Among the standout winners were Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., who delivered memorable performances and earned well-deserved accolades.
Cillian Murphy, known for his captivating roles, finally clinched the Oscar in the highly coveted Best Actor category for his portrayal of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film “Oppenheimer.”
Christopher Nolan and Producers Emma Thomas on stage among the cast for Best Picture win. March 10, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
This marked Murphy’s first nomination and subsequent win at the Academy Awards, making it a momentous occasion for the 47-year-old actor.
Best Picture: “Oppenheimer”
Best Director: Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer”
Best Actor: Cillian Murphy for “Oppenheimer”
Best Actress: Emma Stone for “Poor Things”
Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr., for “Oppenheimer”
Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “The Holdovers”
Best International Feature Film: “The Zone of Interest”
Best Original Song: Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell for “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
In his acceptance speech, Murphy expressed gratitude to director Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas for their visionary leadership over the past two decades. He also dedicated the award to the entire cast and crew of “Oppenheimer,” acknowledging their contributions to the film’s success. Furthermore, Murphy emphasized the relevance of the film’s narrative in today’s world, offering a tribute to peacemakers everywhere.
Emma Stone wins the Oscar for Best Actress for “Poor Things”, March 10, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. secured the Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer.” This victory marked a significant milestone in Downey Jr.’s illustrious career, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor.
During his acceptance speech, Downey Jr. exhibited his trademark wit and charm, thanking his wife Susan Downey for her unwavering support and acknowledging the transformative impact of his role in “Oppenheimer.” Despite notable achievements in his career, Downey Jr. humbly expressed his gratitude to those who stood by him during challenging times, reflecting on his journey to redemption and success.
In addition to the individual victories, “Oppenheimer” emerged as a dominant force at the Oscars, securing multiple awards across various categories.
The film’s exceptional achievements underscored its critical acclaim and artistic merit, solidifying its status as one of the highlights of the evening.
The top prize of the night was presented by The Godfather star Al Pacino – who seemed to jump the gun by announcing the winner before listing the nominees.
As the curtain fell on the 96th Academy Awards, audiences were left with a mix of emotions—celebrating the triumphs of talented artists while reflecting on the controversies that sometimes overshadowed the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
Australia’s AI workforce revolution: automation paves the way for a four-day work week.
In Short
UiPath’s report highlights the rapid shift towards “agentic automation,” where AI makes autonomous decisions, encouraging businesses to reassess roles and harness automation for productivity. This evolution may enable a four-day work week and necessitates the retraining of staff while ensuring regulations are in place for trust and compliance with AI integration.
The trend towards work reallocation is rapidly advancing, with UiPath’s new report identifying significant shifts in AI and automation.
Key insights from the report suggest a move towards “agentic automation,” where AI begins to make autonomous decisions. Yelena Galstian, Head of Solutions and Customer Advisory at UiPath shares her key insights.
Organisations are encouraged to reassess existing roles and identify areas where automation can enhance productivity.
A critical aspect will be the orchestration of collaboration between human employees, AI agents, and software robots to ensure effective teamwork.
Looking ahead, the motto for businesses is to “redesign and reassign” processes while considering how AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to focus on more complex responsibilities.
As organisations embrace these changes, we could see a potential transition to a four-day work week, made feasible through increased efficiency and productivity from AI.
For further insights into the research and methodologies for implementing AI in business, interested parties can connect with the UiPath team through their website.
As global tourism revenue surges, cutting-edge technology and automation are revolutionising the hospitality industry.
Global travel demand remains strong heading into 2025, with industry experts predicting record-breaking tourism revenue.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, global tourism revenue is set to hit $1.9 trillion this year.
With record-breaking growth projected for the travel industry, hospitality leaders are embracing AI, automation, and luxury innovations to enhance guest experiences.
As demand for international travel remains strong, hospitality businesses are adapting to evolving traveler expectations through technology and innovation.
One of the key trends shaping the industry is the rise of artificial intelligence and smart automation.
From AI-powered customer service to energy-efficient hotel management systems, technology is redefining guest experiences.
Luxury boutique hotels like London’s Eccleston Square Hotel are at the forefront of this transformation.
Known as one of the world’s most technologically advanced hotels, Eccleston Square has recently unveiled a major tech upgrade.
The hotel is now using Apple TVs from ROOMNET, an advanced automation system developed with Leading Edge Automation, and a cutting-edge building management system by HSYCO. These innovations enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
These enhancements work in sync with the hotel’s property management system, MEWS, to create a smarter, more sustainable hospitality experience.
As AI continues to reshape the hospitality landscape, Eccleston Square Hotel’s approach reflects the industry’s broader shift toward innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—paving the way for the future of luxury travel.
Olivia Byrne, Owner and Company Director Eccleston Square Hotel joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.
Reform UK surpasses Labour in polling for first time, with Brexit leader Nigel Farage gaining support amid Conservative decline.
In Short
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has overtaken Labour in a YouGov poll with 25% support, while Labour sits at 24% and the Conservatives at 21%. This shift indicates growing discontent with the government, particularly as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch struggles to regain support.
The poll, conducted among 2,223 adults at the beginning of February, shows Reform UK at 25 percent support, a rise of two points from the previous poll.
Labour has declined by three points to 24 percent, while the Conservative Party has dropped to 21 percent.
While these results are notable, the next general election is not required until August 2029, and Reform’s lead falls within the poll’s margin of error. POLITICO’s Poll of Polls shows Labour and Reform both at 25 percent, with Conservatives at 22 percent.
This polling data is troubling for the government, particularly after Labour’s dominance in the last election, where they achieved a majority with 33.7 percent of the vote. Reform UK was in third place with 14.3 percent.
The findings also reflect poorly on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who seeks to restore support following recent losses.
YouGov indicates that 24 percent of those who voted Conservative in July would now choose Reform, with 43 percent of Conservative voters in 2024 favouring a merger between the two parties.