The 96th Oscars Recap: A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and Surprises

The 96th Academy Awards was a night to remember, filled with stunning fashion, unexpected wins, and a few controversies. The star-studded event was a celebration of the best in cinema, with the UK taking home seven awards, including Best Director and Best Picture for Christopher Nolan.

The red carpet was a fashion lover's dream, with stars like Carey Mulligan, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Anya Taylor-Joy dazzling in couture creations. Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian turned heads at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, with Jenner in sheer Maison Margiela and Kardashian in a sculptural Balenciaga dress.

The Oscars also marked a significant moment for Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris, who made their debut as a couple. Meanwhile, Cillian Murphy won the Best Actor award, causing a stir when ITV presenter Jonathan Ross mistakenly referred to him as a "British star."

Despite 13 nominations, Apple TV+ left empty-handed, highlighting the challenges faced by streaming platforms in a traditional awards setting. The night was dominated by "Oppenheimer," which won Best Picture, and saw Robert Downey Jr. bag his first-ever Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Host Jimmy Kimmel didn't shy away from controversy, responding to Donald Trump's criticism with a sharp retort. The Academy also paid a heart-touching tribute to stunt industry personnel, a highlight of the ceremony.

However, the Oscars weren't without criticism. ITV's coverage was slammed for insensitivity and a lack of critical expertise, and the LA ceremony was watched by a peak of almost 1M UK viewers.

Despite the ups and downs, the 96th Oscars was a night of celebration, recognizing the best in film and the individuals who bring these stories to life. As we look forward to next year's awards, we're left with the unforgettable moments from a night of glitz, glamour, and surprises.