Amidst the vibrant cityscape of Los Angeles, the illustrious accolade of Best Supporting Actress was bestowed upon the esteemed thespian Da’Vine Joy Randolph during the ongoing 96th edition of the Academy Awards. A poignant moment transpired as she graced the stage at the Dolby Theatre to receive this prestigious award, expressing gratitude to those who played a pivotal role in her journey through the realm of cinema.

Her meritorious performance in the cinematic masterpiece ‘The Holdovers’ earned her this distinguished honor. In the Christmas comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne and set in the backdrop of 1970, Randolph portrayed the character of Mary Lamb—a testy history teacher compelled to supervise a handful of students stranded during the Christmas break at a New England boarding school.

Lupita Nyong’o, a previous Oscar laureate, took the stage to introduce Randolph, lauding her for a performance that serves as a testament to those who facilitate healing despite grappling with personal tribulations. “Your artistry is a homage to those who have aided others in the process of recovery,” Nyong’o remarked.

During her acceptance oration, Randolph extended heartfelt appreciation to her mother, acknowledging the pivotal role played in steering her towards theater classes. She further expressed gratitude to the collective sisterhood of women who provided unwavering support and encouragement along her journey. “The notion of pursuing this as a profession eluded me for a while,” Randolph reflected. “I aspired to deviate from the norm, only to realize that authenticity is my true calling. When I struggled to envision my path, you reassured me that forging our unique trajectory is not only acceptable but essential.”

The official social media handle of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, denoted as X, felicitated the accomplished actress with a tweet: “Kudos to Da’Vine Joy Randolph for clinching the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in ‘The Holdovers’! #Oscars.”

Randolph emerged as the frontrunner for the award, having triumphed in nearly every category of best supporting actress in the lead-up to the Oscars. Notable accolades include the Golden Globe, Bafta, Critics’ Choice, Independent Spirit, and Screen Actors Guild awards.

The 96th edition of the Academy Awards unfolds amidst the opulence of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. For the Indian audience, the spectacle is accessible for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.