The 96th Academy Awards kicked off with much anticipation and excitement as Hollywood's finest gathered to celebrate the best in cinema. With a stellar lineup of nominated films, including "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie," the expectations were high for a memorable evening. The Times provided live updates throughout the night to capture every moment of the prestigious event.

One of the early surprises came in the screenplay categories, with "Anatomy of a Fall" winning Best Original Screenplay. Justine Triet and Arthur Harari were recognized for their outstanding work, leading to playful banter among audience members as they pondered their own missed opportunities to write a screenplay.

In the animated feature category, "The Boy and the Heron" emerged victorious, taking home the Oscar over the widely seen "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Some speculated that the trilogy factor and the presence of legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki among the nominees may have influenced the voting outcome.

Inside the Dolby Theatre, staff writer Tracy Brown provided on-the-ground reporting, capturing the atmosphere among the animated feature crews. The celebration was palpable, especially for the team behind "Robot Dreams," which received thunderous applause. The touching film, "War is Over," inspired by the music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, won Best Animated Short Film, adding an emotional moment to the ceremony. Sean Lennon took the opportunity to send best wishes to his 91-year-old mother on the UK's Mother's Day.

As the evening progressed, heartfelt introductions highlighted personal relationships within the industry. Jamie Lee Curtis referred to Jodie Foster as her "bestie," while Rita Moreno introduced America Ferrera in a golden moment of recognition. The audience was moved, including a tearful Paul Giamatti, adding a touching element to the awards show.

Emerging as a standout of the night was Da'Vine Joy Randolph, who won Best Supporting Actress for her exceptional performance in "The Holdovers." The win marked her 58th award for the film, solidifying her talent and dedication to her craft.

Host Jimmy Kimmel delivered an entertaining monologue, albeit with a few rough edges. He playfully acknowledged the absence of Greta Gerwig from the Best Director category, leaving the audience chuckling. Kimmel also poked fun at the length of some nominated films, making light of the audience's commitment to sit through lengthy productions.

Despite a delayed start due to protesters advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, the telecast proceeded smoothly. However, the late start led to speculation about potential surprises throughout the night, such as Emma Stone possibly winning Best Lead Actress over Lily Gladstone.

As the evening continued, famous faces dotted the crowd, including director Celine Song and actor Simu Liu from "Barbie," along with past award winner Brendan Fraser, adding to the star-studded atmosphere of the prestigious event.

The 96th Academy Awards proved to be a night filled with surprises and emotional moments, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity within the film industry. With a diverse array of nominees and groundbreaking performances, this year's Oscars were truly a celebration of cinematic excellence.

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