How does you open the Oscars without a host? With Adam Lambert and Queen paying tribute to Freddie Mercury. The band did ”We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions” followed by a movie montage. Then Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poheler showed us what they’d be doing as hosts IF they were actually hosting. Then they presented Outstanding Supporting Actress to Regina King. She brought her mom.
Overall, the host-less format worked out well. The show, which relied on music and comedy to move it along, actually did well on time. We’ll see how the ratings look today.
The big prize of the night went to “Green Book,” which took home Best Picture honors. But “Bohemian Rhapsody” picked up four honors, including a Best Actor trophy for Rami Malek.
It was a historic night for African Americans. There were six Black winners – the most ever in a single year. The closest was in 2017 when four Blacks won. Interestingly, Mahershala Aliwon both years. Ruth Cater, Hannah Beachler, Peter Ramsey, Spike Lee, and Kevin Willmot joined Regina and Mahershala in the winner’s circle. Ruth and Hannah won for Costume Design and Production Design, respectively, for “Black Panther” – a first for African Americans in both categories. Peter picked up kudos for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” as the first Black director to be nominated and win in the Animated Feature category. Spike and Kevin won for Best Adapted Screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman.” It was Spike’s first Oscar win ever, and the pure joy of the moment could be seen when he jumped into the arms of his friend and fellow Morehouse College alum Samuel L. Jackson.
Other highlights included…
·For the most part, the stars reserved their political statements for the red carpet. “Crazy Rich Asians” star Constance Wu had an ACLU ribbon over her clutch bag, Spike Lee wore knuckle rings with Love and Hate on each hand while paying tribute to Prince with his purple suit and symbol necklace, and Kathy Griffin brought Amanda Nguyen as her plus one Amanda is responsible for the Survivors Bill of Rights Act to change how rape kits are processed.
·The biggest upset of the night was in the Best Actress category. Everyone expected Glenn Close to win, but she was bested by “The Favourite” star Olivia Colman. It was clear that Olivia hadn’t planned to win, but her speech was refreshingly funny.
·Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s performance of “Shallow.” Either they’re dating, or they’re excellent actors because they appeared to have a moment during their song. Gaga went on to win the Best Original Song trophy.
·Melissa McCarthy and Brian Tyree Henry presented the Achievement in Costume Design. They looked down right crazy in what they were wearing, which was quite fitting for the category.
Here's a look at the major categories. For a complete list of winners, click HERE.
The 91st Annual Academy Award Winners
Best Picture
·“Black Panther”
·“BlacKkKlansman”
·“Bohemian Rhapsody”
·“The Favourite”
·“Green Book” -- WINNER
·“Roma”
·“A Star Is Born”
·“Vice”
Lead Actor
·Christian Bale, “Vice”
·Bradley Cooper, “A Star Is Born”
·Willem Dafoe, “At Eternity’s Gate”
·Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody” -- WINNER
·Viggo Mortensen, “Green Book”
Lead Actress
·Yalitza Aparicio, “Roma”
·Glenn Close, “The Wife”
·Olivia Colman, “The Favourite” -- WINNER
·Lady Gaga, “A Star Is Born”
·Melissa McCarthy, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
Supporting Actor
·Mahershala Ali, “Green Book” -- WINNER
·Adam Driver, “BlacKkKlansman”
·Sam Elliott, “A Star Is Born”
·Richard E. Grant, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
·Sam Rockwell, “Vice”
Supporting Actress
·Amy Adams, “Vice”
·Marina de Tavira, “Roma”
·Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk” -- WINNER
·Emma Stone, “The Favourite”
·Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite”
Director
·Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman”
·Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War”
·Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite”
·Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma” -- WINNER
·Adam McKay, “Vice”