Oscars 2024: A night of tributes, surprises, and heartfelt goodbyes

The 2024 Oscars have come and gone. Like every year, there were a few mishaps and surprising moments. Emma Stone took to the stage to accept her award for Best Leading Actress, only to discover her dress had ripped, which she smiled off. Meanwhile, John Cena, actor and athlete, made an appearance on stage in nothing but his birthday suit.

The 96th Oscar ceremony featured the poignant "In Memoriam" segment, dedicated to personalities who died in the previous year. This year, the section opened with a remembrance of Alexei Navalny.

The Russian Department of Prisons announced the death of the Russian opposition leader on February 16th. Navalny had been a thorn in Putin's side for years, exposing his corrupt activities. Since 2013, he led the Russian opposition.

"In Memoriam" also paid tribute to Julian Sands, who died in mid-January 2023. The British actor tried to climb Mount Baldy - the highest peak in the USA. Halfway through last year, in the wilderness near where he vanished, human remains were discovered. A month later, Sands's death was confirmed.

Over the last year, we have also bid farewell to Matthew Perry, Alan Arkin, Norman Reynolds, Andre Braugher, Michael Gambon, Tom Wilkinson, Jane Birkin, Paul Reubens, Ryan O’Neal, Ryūichi Sakamoto, and Tina Turner.

In their honor, Matteo and Andrea Bocelli performed "Time to say goodbye" on the stage in Los Angeles.