Last night, the world of cinema has enlightened again during the 96th edition of the prestigious Oscars. However, the evening did not start smoothly, because a few minutes late were recorded when the ceremony starts. The reason? Some artists had trouble accessing the theater, blocked by Propalenian demonstrators, who took the opportunity to ask for a cease-fire in Gaza.
In addition, several artists have expressed their solidarity towards the Palestinians. Actor Mark Ruffalo, a fervent activist for peace and the protection of civilians in conflict zones, had even encouraged these demonstrations. He and other personalities sported a red pin’s as a sign of solidarity and to demand a ceasefire. Among these artists, we counted Ramy Youssef, Billie Eilish, Milo Machado-Graner, Swann Arlaud, as well as our Tunisian pride, Kaouther Ben Hania.
The presence of Kaouther Ben Hania, Hend Sabry and Nadim Cheikhrouha aroused great pride among Tunisians, thus stressing the growing development of Tunisian cinema on the international scene. However, the disappointment was palpable when the Tunisian film Olffa’s girlsproduced by Kaouther Ben Hania and Named for the Oscar for best documentaryleft without reward. This lack of recognition left a feeling of incompleteness, even though the film had shone in Cannes, winning 4 prizes during its selection in official competitionas well as to the Caesars, where he had won the César for best documentary.
The Oscar for best documentary was awarded to the Ukrainian film 20 days in Marioupolproduced by MSTYSLAV Chernov, raising questions about possible political motivations behind this choice, dealing with the war in Ukraine. In addition, some asked themselves the question the controversy on possible repercussions for Kaouther Ben Hania following his pro-Palestinian speech at the Césars. Was it sanctioned for its position in favor of the Palestinians?
Few surprises have punctuated this ceremony. The Oscar for best international film was awarded to The Zone of Interest From Jonathan Glazer, a widely deserved reward for his universal and contemporary treatment of serious subjects.
The hardship of director Jonathan Glazer has caused animated debates and controversies, highlighting the urgency of not remaining indifferent to the horrors of the past and the present. His speaking quickly aroused controversy over social networks, dividing opinions. While some welcomed the director’s courage for having openly tackled the conflict in Gaza during this ceremony, others reproached him for his speech, even going so far as to qualify him as a false Jew. Besides, what is surprising is that a large part of the media preferred not to talk about this speech so as not to advertise it.
“The choices we make, we make them to think and confront the present. It’s not about looking at what they were doing at the time, but rather to look at what we are doing now. Our film shows how dehumanization leads to the worst. It has shaped our whole past and our present. At the moment, we are here as men who refute the fact that Judeity and the Holocaust are diverted by an occupation which led to conflicts for so many innocent people, whether it be the victims of October, the dead, the victims of October 7 in Israel or the ongoing attack on Gaza, all the victims, this dehumanization. How can we resist? »»
The Zone of Interest Was also rewarded from the Oscar for the best sound, adding another distinction to his record.
As expected, the film Oppenheimer From Christopher Nolan is the big winner, winning seven Oscars: Best film, Best Make, Best Actor in a main role for Cillian Murphy, Best actor in a secondary role for Robert Downey Jr., Best photograph, Best editing and Best Music Music.
Poor Thing From Yórgos Lánthimos, won the Oscar for best actress for Emma Stone, for her magnificent performance, as well as those of the best sets and artistic direction, best costumes and best make -up and hairstyles.
As of American Fiction From Cord Jefferson, he leaves with a single Oscar, that of the best suitable scenario.
Finally, the French film Anatomy of a fall of Justine Triet, Palme d’Or in Cannes in May 2023won the Oscar for the best original script. The fact that France did not choose it to represent it at the Oscar for the best international film had been controversial, but I think that in any case, it would have no chance of winning, The Zone of Interest would have imposed itself indisputably.
Finally, this ceremony was in accordance with the forecasts, with deserved rewards for some and disappointments for others. But beyond the results, the cinema continues to arouse debates and reflect the concerns of our time, as evidenced by the controversy surrounding the speech of Jonathan Glazer and the political choices of the awards.
The prize list:
Best film: Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan
Best director: Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer
Best actor: Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer
Best actress: Emma Stone for Poor creatures
Best actor in a supporting role: Robert Downey Jr. for Oppenheimer
Best actress in a supporting role: Da’vine Joy Randolph for Winter break
Best original scenario: Anatomy of a fall by Justine Triet and Arthur Harari
Best suitable scenario: American Fiction of Cord Jeffersonadapted from the novel Erase (Erasure) by Percival Everett
Best sets and artistic direction: James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek for Poor creatures
Best costumes: Holly Waddington for Poor creatures
Best make -ups and hairstyles: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston for Poor creatures
Best photograph: Hoyte Van Hoytema for Oppenheimer
Best editing: Jennifer blade for Oppenheimer
Best sound: Johnnie Burn and Tarn Willers for The area of interest (The Zone of Interest) by Jonathan Glazer
Best visual effects: Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima for Godzilla Minus One
Best original song: What was i made for? by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell for the film Barbie.
Best film music: Ludwig Görasson for Oppenheimer
Best international film: The Zone of Interest by Jonathan Glazer (United Kingdom)
Best animated film: The boy and the heron
Best documentary film: 20 days in Marioupol of MSTYSLAV Chernov
Best short film (real shots): The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar of Wes Anderson
Best short film (documentary): The Last Repair Shop by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
Best short film (animation): War is over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko DAVE MULLINS and BRAD BOOKER
Neïla Driss
