In the grandeur of the 96th Academy Awards, SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus, RRR, found its place within the cinematic montage unfolding at the illustrious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This montage, a heartfelt homage to the artistry of stunt coordinators, witnessed the esteemed presence of Oscar-nominated luminary Ryan Gosling and the accomplished stunt coordinator Emily Blunt, lauding the remarkable contributions of these unsung heroes across the global stage.

A pivotal moment that seized the digital sphere was the inclusion of high-octane sequences from the cinematic collaboration of Ram Charan and Jr NTR in the spotlight.

As Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt graced the stage to present a special tribute to the stalwart stunt performers, they also playfully brought the Barbenheimer rivalry into focus. Both actors, contenders for this year’s supporting actor Oscars—Blunt for Oppenheimer and Gosling for Barbie—engaged in a good-humored banter, adding a touch of levity to the rivalry between these two cinematic juggernauts.

The virtual realm erupted with enthusiasm as glimpses of RRR unfolded on the Oscar stage this year. A user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed, “Once again, a delightful surprise awaits us… Grateful that @TheAcademy featured action sequences from #RRRMovie as part of their tribute to the pinnacle of cinematic stunt sequences worldwide.”

Reflecting on the evolution of South Indian cinema, a user remarked, “A few years ago, action sequences in South Indian films were deemed whimsical and lackluster, devoid of recognition. Yet, here we stand today, with RRR earning a coveted spot in the ‘best stunt AV clip’ showcased at the Oscars. Rajamouli, you’ve traversed an extraordinary journey.”

In the preceding year, RRR took center stage during the global awards season, securing accolades such as Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” at the Critics Choice Awards. Notably, “Naatu Naatu” claimed the title of Best Song at the 80th Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, marking another milestone in the film’s illustrious journey.