Remember that Oscars selfie from 2014?

A decade ago, Ellen DeGeneres orchestrated what would become the most famous Oscars selfie ever. With Bradley Cooper holding the phone, DeGeneres squeezed over a dozen A-list celebrities into one smiling shot. The image quickly went viral, racking up over 2 million retweets. But ten years later, that iconic selfie elicits a very different response.

Today, that iconic photo marks a milestone. Some of the people in the picture have had downfalls over the years, but the selfie will always be a picture full of contagious happiness. It shows the thrill of accomplishments and the ties made on big stages. Indeed, the picture makes cynicism seem silly by telling us, even when life gets dark, that snapshot captures a spark - the joy that happens when talented folks come together

Just out of frame, Cate Blanchett prepares to mark a career of daring versatility with another best actress honor. Next to her, years before transitioning to advocacy work, Channing Tatum revels simply as a performer hitting his stride. Though the photo could not freeze all - Matthew McConaughey accepting his golden statuette or the evening’s tearful tributes -it does capture the joy that goes into these events.

Indeed, as singular moments fade, what dazzles in the selfie is its collective euphoria, frozen over changing backdrops of life. Enough joy spills from its glossy pixels to rekindle even today the magical spark between vibrant dreams and their realization - binding struggles to come with the human capacity for transcendence.

Now ten years matured, Lawrence, Leto, Nyong’o, Cuaron and more reunite on Sunday once again under spotlights transformed into beacons by artistic passion. As they gather for an industry milestone, may the smiles lingering from their viral photo remind all viewers of light piercing life’s complexities, fueled by the creative fire shared across eras between those called to move and inspire mass audiences. When headlines turn solemn, may the selfie’s unrestrained joy stoke faith in chasing dreams into unifying greatness.

Catch this year's Oscars hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, starting at 7 p.m. Sunday March 10, 2024.