Iranian director Asghar Farhadi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. However, he did not attend, protesting Trump’s immigration ban.
By Salena Moran and Evan Penrod | Staff Writers
The 89th annual Oscar Awards highlighted Hollywood stars and those behind the scenes of many diverse and influential movies from 2016. This year showcased a unique variety of films ranging from musicals to science fiction to drama as well as many others.
Justin Timberlake opened the show with his own upbeat Oscar nominated song, “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” from the animated movie “Trolls.”
Host Jimmy Kimmel then kicked off the ceremony with a monologue that included everything from poking fun at Hollywood’s finest to political banter about Donald Trump.
Despite the long beginning and introductions, the ceremony finally got to the awards, musical performances, tributes and discussion on film that audiences have patiently awaited.
Awards
The highly-coveted awards were saved until the very end. However, there were many other shocking moments of the night.
“Suicide Squad,” a movie panned by critics and viewers alike, surprisingly still received an award for Achievement in Makeup and Hair Styling. This, however, was the movie’s only nomination.
Disney also sealed three awards this year for Visual Effects, also getting Best Animated Feature for “Zootopia” and Best Animated Short for “Piper.”
One of the main films that grabbed many awards was the highly acclaimed “La La Land.” The film won awards in six categories out of 14 total nominations, including Cinematography, Best Score, Best Original Song, Best Director and Best Actress in a Leading role.
The highly anticipated Best Picture award went to “Moonlight.” This picture previously won two other awards that night, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Best Speech
Perhaps the best and most heart wrenching speech of the evening was from Viola Davis for her win as Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Fences.”
In maintaining the utmost composure, Davis began, “You know there’s one place that all the people with the greatest potential are gathered. One place. And that’s the graveyard.”
Davis stressed the importance of individuals who have passed and how ordinary people and their lives have inspired many throughout the film industry.
In continuing her speech, Davis held back tears while delivering passionate, tearful thank yous to everyone who has helped lay the groundwork for her achievement.
Mahershala Ali gave another inspiring speech in his win for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in “Moonlight.” Ali humbly thanked all of his professors, teachers and everyone that has ever guided him.
Tribute/ Features
As with every Oscar celebration, there is always a memoriam for directors, producers, actors and others who have passed away.
Singer Sara Bareilles sang live over the video montage of some of the most beloved actors. This last year alone, the film industry said goodbye to greats such as Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, Gene Wilder and Prince.
Ending Snafu
The shocker came at the end of the awards with the highly anticipated Best Picture Award. Nominees included “La La Land, “Moonlight,” “Lion,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Arrival,” “Hell or High Water,” “Hidden Figures” and “Manchester by the Sea.”
The room was silent as Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway paused as they opened the signature red envelope holding the award winner for Best Picture of 2016. After a few seconds of confused looks, the winner was announced as “La La Land.”
The cast and crew happily flooded the stage and began thanking their families, friends, and anyone involved in the movie. That was until a sound hand rushed on stage and a “La La Land” producer announced that there was actually a mistake when reading the card.
The actual winner of Best Picture was “Moonlight.” Beatty and Dunaway misread the card. They read the card for Best Actress in a leading role which had already been announced about 10 minutes prior. The Oscars auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, apologized for the error and claimed they were looking into the situation.
Despite the media craze over the mishap, the Oscar Awards, once more, delivered a show that acknowledged the brilliant minds behind the art of film and reminded us why movies are one of the most beloved forms of entertainment.
