On March 4 at 6 p.m., the Oscar Academy Awards Opening Ceremony: Live from the Red Carpet was broadcast from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hosting this annual event were Michael Strahan, co-anchor of “Good Morning America,” Wendi McLendon-Covey, a star from “The Goldbergs,” and Sara Haines, host of “The View,” making way for the most notorious actors, producers and writers of all time.
At first glance, it was evident that the men and women present at this event were experiencing one of the most unforgettable experiences of their lives. “The fact that I am here is so surreal,” said Allison William from the movie “Get Out.” Most of these actors and actresses would have never imagined being at such a momentous event and were eager to spend time with their colleagues and friends.
Making a memorable entrance at this event were special men and women, such as 86-year-old Rita Moreno, who was awarded Best Supporting Actress in 1962. “I am wearing the same dress that I wore 56 years ago,” she exclaimed with happiness. Her elegant dress, beautiful presence and unmatchable energy brought a smile to everyone’s face, and she was given a standing ovation later when presenting one of the awards.
The crowd roared when Chadwick Boseman, the “Black Panther” star, made a special appearance and was quick to respond to a question regarding his experience with being a public figure and role model for many. “No pressure,” he said, “I am having tons of fun with it.” Humbly, he expanded on his experience thus far as the Black Panther and spoke about his gratitude to the people who contributed to his success. “Giving is the more selfish thing [one]could ever do,” he said.
Kelly Marie Tran, an actress in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” flawlessly explained and spoke very highly of the men and women at this event that mean so much to her as her role models. “[They are] amazing, creative, innovators,” she said with a gentle look. Her smile testified to the love and attention that she has received from co-workers, fans and loving family.
Advocating for the “Time’s Up” Movement at this event were Ashley Judd, an actress in the movie “Divergent,” and Mira Sorvino, an actress in the movie “Exposed.” These two strong and brilliant women have taken on the responsibility of speaking on behalf of women in the workforce who have experienced sexual misconduct. These have made such allegations against radio personality, television host and producer, Ryan Seacrest, hoping to shed light on this issue and working toward ultimately put an end to all perpetrators of this horrible act. The time in which victims of these heinous crimes are “disbelieved and minimized,” as said by Ashley Judd, are up.
Transitioning into the 90th Oscars, host Jimmy Kimmel began the event with a joke about awarding a Jet Ski to the winner who gave the shortest speech of the night. Not so jokingly, the award was given to Mark Bridges, costume designer for the “Phantom Thread,” with a speech that lasted a short 30 seconds. Host Kimmel’s words, all jokes aside, spoke in favor of the men and women in the room whom millions were watching and their need to “set an example” for all.
Winners:
Best Supporting Actor Award: Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Makeup and Hairstyling Award: “Darkest Hour”
Costume Design Award: “Phantom Thread”
Best Documentary Feature: “Icarus”
Best Original Song: “Remember Me” from the movie “Coco”
The Sound Editing Award, the Sound Mixing Award, and the Film Editing Award: “Dunkirk”
Best Production Design and Best Original Score: “The Shape of Water”
Best Foreign Language Film: “A Fantastic Woman”
Best Actress in Supporting Role: Allison Janney, “I Tonya”
Best Animated Short Film: “Dear Basketball”
Visual Effects Award and the Cinematography Award: “Blade Runner 2049”
Best Documentary Short Film Subject: “Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405”
Best Live Action Short Film: “The Silent Child”
Best Adapted Screen Name: “Call Me by Your Name”
Best Actress: Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Best Actor: Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”
Best Original Screenplay: “Get Out”
Congratulations to the men and women who were honorably awarded, and to those who were not awarded, yet still work extremely hard toward making films that entertain and move audiences around the world.
