February 25, 2019 |
In the world of social media, Academy Award night is nothing without a good meme and some trending Tweets. And despite missing out on a worldwide viral moment like the 2014 Oscar selfie or the 2017 Best Picture mix-up, there were still plenty of memorable moments that came out of last night’s spectacle. Continue reading and indulge in some Oscar trivia which might come in handy at the next pub quiz…
Speeches to Remember
Winning isn’t everything, but giving a good speech once you do definitely is. The award for the most emotional went to Olivia Colman whose reaction to winning in the Best Actress category was just about the most hearty response in Oscar history. “I used to work as a cleaner, I loved that job but I did spend quite a lot of time imagining this,” with tears in her eyes and her voice teetering, Colman was the opposite of Hollywood cool. And when you have Emma Stone sobbing with happiness, you know you have the whole of the world in your palms too.
Winning for Best Adapted Screenplay for BlacKkKlansman, Spike Lee’s speech will also be remembered. Not only for his politically charged words (“When we regain our humanity it will be a powerful moment. The 2020 election is around the corner — let’s all mobilise and be on the right side of history.”), but also for the way Lee accepted the award. Fully jumping into a hug with presenter Samuel L. Jackson, Lee was exactly as excited as one could imagine.
(Not) Too Close for Comfort
Beyond the glamour of couture, the idea of comfort was evident at the Oscars. Best Actress presenter and last year’s winner Frances McDormand served one of the most iconic sartorial moments as she walked out on the stage in a custom Valentino gown and a pair of bright yellow Birkenstock sandals. Pure genius. Back on the red-carpet, the hunky actor aka Aquaman Jason Momoa rocked a soft pink velvet suit with his signature surfer jewellery, but it was one unexpected accessory that made us snap our fingers with excitement – a matching pink velvet scrunchy carrying a Fendi label. Trend alert!
Mock the Year
As always, comedians were in charge of the most memorable presenting moments. And with no host in sight (for the first time in 30 years), the jokes coming from the funny individuals were even more important than usual. The most laughs went to the ex-SNL trio of Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey who presented Regina King with the Oscar for the Best Supporting Actress in If Beale Street Could Talk. The ladies basically served a much-needed 2 and a half minute stand-up set, mocking the ceremony itself as well as throwing in some relevant cultural references. “Now everyone look under your seats, you’re all getting one of those cheese sandwiches from the Fyre Festival,” Fey exclaimed. And then there were Brian Tyree Henry and Melissa McCarthy, presenting the award for the best in costume design. Dressed as parodies of Queen Anne and Mary Poppins, the two came out to a stream of laughs – bunny puppets included.
The Stare That Made us Tingle
Queen, Bette Midler, Jennifer Hudson… Last night’s musical performances brought in a little bit of everything for everyone. But one particular performance stands out. Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper won the award for Best Original Song, and rightfully so. During their performance, the chemistry between the two was palpable even through the screen. Don’t go look for love – just find yourself someone who looks at you like Gaga looks at Cooper. There can be a 100 people in the room…
The After-Party Love
And then there were the after-parties. Yes, technically these weren’t part of the ceremony but we all know that Oscar night is nothing without a good boogie. As always, Elton John’s and Vanity Fair’s were the go-to’s, but an alternative one took the most attention. Lady Madonna hosted a party of her own, and out of it came one of the most retweeted pics of last night – Gaga embraced by M herself, in what could be the image of 21st century world peace. We feel much safer as these goddesses unite!
