Christopher Nolan on ‘Oppenheimer’ Oscar Win: ‘Riding the Wave’

Christopher Nolan, acclaimed for his latest film “Oppenheimer,” experienced a delightful surprise as it garnered 13 Academy Awards nominations. Nolan, who was asleep during the announcement, shared a laugh in an interview with The Associated Press, admitting he didn’t want to jinx the nominations by watching them live.

“Oppenheimer,” Nolan’s epic portrayal of J. Walter Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb’s creation, received widespread recognition, with nominations for various aspects including acting nods for Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt. It was a nomination shy of tying the record for the most Oscar nominations ever.

Nolan and his wife and producing partner, Emma Thomas, expressed their astonishment and joy at the breadth of the nominations, covering aspects from direction and screenplay to technical achievements. Despite his reputation as a major filmmaker, Nolan has yet to win an Academy Award, nor has any of his films won best picture.

In discussing “Oppenheimer,” Nolan highlighted the film’s ability to engage young audiences with historical content and its relevance to current global concerns, particularly nuclear weapons and AI. Thomas added that the film’s direct relevance to contemporary issues resonated with viewers.

Reflecting on their past experiences with the academy, Nolan acknowledged the unique feeling of seeing the film recognized across various categories. He expressed his hope that “Oppenheimer” is not the culmination but a continuation of his and Thomas’s collaborative filmmaking journey, learning from each film.

To celebrate the nominations, Nolan and Thomas planned a family dinner, emphasizing the importance of family in their work and the nature of their movie. Nolan’s films have often been lauded by the academy, and this year’s nominations mark a significant recognition of his and Thomas’s contributions to cinema.