Now that the 88th Academy Awards have rolled up the red carpet and shut down its cameras until next year, it’s time to look back at last night’s Oscars ceremony and point out some highlights. On the whole, it wasn’t a bad show. It did not feel as longwinded as previous installments designed to celebrate the “best of the best” of the Hollywood industry. However, the event was not without its snags and some really, really weird bits. The bigger question (some might say the “Elephant in the Dolby Theatre”) pertained to the controversy that loomed large prior to the Oscars’ broadcast: the lack of diversity among established roles within the movie community. How would this be addressed? Would it, in fact, be addressed at all? Our curiosity was quickly satiated not just by Chris Rock’s opening monologue, but by some of the comments made by celebrities during the pre-show, red carpet interviews.
But more on that later. Without further ado, here are Adorama’s most memorable moments from the 2016 Oscars:
1. Chris Rock
Well… He kinda’ nailed it. Sure there was the occasional awkward moment when Rock stumbled on the build up to a punchline. And he had this unique habit of giggling underneath his breath every time he walked off the stage (it was as if he was aware at any moment a crack would open up in the ground and swallow up the theater full of the industry elite). But his act was smart in so many ways: it took on the #oscarssowhite brouhaha head on by gentling ribbing the audience while making his points loud and clear. And the most important thing? He was very funny.
2. For Awhile It Looked Like “Mad Mad: Fury Road” Could Win Everything
The fourth Mad Max feature was not only critically praised it also found itself on the short list of Best Picture nominees. It also walked away with six Academy Awards – the most of any film nominated for anything last night. But it didn’t win Big Picture. That honor went to a title that surprised everyone, the Tom McCarthy directed “Spotlight.”
3. Lady Gaga Performs “’Till it Happens to You.”
Aaron Poole/A.M.P.A.S
Out of the music performances last night, Lady Gaga’s rendition of her Oscar-nominated song “’Till it Happens To You” resonated in ways that went beyond the other hopefuls. Introduced by Vice President Joe Biden, it was a touching tribute to victims of sexual abuse. But the capper to the moment involved the surprise appearance of actual victims of rape and sexual assault who stood in defiance with Gaga during the song’s finale.
4. The Left Field Appearance of Stacey Dash
Mark Suban/A.M.P.A.S
You know how we mentioned there were some really, really weird bits to the Oscar telecast last night? Well, chalk this moment up to being the weirdest of the weird. After a satirical montage illuminating the lack of racial diversity in film, Chris Rock proceeded to introduce the “New Director of the Academy’s Minority Outreach Program.” Enter Stacey Dash, former actress and Fox News pundit, who previously and publically criticized the Oscars protests and was quick to blame the issues on minorities and not the lack of minority involvement. Upon her arrival on the stage she exclaimed, “I cannot wait to help my people out. Happy Black History Month!” Then promptly exited.
Was it supposed to be a punch line to a not entirely appropriate joke? Who knows? But the Oscar attendees – and the television viewing audience – were left baffled.
5. Dave Grohl’s Rendition of Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird”
Aaron Poole/A.M.P.A.S
During the customary, annual In Memoriam segment of the Oscars telecast, Dave Grohl provided a touching rendition of Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird.” The Foo Fighters frontman kept it sweet, mellow and informal (although would’ve it killed him to wear a tie? We jest of course)>
6. Louis C.K.’s Appearance
Aaron Poole/A.M.P.A.S
The famed comedian and Fox Television sitcom star delivered a hilarious introduction before announcing the Short Documentary winner. “This is documentary short film – it’s not even documentary feature,” he said to much laughter from the audience, “you cannot make a dime on this. These people will never be rich as long as they live so this Oscar means something.”
7. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Acceptance Speech
Todd Waughchuck/A.M.P.A.S
Although it surprised no one, Leo brought home the Best Actor award last night. But his speech was classy, humble and not without acknowledging his work promoting environmental issues. Even more touching, he acknowledged the exhausting support of his parents, one of whom – his mother – was Leo’s date for the night.
8. Girl Scout Cookies
Aaron Poole/A.M.P.A.S
If this year’s Oscars would not just be remembered for its #oscarssowhite controversy, the second theme running through the second half of the show was Chris Rock’s attempt to raise enough money for his daughters’ girl scout cookie campaign. Not only was it a great gag, but he managed to raise over $60k as well. But the moment that none of us will ever “unsee” again involved Morgan Freeman hungrily reaching out for his share of Thin Mints at the end of the show.
9. “Spotlight” Surprises Everyone by Winning Best Picture
“Spotlight” had only received one other award for Best Adapted Screenplay while “Fury Road” won six and The Revenant appeared to be claiming its stake as well. So imagine the collective gasp when announcer Morgan Freeman intoned the winning film’s name.
10. Sam Smith Flubs His Facts During Oscar Acceptance Speech
Singer/composer Sam Smith took the Best Song honor for his contribution to the latest James Bond film “Spectre.” Although this was greeted with collective head-scratching across numerous social platforms (the song “The Writing’s on the Well” has not been, shall we say, too well received), his golden moment was somewhat marred by misquoting Sir Ian McKellen while implying that no openly gay man has ever won an Oscar. Well… tell that to Elton John, Stephen Sondheim and, most specifically, Dustin Lance Black (the screenwriter for “Milk”) who shot back at Smith with this tweet:
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