1996 Academy Awards: Oscar Winners, Nominees and Highlights
The 68th Academy Awards, held on March 25, 1996, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, was a night of historic wins and memorable moments
Hosted by the witty Whoopi Goldberg, the ceremony celebrated the best in cinema from 1995
The evening's biggest winner was "Braveheart," which took home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Mel Gibson
Nicolas Cage and Susan Sarandon claimed the top acting honors, while "Pocahontas" dominated the music categories
The ceremony made history as Kirk Douglas received an honorary Oscar, and Christopher Reeve made an emotional appearance just months after his paralyzing accident
Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning internet age and a rapidly changing film industry, the 1996 Oscars reflected both Hollywood's enduring glamour and its evolving landscape.
Major Award Categories: Winners and Nominees
In 1996, during the 68th Academy Awards Cerimony, held on 25/03/1996 the following movies, actors, actresses and directors were awarded with the Oscar in 6 categories honoring the films released in 1996:
What movie won the Best Picture Oscar in 1996?
Who won the Best Director Oscar in 1996?
Who won the Best Actor Oscar in 1996?
Who won the Best Actress Oscar in 1996?
Who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1996?
Who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1996?
Memorable Moments and Trivia
- "Braveheart" won Best Picture and Mel Gibson won Best Director, surprising many who expected "Apollo 13" to take the top honors.
- Nicolas Cage won Best Actor for "Leaving Las Vegas" and gave an emotional speech, saying "I know it's not hip to say it, but I just love acting."
- Susan Sarandon finally won Best Actress for "Dead Man Walking" after four previous nominations, declaring "I'd like to thank my partner in crime and in life, Tim Robbins."
- Kirk Douglas received an Honorary Oscar for his lifetime achievements, despite having difficulty speaking due to a recent stroke.
- Christopher Reeve made a surprise appearance to present a montage on social issues in film, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
- Whoopi Goldberg hosted the ceremony for the second time, opening with a parody of "Sunset Boulevard."
- The ceremony featured a tribute to Gene Kelly, who had passed away earlier that year.
- "Colors of the Wind" from "Pocahontas" won Best Original Song, performed live by Vanessa Williams.
- Kevin Spacey won Best Supporting Actor for "The Usual Suspects," keeping his speech short and sweet.
- Mira Sorvino won Best Supporting Actress for "Mighty Aphrodite" and gave a tearful speech thanking her father, actor Paul Sorvino.
FAQ
- Who was the host of the 1996 Academy Awards?
Whoopi Goldberg hosted the 68th Academy Awards ceremony in 1996. This was her second time hosting the Oscars. - What were the biggest surprises at the 1996 Oscars?
One of the biggest surprises was 'Braveheart' winning Best Picture over the favored 'Apollo 13'. Another surprise was Kevin Spacey winning Best Supporting Actor for 'The Usual Suspects', as many expected Ed Harris to win for 'Apollo 13'. - What were the most memorable speeches at the 1996 Academy Awards?
The most memorable speech was likely Christopher Reeve's appearance, less than a year after his paralyzing accident. He received a standing ovation and gave an emotional speech about Hollywood's social responsibility. Another notable moment was Cuba Gooding Jr.'s enthusiastic acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor, which he continued even as the music played him off.
What happened in 1996?
Discover what the world looked like in 1996: