The 96th Academy Awards, held Sunday at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles, made headlines with 'Oppenheimer' and 'Poor Things' sweeping the craft categories, securing their place in cinematic history.
Christopher Nolan's historical thriller clinched seven awards out of the thirteen nominations, while Yargos Lanthimos' surreal 'Frankenstein' gender-bender snagged three straight design categories. There are many reasons why these two masterpieces stand out from the rest.
Masterful Cinematography: Behind the Best Shots of 'Oppenheimer'
Oppenheimer, Nolan's poignant portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer's journey into the heart of the atomic bomb, emerged as the night's big winner.
The film not only secured the coveted Best Picture award but also claimed victories in Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score.
In his acceptance speech, Nolan reflected on the significance of movies, stating, "Movies are just a little bit over 100 years old. Imagine being there 100 years into painting or theater. We don't know where this incredible journey is going from here. But to know that you think that I'm a meaningful part of it means the world to me."
Oppenheimer's success solidifies Nolan's stature as one of the preeminent filmmakers in contemporary Hollywood. With notable works like the 'Dark Knight' trilogy, and 'Inception,' Nolan has cultivated a loyal following and consistently delivered groundbreaking cinema.
Despite facing stiff competition from other acclaimed films like Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' and Martin Scorsese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' Oppenheimer's compelling narrative and stellar performances propelled it to victory.
One of the key aspects that set Oppenheimer apart was its innovative cinematography, masterfully executed by Hoyte van Hoytema. Hoytema's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity resulted in breathtaking visuals that captivated audiences worldwide.
The film seamlessly blended vivid color palettes with segments in black and white. This decision was not merely an aesthetic choice but a narrative device to distinguish between different storylines and evoke Oppenheimer's internal struggles.
In a conversation with The Credits, Hoytema shed light on the creative process behind Oppenheimer's cinematography, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and emotional resonance. He remarked, "Film, for me, is a visceral medium. I'm more concerned about organic flow...I love the idea that you can take it in and have an emotional reaction to it."
By also delving into Oppenheimer's psyche and capturing intimate close-up shots, the film invited viewers to empathize with the protagonist's moral dilemmas and existential angst.
Furthermore, the film's shot of the Trinity nuclear test stood out as a crowning achievement in visual storytelling.
Nolan's insistence on using real explosives and eschewing visual effects underscored his commitment to authenticity and immersion. The result was a jaw-dropping sequence that left a lasting impact on audiences, serving as a stark reminder of the destructive power of humanity's creations.
'Oppenheimer' made history as the first feature shot with IMAX cameras to clinch the coveted title of Best Picture, according to Indie Wire. Its sweeping visuals, captured in Kodak's 65mm glory, harkened back to the cinematic splendor of yesteryears.
In addition to its technical prowess, Oppenheimer also excelled in crafting compelling characters and exploring profound themes.
Cillian Murphy's nuanced portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer captured the physicist's complex persona, from his brilliance as a scientific genius to his moral quandaries and personal demons.
Oppenheimer's success at the Oscars not only reaffirms Nolan's status as a visionary filmmaker but also highlights the enduring power of cinema to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire change.
As the film industry continues to evolve, 'Oppenheimer' stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of storytelling and the boundless creativity of those who dare to push the boundaries of art.
The Artistry of Production Design in 'Poor Things'
Meanwhile, in the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, where storytelling often intersects with visual marvels, few films have captured the imagination quite like "Poor Things."
Directed by the visionary Yorgos Lanthimos, this cinematic masterpiece follows the journey of Bella Baxter in the 19th century, portrayed with finesse by Emma Stone, as she embarks on a quest of self-discovery.
At the heart of "Poor Things" lies its extraordinary production design, masterfully crafted by production designers James Price and Shona Heath.
Their collaborative effort has garnered widespread acclaim, with the film clinching three consecutive design categories at the Oscars: Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, solidifying its status as a cinematic triumph.
From the outset, Lanthimos set an ambitious tone, envisioning a film that marries the aesthetics of a bygone era with contemporary techniques. Price and Heath were tasked with bringing this vision to life, weaving together a tapestry of surrealism, fantasy, and otherworldly beauty.
The film's setting spans across various locales, from the bustling streets of London to the enchanting vistas of Lisbon, Alexandria, and Paris. Each location serves as a canvas for the characters' evolution, reflecting both the internal journey of Bella Baxter and the overarching themes of the narrative.
'Poor Things', according to Variety, was primarily produced at Origo Studios, where it made use of about 115,000 square feet across four soundstages and an additional 60,000 square feet of backlot space. These facilities were utilized to construct sets representing various locations such as London, Paris, and a large steamboat. Moreover, the expansive Lisbon set was built at the nearby Korda Studios, which boasted the largest soundstage on the continent of Europe.
A standout achievement of the production design lies in its meticulous attention to detail. Take, for instance, the set for Lisbon, where a towering backdrop, meticulously painted by hand, transports viewers into a whimsical realm.
Cobblestone streets, adorned with a "yellow brick road" pattern, add to the film's dreamlike atmosphere, inviting audiences into a world of boundless imagination.
Central to Lanthimos's vision was the use of practical lighting, eschewing traditional film lights in favor of a more organic approach.
As Heath explains to Architectural Digest, "Yorgos didn't want film lights in the sets pinning him in or causing fuss with the fluidity of how him and cinematographer Robbie Ryan were going to shoot." This commitment to authenticity imbues each scene with a warmth and intimacy that resonates with viewers.
Heath explained to IndieWire that the creation of the world in "Poor Things" had to reflect Bella's perspective, which could encompass anything.
"It had to be through [Bella's] eyes, which really could be anything," Heath told the outlet. "We can use plastics and we can use flying trams, we weren't inhibited like she's not inhibited. We were allowed to create our world at our fancy."
The collaborative nature of the design process is evident in every frame of 'Poor Things.' Price and Heath, guided by Lanthimos's singular vision, embarked on a journey of experimentation and innovation, culminating in a 200-page document detailing every element of the production.
In the end, 'Poor Things' is more than just a film-it's a testament to the power of imagination and the boundless possibilities of storytelling.
With its mesmerizing production design and captivating narrative, it's no wonder that this cinematic gem has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning its rightful place in the annals of cinema history.
As Stone aptly summarizes in an interview with Featurette, "What the production design leads have created is something unlike anything that's ever existed before that I've seen."
'Oppenheimer' and 'Poor Things' have redefined what it means to create cinema, transcending boundaries and inspiring generations to come, making them truly stand out from the others.
As the curtain falls on the 96th Academy Awards, the legacy of these films will endure, forever etched in the hearts and minds of moviegoers around the world.
