Oscars Sunday was the cinephile’s Christmas, where AMC A-listers, Regal Club Card holders, and even those arguing that Alamo Drafthouse food is “not that bad” gathered around the TV. There were wielding hushes during acceptance speeches and passionately delving into the mystery of why Anatomy of a Fall missed the Best International Film nod. This year’s ceremony was a constellation of stars–Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling flaunting Barbie vibes, Robert Downey Jr. clinching his first Oscar for Oppenheimer, and Zendaya gracing the stage despite Dune: Part Two being fashionably late for the 2024 Oscars.

With Jimmy Kimmel hosting for the fourth time and hilariously thinking Killers of the Flower Moon was a marathon, the Oscars Sunday was one hell of a night. While the stars have etched their names in history, relive the glamour and surprises as we unravel our cherished moments from the night.

Ryan Gosling’s Barbie beats painted the sky pink

In a thrilling Oscar showdown, those rooting for ‘I’m Just Ken’ had their moment of triumph as Ryan Gosling, decked out in a hot pink suit, took center stage for a show-stopping performance. Paying homage to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Gosling, flanked by a troop of energetic dancers, unleashed a spectacular performance. Nominated for Best Original Song, the performance featured Gosling belting out the tune with 65 fellow “Kens,” backed by the electrifying talents of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash and musician Mark Ronson.

The anticipation soared as Gosling kicked off the show by serenading Robbie from the audience. It was a prelude to where he sang alongside co-stars Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Ncuti Gatwa. The 43-year-old actor, with his infectious energy, even orchestrated a crowd sing-along, pulling in Barbie director Greta Gerwig, along with co-stars Robbie and America Ferrera. Making a stop near his La La Land co-star Emma Stone, Gosling created a moment of magic, urging her to unleash her talent. The Dolby Theatre responded with an explosion of cheers and a standing ovation, marking a messy, glorious, and surreal musical journey.

When Robert Downey Jr. clinched his golden trail

Regardless of the stance on whether Matt Damon was the real star robbed of the Best Supporting Actor crown in Oppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr.’s triumphant march through the awards season felt like destiny knocking. Like Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Downey Jr. emerged from the Marvel chrome cage that had held him captive for 15 years, gaining recognition not just for his recent role but for a career filled with stellar performances. In a heartwarming acceptance speech, he humorously acknowledged his tumultuous childhood, quipping, “I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order.”

Turning the spotlight to his wife, Susan Downey, he playfully referred to her as his “veterinarian” before correcting it to “wife,” crediting her for rescuing him like a snarly pet and loving him back to life. Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s cinematic masterpiece, Oppenheimer, stole the show at the awards ceremony, bagging victories in multiple categories. From Best Supporting Actor to Best Actor, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Score, Best Director, and the coveted Best Picture, it was a night of triumph. Even if Gerwig missed out on a directing nomination, the joy of witnessing Nolan clinch his first-ever statue added a pinch of sweetness to the evening.

Blunt and Gosling: Catwalk to catfight with Barbenheimer drama

Imagine the scorching summer of 2024, where Barbie and Oppenheimer clashed in an epic showdown on July 21. Both films stood unyielding, each claiming its stake on this pivotal release date. The aftermath was nothing short of enchanting – Barbie and Oppenheimer emerged as the shining stars, dominating as the No. 1 and No. 3 highest-grossing movies of 2023. But this rivalry was not content with the box office; it spilled onto the grand stage of the Oscars. Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling transformed a seemingly civil exchange into a lively and spirited “Kitty and Ken” banter.

The banter soared to new heights as Blunt playfully teased Gosling with a “frosty hallo”. In response, Gosling unleashed a light-hearted jab about the Barbenheimer rivalry. Laughter echoed through the auditorium as he playfully unraveled the mystery behind the film’s title, accusing Blunt of riding on Barbie’s coattails. The exchange reached its pinnacle when Blunt cleverly thanked Gosling for “Ken-splaining”. The vibrant repartee created a delightful uproar, with Gosling assuring everyone it was all in good fun before gracefully transitioning to their presenter duties.

Canine sensation Messi pawsitively stole the show

Earlier this week, a rumor circulated that Messi, the canine luminary of Anatomy of a Fall, might miss the Oscars. Thankfully, sanity prevailed, and Messi graced the event, stealing the spotlight with his impeccable fashion sense. Decked out in an oversized bowtie that walked the line between regality and playfulness, Messi emerged as one of the evening’s best-dressed attendees, turning heads and wagging tails alike.

When Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel finally introduced the Border Collie to the thunderous applause of the audience, it was a moment of canine glory. Kimmel playfully acknowledged Messi’s extraordinary performance in the acclaimed film, quipping, “Even though he’s a dog, [Messi] might’ve delivered the performance of the year in Anatomy of a Fall”. Despite not scoring an official nomination, Messi’s star turn sparked controversy among certain film companies, who barked about potential unfair advantages for Anatomy of a Fall during the voting process. In Justine Triet’s crime thriller, Messi took on the role of Snoop, an emotional support dog to the protagonist, 11-year-old Daniel.

A theatrical resurgence of Hollywood’s finest

In a brilliant blast from the past, the Oscars took a trip down memory lane, reviving a beloved format from 2009. The stage became a star-studded time capsule as iconic past winners, including Mary Steenburgen, Lupita Nyong’o, Jamie Lee Curtis, Regina King, and Rita Moreno, gathered to present the acting prizes. The sheer star power radiating from the room was enough to rival a galaxy, making the audience feel like they were witnessing a constellation of cinematic greatness.

The revival continued with luminaries such as Sam Rockwell, Tim Robbins, Ke Huy Quan, Christoph Waltz, and Mahershala Ali taking the stage to hand out the Best Supporting Actor award. Then, a constellation of talent emerged with Nicolas Cage, Matthew McConaughey and more, making a dynamic appearance for the Best Actor category. The grand finale featured Sally Field, Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Yeoh, Charlize Theron, and Jessica Lange, adding their celestial touch to present the award for Best Actress. The stage transformed into a kaleidoscope of Hollywood’s finest, that not only celebrated the present but also paid homage to the illustrious past.

What are your top favorite moments from Oscars 2024? Share them in the comments below!