What a night it was! After all the mix ups of previous years and the “withdrawal of offer” on this year’s host (more social media scandal) the Academy is to be congratulated on a well –crafted, professional Oscars ceremony. This ceremony will always have heart, tears and political messages. What do you expect from an Arts community who invest their passions and days in constructing stories of humanity and invest in alternative realities?
The focus on women and diversity was palpable. Here are some highlights
A powerful start with Queen playing We are the Champions.
Three women presenters – Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph do a great job of starting the night’s entertainment- Who needs a host?
“Roma’s on Netflix! What’s next? My microwave makes movies?”
Best Supporting actress– Regina King, If Beale Street Could talk.
Melissa McCarthy and Brian Tyree Henry present the Best Costume category
Check it Out- Hilarious
Best Cinematography– Alfonso Cuaron Roma “Thank you Mexico…”
Best Foreign Film- Alfonso Cuaron– Roma- acceptance speech “There are no waves. There is only the ocean and we are all part of the ocean.” Thank you Mexico.
Best Film Editing- John Ottman, Bohemian Rhapsody
Best Actor in a Supporting Role– Maharshala Ali, Green Book- beautiful speech
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga sing Shallow- Beautiful! Also won Best Original Song
Best Original Screenplay- Green Book
Best Adapted Screenplay– Spike Lee Blackkklansman
Barbra Striesand presented a thumbnail of Blackkklansman with the words. “Truth is especially precious these days.”
Best Actor in a Leading Role- Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! Please watch this- Its special!
Best Actress Olivia Colman, The Favourite- beautiful!
Oscar for Achievement in Directing- Alfonso Cuaron- Roma
“Part of our work is to look at where others don’t when we are encouraged to look away.” Alfonso Cuaron
Julia Roberts presented the Oscar for best Picture Award- It went to Green Book- A fantastic Film- See the Review on Viva 70 Arts Section
It was a tender and very human ceremony this year. It was professional with just the right amount of funny and recognition of some fine work by talent and leaders of the future in the industry. The agenda of ensuring progress in diversity and the role of women was obvious and welcome.