Which actress won Best Supporting Actress at the 2024 Oscars for her role in The Holdovers?

Da'Vine Joy Randolph earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 96th Oscars in 2024, recognized for her poignant portrayal in the film "The Holdovers." Her victory was a highlight of the ceremony, solidifying a remarkable awards season where her performance garnered widespread critical acclaim.

In "The Holdovers," Randolph plays Mary Lamb, the head cook at a New England boarding school during the Christmas holidays in 1970. Mary is a grieving mother whose son, a former student at the same school, was recently killed in the Vietnam War. Her decision to stay on campus during the break, alongside a curmudgeonly history teacher and a troubled student, forms the emotional core of the film. Randolph's performance as Mary was lauded for its depth, blending humor with profound sorrow and acting as a grounding force for the other characters. Her ability to convey Mary's pain and resilience with such authenticity resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Randolph's win at the Oscars was the culmination of an impressive sweep of major awards throughout the 2024 season. She consistently won Best Supporting Actress honors at prestigious events such as the Golden Globe Awards, the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), the Critics' Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. Her emotional acceptance speech at the Oscars, where she thanked her mother for encouraging her acting career and spoke about the importance of being herself, further endeared her to many. This celebrated recognition marks a significant moment in her career, showcasing her exceptional talent and solidifying her place among Hollywood's esteemed performers.