Oscars 2024 Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Bollywood Art Director Nitin Chandrakant Desai Alongside International Icons

In a poignant moment at the 96th Academy Awards, the 'In Memoriam' segment remembered the late Bollywood art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian cinema. The emotional homage, held at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, acknowledged Desai's remarkable work in iconic films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, and Devdas. Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli delivered a moving rendition of 'Time to Say Goodbye' during this segment, adding a touch of sincerity to the ceremony.

The Oscars' acknowledgment of Nitin Desai's artistic legacy resonated globally, emphasizing his impact on the international film industry. Alongside Desai, the 'In Memoriam' paid tribute to notable figures such as John Bailey, Robbie Robertson, Richard Lewis, Lee Sun-Kyun, Carl Weathers, Matthew Perry, Andre Braugher, William Friedkin, and Norman Jewison.

Nitin Desai, a four-time National Film Award and three-time Filmfare Award winner for Best Art Direction, crafted visually stunning settings for numerous successful movies. His untimely demise on August 2, 2023, deeply affected the film fraternity, and the Oscars' tribute served as a reminder of his lasting influence. The video shared by The Academy on Instagram captured the somber yet respectful moment, encapsulating the essence of the artistic fraternity's enduring respect for Nitin Chandrakant Desai.