It was exciting time again for the Oscars. It was the 90th Academy Awards Ceremony hosted by late-night talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel. This year we viewed stunning performances and speeches that moved us. We came across important matters such as addressing the issue of sexual misconduct and the lacking representation of minorities in Hollywood. Nonetheless, there are plenty of memorable moments that even I still cannot shake off.
1. Miguel and Gael Garcia Bernal Perform Coco’s “Remember Me”
“Coco” was remarkable film that impacted audiences of all backgrounds. Emotionally-charged and vibrant, the performance of “Remember Me” reflects “Coco.” It embraces Mexican culture with traditional dresses and dazzling sugar skull lights. I know that this performance was an “orgullo Mexicano”, a pride for Mexicans, because it was representative of traditional Mexico. As a Mexican viewer, I know it made me and others proud to see this work of art at the Academy Awards.
2. Sufjan Stevens’s “Mystery of Love”
The Oscar nominated “Mystery of Love” performance was a intimate and beautiful. Sufjan was joined by the talented St. Vincent, Casey Foubert, Moses Sumney, Chris Thile, and James McAlister on stage for the simple and sweet composition. Although “Mystery of Love” did not win “Best Original Song,” it wouldn’t have been surprising if it had won.
3. Frances McDormand’s Acceptance Speech
Frances McDormand hit two birds with one stone during her acceptance speech. She asked all of the female nominees of all categories to stand up, as a way of recognition of them and their achievements. McDormand also took it as an opportunity to bring attention to “inclusion riders,” which encourages and requires studios to hire diverse crew members for a film in effort to resolve the lack of diverse inclusion in Hollywood. Her speech was admirable and empowering, as she took the opportunity to shine light on those other than herself.
4. Jimmy Kimmel’s Monologue
Although his monologue was light-hearted and comedic, it was honest and straightforward about sexual harassment in Hollywood. He also seizes the moment to speak on inclusivity, equality, and representation in Hollywood, praising nominees like Jordan Peele and Greta Gerwig.
5. A Jet Ski Giveaway
Jimmy Kimmel, like many of us, can agree the the Oscars are really long. So, as to make light of it, he awarded the shortest acceptance speech of the night with a jet ski. As a result, not only did Mark Bridges walk away with the award for best costume design, but he also took home a jet ski.
6. Jordan Peele Wins Best Original Screenplay
It is a legendary moment as Peele makes history by becoming the first African-American to win the “Best Original Screenplay” award. He preached about deciding to overcome his doubts and followed through with creating his film. His accomplishment is a result of persistence and great representation for African Americans. Even though there’s a long way to go, this win shows that Hollywood is taking steps to become more inclusive and representative of minorities.
7. Mary J. Blige’s “Mighty River” Performance
Mary J. Blige delivered a powerful rendition of “Mighty River” from the film “Mudbound.” Although having been nominated for “Best Original Song” and “Best Supporting Actress”, she did not win an award, but she certainly was one of the most spectacular performances of the night.
8. Daniela Vega and Transgender Representation
Chilean actress Daniela Vega took home the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for her leading role in “A Fantastic Woman.” She became the first transgender woman to present at the Oscars. Having a Hispanic transgender woman present at the Academy Awards is a big deal.
9. Rachel Shenton Signs Speech as Promised
Having won the “Best Live Action Short Film,” Rachel Shenton made sure that she fulfilled her promise during her speech. The young actress Maisie Sly, who played Libby, made Shenton promise to do her speech in sign. Her speech was a heartwarming moment that became one of the most touching speeches of the night. This was a speech that the deaf community can connect to, as we find that they are becoming increasingly represented and acknowledged in Hollywood.
10. #MeToo Movement and Hollywood’s Progression
As the issue of sexual misconduct and harassment had been mentioned throughout the night, the #MeToo movement was highlighted in a video brought together by Salma Hayek, Ashley Judd, and Annabella Sciorra. Judd mentioned that she hopes of equality, intersectionality, diversity, and inclusion for the next 90 years to come.
Alma Tovar
Features Reporter
Best Picture:
“The Shape of Water”
Best Actress:
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Best Actor:
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”
Best Director:
“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro
Best Original Song:
“Remember Me” from “Coco,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
Best Original Score:
“The Shape of Water,” Alexandre Desplat
Best Cinematography:
“Blade Runner 2049,” Roger Deakins
Best Original Screenplay:
“Get Out,” Jordan Peele
Best Adapted Screenplay:
“Call Me by Your Name,” James Ivory
Best Live Action Short Film:
“The Silent Child,” Chris Overton, Rachel Shenton
Best Documentary Short Subject:
“Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405,” Frank Stiefel
Best Film Editing:
“Dunkirk,” Lee Smith
Best Visual Effects:
“Blade Runner 2049,” John Nelson, Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover, Gerd Nefzer
Best Animated Feature:
“Coco,” Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson
Best Animated Short:
“Dear Basketball,” Glen Keane, Kobe Bryant
Best Supporting Actress:
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”
Best Foreign Language Film:
“A Fantastic Woman” (Chile)
Best Production Design:
“The Shape of Water,” Paul D. Austerberry, Jeffrey A. Melvin, Shane Vieau
Best Sound Mixing:
“Dunkirk,” Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo
Best Sound Editing:
“Dunkirk,” Alex Gibson, Richard King
Best Documentary Feature:
“Icarus,” Bryan Fogel, Dan Cogan
Best Costume Design:
“Phantom Thread,” Mark Bridges
Best Makeup and Hairstyling:
“Darkest Hour,” Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, Lucy Sibbick
Best Supporting Actor:
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”