Last night, the 89th Academy Awards took place, as always, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and this year's host was TV show presenter Jimmy Kimmel. Unsurprisingly – considering what's happened at past awards ceremonies this season – politics was a hot topic on the night. Oh yes, as was one, small, teeny tiny error that happened. Irrelevant really. (NOT...)
But first, to politics...
'If every one of you took a minute to reach out to one person you disagree with,' Jimmy said in his opening speech, 'and have a positive, considerate conversation (not as Liberals or Conservatives) as Americans... if we all do that, we can make America Great again.'
A stellar start. Then Meryl Streep (that 'underrated' actress) got a standing ovation, and Matt Damon got slated. So far, so entertaining.
Nothing, however, could have prepared unsuspecting audience members for this moment a few hours later...
Best Film – Moonlight
After what was one of surely the most #awkward moments in Oscar history – when La La Land was mistakenly announced as the winner of the Best Film award (find out how it happened here)– the cast and producers of Moonlight took to the stage to receive their award.
'Very clearly, even in my dreams, this could not be true,' said Moonlight Director, Barry Jenkins.'But to hell with dreams, I'm done with it – cos this is true.'
It sure was!
Best Actress – Emma Stone, La La Land
'A moment like this is a huge confluence of luck and opportunity', Emma said thoughtfully of her win.
'Ryan Gosling – thank you for making me laugh and for always raising the bar and for being the greatest partner on this crazy adventure.'
She concluded, 'I still have a lot of growing and learning and work to do, and this guy [motions to the Oscar] is a really beautiful symbol to continue along that journey, and I am so grateful for that.'
We didn't think we could love her more than we did at the start of the ceremony, but who knew - we do!
Best Actor - Casey Affleck, Manchester By The Sea
Casey Affleck seemed a little lost for words – kinda understandably.
After a few thank yous, he sighed: 'Man, I wish I had something bigger and more meaningful to say, but I'm just, I'm really proud to be a part of this community... and I'm just dumfounded that I'm included.'
He did take the time to thank his brother Ben [Affleck] though. And that was nice.
Best Director – Damien Chazelle, La La Land
At just 32 years old, is now the youngest director to win an Oscar – ever! His speech was short, sweet and to the point. Also it was totally fitting that, for someone who has made one of this year's most talked about love stories, he chose to end it saying:
'This was a movie about love and I was lucky enough to fall in love while making it!'
Bless!
Best Supporting Actor – Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
In his touching speech, Mahershala paid tribute to his former teachers who, he said, all taught him to respect his characters. 'You're a servant, you're in service to these stories, and these characters,' he said.
And as if that wasn't enough to melt our hearts, he then gave a shout out to his daughter, born just four days ago. Cute!
Best Supporting Actress – Viola Davis, Fences
She did it! Viola won Best Supporting Actress for Fences, and then delivered an emotional acceptance speech too: 'Here's to August Wilson [Fences playwright/screenwriter] who exhumed and exalted the ordinary people.'
[Cue tears from the entire audience.]
'Viola Davis just got nominated for an Emmy for that speech,' Jimmy Fellon quipped afterwards.
Well said!
And the other awards won last night went to...
Best Costume Design – Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them
MakeUp And HairStyling – Suicide Squad
Documentary Feature – O.J.: Made In America
Sound Editing – Arrival
Sound Mixing – Hacksaw Ridge
Foreign Language Film – The Salesman
Animated Short Film – Piper
Animated Feature Film – Zootopia
Production Design – La La Land
Visual Effects – The Jungle Book
Film Editing – Hacksaw Ridge
Documentary Short Subject – The White Helmets
Cinematography – La La Land
Original Score – La La Land
Original Screenplay – Manchester By The Sea
That's all for this year! Till next time...