Ryan Gosling Performing “I’m Just Ken” Tribune Content Agency
The Oscars took place on Mar 10, and they were… actually fun? With a room full of all-star talents, the award ceremony was full of jabs at last year’s movies, playful bits, and well-deserved wins.
First of all, a miracle happened on stage. Against all odds, Jimmy Kimmel managed to make people laugh. For every fifth joke, he got a slight chuckle out of me, when last year it took him a solid twelve attempts. If his ratio keeps improving maybe he’ll get a good giggle from me before the new millennium.
There were five musical performances from the nominees for Best Original Song, though none of them were as iconic as Ryan Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken.” He managed to blow up on Twitter, make a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, and sing his heart out all in the span of five minutes.
John Mulaney presented the award for best sound design, quickly stealing the show with a bit about “Field Of Dreams.” that had more comedic merit than anything Jimmy Kimmel could have uttered. He also managed to get a jab in on “Madame Web” which has proved to be 2024’s punching bag.
After some uncertainty around his appearance leading up to the ceremony; Messi, the dog from “Anatomy Of A Fall” did make it to the Oscars. But he wasn’t there for the entirety of the ceremony. Nor were those his real paws clapping halfway through the show. It’s okay, they got me too folks.
Though, something very real happened during the show. This ceremony was the 50th anniversary of “what used to be the craziest moment in Oscars history” according to Kimmel. In 1974, a streaker ran across the stage while David Niven was attempting to introduce Elizabeth Taylor.
When it came time to announce the winner for best costume design, with a bit of irony, John Cena did so completely naked. He tiptoed across the stage, nervously holding a large envelope to cover himself (as if he wasn’t see-through). For me, this was the highlight of the night.
From the presenters, we got a taste of what’s to come for film this year. Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling presented a tribute to stunt work throughout the history of cinema, fitting with the theme of their upcoming movie “The Fall Guy” about a stuntman turned real-life action hero who falls in love with his director,
Likewise, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande presented the award for best score and best original song, in line with their respective roles as Elphaba and Galinda in the upcoming adaptation of the musical “Wicked”, a prequel to “The Wizard Of Oz.”
For the presentation of best supporting actor and actress, as well as best lead actor and actress; five past winners from both categories took the stage to celebrate each nominee individually and speak to the strengths of their performance.
The display was not only original, it was very touching to see older and very decorated stars talk about their views on art and give praise to people who are becoming their contemporaries. Some of the stars that gave these honors were Michelle Yeoh, Matthew McConaughey, and Mahershala Ali.
Christopher Nolan won his first Oscar for directing “Oppenheimer,” and not for writing “Memento,” which I did not know but is really bothering me. Shoutout to “Brokeback Mountain” I guess.
It wasn’t all fanfare and fun for the night though. Rather than go for a funny bit like Anthony Anderson did at The Grammys, the Academy just forced winners off the stage with the “shut up already!” music.
While one of the members of the VFX team for Godzilla: Minus One worked through his speech, written in English, the orchestra tried to cut him off. I honestly believe pulling the team off with a comically large cane would have been less rude.
Also, Bradley Cooper lost the Oscar for Best Actor, making him 0-12 with his nominations. The Academy must really get a kick out of disappointing this guy. But also, he brings his mother to every award show, so he is partially doing this to himself.
The real miracle of the night was the show being on schedule, ending just in time for a delightful episode of “Abbott Elementary” to air. In all, I ended the show satisfied. While it wasn’t a jaw-dropping, scandalous ceremony, the wins were (for the most part) well-deserved, and the comedy was on point. 2023 was a landmark year for cinema, and here’s to hoping that 2024 continues the trend.