Christopher Nolan wins first Oscar: Looking at his past nominations
What's the story
Christopher Nolan has finally clinched his first Academy Award for directing the biographical thriller Oppenheimer. The movie, which tells the story of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb during World War II, has become a box office sensation, and securing 13 Oscar nominations, the highest number for any film at this year's event. It won seven of them.
Acceptance speech
Nolan's heartfelt acceptance speech
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Nolan expressed his gratitude to the Academy, stating, "Movies are just a little bit over 100 years old. We don't know where this incredible journey is going from here." "But to know that you think I'm a meaningful part of it means the world to me." He was up against Justine Triet, Martin Scorsese, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Jonathan Glazer.
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Take a look at Nolan's big winning moment!
Christopher Nolan wins Best Director at the #Oscars.
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 11, 2024
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Previous nominations
Nolan is an eight-time Oscar nominee
The 53-year-old visionary director achieved a long-awaited milestone with his first Oscar win. Previously, the filmmaker was nominated for directing Dunkirk (2017), and for original screenplay for 2010's Inception and 2000's Memento. Separately, this year, Killers of the Flower Moon's Martin Scorsese secured an impressive feat with the highest number of Oscar nominations for best director among the living.
Reason
Before this victory, why hadn't Nolan won an Oscar?
Nolan marked his feature film debut with the crime thriller Following in 1998. However, it was Memento (2000), his second movie, that propelled him to prominence in the mainstream and established him as a rising talent. Despite accumulating 49 nominations and 18 wins at the Oscars, Nolan has notably been overlooked in the directing and picture categories, particularly for The Dark Knight.
Big win
Meanwhile, revisit 'Oppenheimer's big haul at the Oscars
Overall, Oppenheimer emerged as the big winner. The film won in seven categories, including Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. Additionally, it earned accolades for Best Score, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and the coveted Best Picture. Notably, Oppenheimer outshone other contenders such as American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Poor Things.