The 91st academy awards gave its audience quite the prize-worthy reaction with its exceptional diversity, iconic speeches, capturing performances––and its hostless show. The ceremony was both held and telecasted on Sunday of February 24th, recognizing this year’s greatest accomplishments in the film industry.
“Green Book” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” were some of the highest achievers in several of the categories. Bohemian Rhapsody took four awards––including the prominent best actor category––which was given to Rami Malek for his role in the Queen biopic. Green Book won three awards for its strong message regarding racial relations within the south.
Many critics were shocked to see the film receive such prestige as they believed it portrayed racial conflict in an invalid form. However, these comments were shut down as soon as the audience praised Mahershala Ali in winning best supporting actor for the second time in a row after Moonlight, and the film itself for winning best picture overall.
Others were awaiting foreign film, “Roma,” to take the best picture award. The serious film still took three awards though, being awarded for best cinematography, best foreign-language film, and best director for Alfonso Cuarón.
Cuarón gave only one of the three Spanish speeches included in the ceremony this year. Diego Luna and José Andrés introduced the foreign film and honored immigrants through their vast commentary. Javier Bardem broke all borders as he unexpectedly addressed how no walls or frontiers can come in the way of natural talent, paving the way to success for teens within the Latino community who struggle with their circumstances.
History was also made for the female black community, as the first African-american women to win best costume and production design were Ruth E. Carter and Hannah Beachler for “Black Panther.” Regina King also delivered a powerful prepared speech as she won best supporting actress for “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
For best actress, Glenn Close was expected to win her first Oscar for “The Wife.” Instead, Olivia Colman stole the spotlight for “The Favourite,” and recited a speech which caused the audience to continuously break into cries of laughter.
The first black director to ever win in the animated feature category was Peter Ramsey for his triumph with the “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.” The film that has won over many hearts in today’s society for its hidden message that anyone can truly be a hero.
Along with these achievements was a grand musical performance of the song “Shallow” from professional musician, Lady Gaga, and co-star Bradley Cooper, which Gaga wrote herself for her impactful film “A Star Is Born.” Her life story is told all throughout the film, and the duet became an overnight hit as it conveys special meaning to the singer’s difficult journey.
Gaga delivered one of the most emotional speeches of the night, as she expressed her gratitude in winning her first ever Oscar for best original song.
With or without a host, this year’s academy awards accomplished much more than rewarding those who have contributed greatly to the universe of film-making. It broke through social issues, and united us all through our roots. It is definitely one for the books.
