10 of the most memorable moments from the 2024 Oscars


That’s a wrap – the oscars are over for another year.

Unlike a Christopher Nolan or Martin Scorsese blockbuster, the 96th Academy Awards didn’t run long this year. In fact, the awards had an earlier time slot, which kicked off a slew of surprises.

As the A-listers and newcomers to Hollywood’s night-of-nights continue to celebrate, we take a look back at the 10 major moments from the night.

1. Vanessa Hudgens’ baby bump red carpet reveal

High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens revealed her surprising “plus one” when she debuted her baby bump on the red carpet.

IN PICTURES: The stunning couples on the 2024 Oscars red carpet

Vanessa Hudgens revealed she’s pregnant as she walked the red carpet. (Mike Coppola/Getty)

Hudgens arrived to co-host the official pre-show in a figure-hugging Vera Wang gown. She was snapped cradling her belly and blowing kisses to waiting photographers.

“Oscar’s 2024! One for the books,” she captioned a series of photos on her Instagram.

Hudgen is pregnant with her and husband Cole Tucker’s first child. The couple tied the knot last year in Tulum, Mexico.

Click the photo below to see all the stunning looks from the Oscars red carpet.

(Supplied)

2. Ryan Gosling’s more than Kenough performance

There was much debate about Ryan Gosling’s Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as Ken in the billion-dollar film, Barbiewith not everyone happy.

Yet, when the Notebook The star reprized his role for an Oscar performance, it’s safe to say it was kenough and more.

Gosling gave it his all as he performed the song I’m Just Kenwhich was up for the Best Music (Original Song) award.

READ MORE: Full list of Oscar winners

Ryan Gosling Oscars I'm Just Ken
Ryan Gosling was joined on stage by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. (Getty)

He had the film’s star and executive producer, Margot Robbie, in fits of laughter as he kicked off his performance from out in the audience.

From the moment the spotlight hit his Barbie-pink suit and gloved hands, Gosling gave over to the song, even ensuring his co-stars Robbie, America Ferrera and the film’s director Greta Gerwig were included in the number.

Much to the joy of fans of 1990s rock band, Guns N’ Roses, there was even a surprise appearance from legendary guitarist and band member, Slash.

Ryan Gosling performs 'I'm Just Ken' with Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie at the Oscars.
Gosling even gave director Greta Gerwig and co-star Margot Robbie a turn on the mic. (ABC America)

3. Barbie wins, adding Billie Eilish to the history books

Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and brother Finneas O’Connell nabbed the first win for Barbietaking home the Oscar for Best Original Song.

The brother-sister duo won for What Was I Made For?the emotional ballad that became a rallying cry for women and girls around the world.

The Oscar win marks the second time for the pair and adds Billie, 22, to the pages of Academy Award history. She’s now the youngest two-time Oscar winner in history.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell won an Oscar for 'What Was I Made For?'
Billie Eilish has made Oscars history. (ABC America)

“I feel so incredibly lucky and honored,” the singer said, before thanking Gerwig.

“This goes out to everyone that was affected by the movie and how incredible it is.”

4. Robert Downey Jr thanks his ‘terrible childhood’ during speech

Oppenheimer star Robert Downey Jr ended Gosling’s dreams of being an Oscar winner at this year’s awards.

Downey Jr took home the statue for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in the Christopher Nolan-directed film.

During his speech, he thanked both his beautiful wife and “terrible childhood”.

READ MORE: Justin Theroux confirms new romance with red carpet debut

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Robert Downey Jr.  accepts the Best Supporting Actor award for "Oppenheimer" onstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theater on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California.  (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Robert Downey Jr. Gave a moving speech as he accepted his award. (Getty)

“I would like to thank my terrible childhood, and the Academy in that order,” the Marvel star said.

“I would like to thank my veterinarian… I mean, wife, Susan Downey over there. She found me a snarling rescue pet and you loved me back to life, and that is why I am here. Thank you.”

He also gave thanks to his Oppenheimer crew,

Matt Damon, Josh Hartnett, Tom Conti, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Rami Malek, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas

Where you’ve seen the actors of Oppenheimer before

“Here is my little secret; I needed this job more than it needed me. Chris knew it, Emma made sure she surround me with one of the great casts and crews of all time, Emily, Cillian, Matt Damon,” he said.

“It was fantastic and I stand here before you a better man because of it. What we do is meaningful and the stuff that we decide to make is important.”

5. ‘Barbenheimer’ rivalry comes to a head on the Oscars stage

Two of the night’s nominees, Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, showed off their comic chops when they came head-to-head on the Oscars stage.

The actors each starred in two of the biggest films of the year, Oppenheimer and Barbie – which became the cultural phenomenon ‘Barbenheimer’ when the films hit cineams.

Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling at the 2024 Oscars.
Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling hashed out the Barbenheimer rivalry on stage. (ABC America)

“Oh, hello Emily,” Gosling began, Blunt responding: “Well, a bit of a frosty hello.”

Gosling said, “Not at all. No, I’m just happy that we can finally put this Barbenheimer rivalry behind us.

,The way this awards season has turned outit wasn’t that much of a rivalry,” Blunt joked back.

The stars traded barbs on stage, Gosling insisting “they call it Barbenheimer, they didn’t call it Oppenbarbie” because Oppenheimer was “riding Barbie’s coattails all summer”.

But Blunt got the last laugh, quipping: “Thanks for Ken-splaining, from the man who has to paint his abs on … you didn’t see Robert Downey Jr paint his abs on!”

Then and now: 2024 Oscar nominees when they were young

6. John Cena’s racy ‘streaker’ bit has stars in stitches

At one point in the ceremony, host Jimmy Kimmel made mention of the infamous streaker who appeared during the 1974 Oscars ceremony.

It was a cue toPeacemaker stars John Cena emerged in nothing but a pair of Birkenstock sandals to present the gong for Best costume design.

The actor and professional wrestler first appeared over Kimmel’s shoulder. He then claimed the gag wasn’t for him.

John Cena appears naked on the Oscars 2024 stage.
John Cena bared all on the Oscars stage. (ABC America)

“I changed my mind, I don’t want to do the streaker bit any more,” he told Kimmel.

“It’s an elegant event. You should feel shame right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea.”

When the host argued Cena appeared half-naked during his WWE career, Cena hit back with: “I don’t wrestle naked, I wrestle in jorts!”

“Jorts are worse than naked,” Kimmel replied. Cena then bravely presented the award in nothing but a swath of fabric.

John Cena appears naked on the Oscars 2024 stage.
“It’s an elegant event. You should feel shame right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea.” (ABC America)

7. Jonathan Glazer delivers powerful speech

The Zone of Interest Director Jonathan Glazer spared a moment for modern-day conflict as he accepted the award for Best international film.

“To my producer, actor, collaborators all our choices were made to reflect and confront us in the presence, not to say look what they did then, rather a look what they do now,” he read from a folded sheet of paper.

“Our film shows where dehumanise leads, it shaped our past and present. Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness in a Holocaust that has led to conflict for so many innocent people,” he continued.

The Zone of Interest writer and director Jonathan Glazer.
The Zone of Interest writer and director Jonathan Glazer made a powerful speech. (ABC America)

“Whether the victims of October 7 in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims of this dehumanisation, how do we resist?”

8. Florence Pugh wraps $1.5 million around her neck

Among the stunning fashions on display on the night, Florence Pugh stood out.

Dune 2 The actress arrived with an estimated $1.5 million wrapped around her neck in the form of a stunning Bulgari Serpenti necklace.

The piece is believed to be one of the longest versions of the iconic snake necklace. It features 18-karat white gold scales that are fully pavéed with round diamonds.

Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh was decked out in serious jewels. (Getty)

An almost identical version of the necklace, which features over 300 carats worth of diamonds, was auctioned by Sotheby’s Luxury Division in 2019.

The necklace was estimated to be worth between US$800,000 and US$1 million (about A$1.2 million to A$1.5 million).

9.Emma Stone wins Best Actress

Emma Stone is now a member of an elite Hollywood club.

After winning Best Actress for her role as Bella in Poor Thingsshe is now one of just 14 women who have won the Academy Award more than once in that category.

Emma Stone wins Best Actress at the 2024 Oscars.
Emma Stone won her second Best Actress Oscar. (ABC America)

She joins the likes of of Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep.

”Um, my dress is broken,” Emma Stone began her acceptance speech for Best Actress.

“I think it happened during I’m Just Ken.

Emma Stone wins Best Actress at the 2024 Oscars.
The Poor Things star endured a minor wardrobe malfunction as she headed on stage. (ABC America)

10. Al Pacino makes Oppenheimer fumble

Al Pacino shared in a mild blunder on the night while announcing Best Picture.

The legendary actor took to the stage with the envelope yet, seemed to spare a moment to enjoy the spotlight.

“Thank you. Thank you. My friends. Thank you. Should I do some Shakespeare,” he quipped, breaking into a Hamlet monologue before cutting himself off.

“No, I’m not going to do it. No, no. This is the time for the last award of the evening. And it’s… I’m honored to present it. 10 wonderful films were nominated, but only one will take the award for Best Picture” he said.

Al Pacino calls Oppenheimer as Best Picture of 2024.
Al Pacino stumbled on his words as he announced Oppenheimer as Best Picture of 2024. (ABC America)

Pacino then opened the envelope, then hesitated.

“I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see ‘Oppenheimer,

Moments earlier, Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy took home his first even Oscar for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer in the Christopher Nolan film.

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