It seems that many people didn’t care or notice that the 2021 Oscars have come and gone, but I suppose with all that’s happening this year, that’s only natural.
Just in case you didn’t fancy the 3 hour long coverage here at Let’s Talk Movies, we’ve put together a breakdown of all the biggest moments from the 93rd Academy Awards!
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The event was maskless but followed all the same Covid-19 safety protocols that Hollywood film sets follow, such as vaccinations, testing, distancing and masks when the cameras are off.
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This year there is no host. “It’s been a long year, and we are still in the middle of it. We are grieving the loss of so many people,” Regina King said, picking up the Oscar trophy and walking through Union Station to her place at center stage.
In her brief monologue, King shared her thoughts. Additionally, she referenced the recent conviction of Derek Chauvin, George Floyd’s killer, and stated that if things had been different, she might have traded in her heels for marching boots. As a mother of a Black son, I understand the fear so many live with, and no amount of fame or fortune can change that. But tonight, we’re here to celebrate. This was a difficult year, but our love of movies got us through.”
Oscars
The best supporting actor award went to Daniel Kaluuya for his role in Judas and the Judas on Sunday night, and among some very powerful words was an unforgettable reference to his mum’s sex life. It was a funny, candid moment that had everyone in the audience laughing — except for his mom, who was there watching. It had the whole place in stitches with its hilarious casual charm!
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“You got to celebrate life, man! We are breathing, walking, it’s amazing. My mom and dad had sex. How amazing is that?” Kaluuya laughed. “You understand? I’m here. You know what I mean? I’m so happy to be alive.” The camera hilariously caught Kaluuya’s mom’s reaction, as her look of pride — which she’d been radiating with during his speech — turned into a look of confusion and bafflement, mixed with a healthy dose of irritation. Beautifully done Daniel!!
This year’s Oscars were a watershed moment for stylists for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Viola Davis personal hairstylist Jamika Wilson, Sergio Lopez-Rivera, and Mia Neal, head of the hair department, took home the statuette for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, the latter becoming the first-ever Black stylists to win the award in this category. The Academy, Netflix, Davis, and the “spirit of Ma Rainey” were all thanked by Neal in his acceptance speech.
“I’m standing here with Jamika as we break this glass ceiling with so much excitement for the future. Because I have pictures of Black trans women standing up here, our Asian sisters, our Latina sisters, and Indigenous women. And I know one day it won’t be unusual or revolutionary -it will just be normal.”
Neal told The Root that diversity benefits everyone in the film industry, stating that everyone benefits from inclusivity. I also think everyone wants it to be honest… Technology, being more connected, and people not being afraid to speak up have sped up the pace of time. Therefore, I think the project is going well and that it is being well-received, you know, that’s the beauty of it. There are no signs of resistance. That’s why I said I was excited about the future because these conversations are taking place, these questions are being asked by reporters, and so I think we should all be excited about the future.”
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Let’s Talk Movies was rooting for this result and it was one of the biggest of the night! For the very first time in the history of the Academy Awards, a woman of colour wins the best director award, becoming only the 2nd woman to win the award since Kathryn Bigelow in 2009 for Hurt Locker.
I used to play this game with my dad when I was growing up in China. “We would memorize classic poems and texts and complete each other’s sentences,” Zhao recalled during her acceptance speech, before reciting one that means, “People at birth are inherently good.” & “I have always found goodness in the people I met,” Zhao said, adding that “the award is for anyone who can hold onto their goodness.”
Lil Rel Howery hosted a game with some celebrities in attendance as the show was building up to its final categories, where he would play a song and they would guess if it won an Oscar, was just nominated, or was not nominated at all. Despite playing with Andra Day and Daniel Kaluuya, Glenn Close made all the headlines when she played “Da Butt” by School Daze.
The song’s backstory surprised everyone — not just that it wasn’t nominated, but also that Close knew how to dance to it!
Zhao and Frances McDormand, along with the Nomadland team and real-life nomads cast in the film, took to the stage after Nomadland won Best Picture. The Oscar-winning actress shared, “We give this one to our Wolf,” before letting loose with a powerful howl. According to Zhao, “the howling is for our production sound mixer Wolf, who you saw at the memorial.” She was referring to Michael Wolf Snyder, with whom she has worked on several projects in the past. It is with great sadness that I inform you that he recently passed away… however, he was a family member.”
In his belated acceptance speech for the Best Actor award, Anthony Hopkins paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman. During the 93rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday night, Hopkins received the award for best actor at the age of 83, causing controversy among fans who expected the late great Chadwick Boseman to win for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
On Instagram, the 83-year-old posted his speech in which he offers his condolences to Chadwick and his family
In my native Wales, I am 83 years old and I did not expect this award, I really did not. I would like to thank the academy for this honor. Chadwick Boseman was also taken from us far too early, and I wish to pay tribute to him. I thank you once again. Receiving this award is an honor and a privilege. I appreciate it.”
