The Oscars Return and Make History

   This year’s Oscars were able to take place in a public setting with a small group of nominees in person at L.A’s Union Station, along with others attending virtually. The nominees presented at this show were the most diversified in the history of the event as seventy women and nine people of color were nominated for their work. 

  One of the biggest winners of the night was Chloé Zhao, the Chinese-born filmmaker, who won best director for “Nomadland”, which also won best picture. Yuh-Jung Youn was the first Korean actor to win an Oscar for her performance in “Minari” as best supporting actress and gave one of the best speeches of the night. 

  Another monumental win for women was Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson taking home the Oscar for  best makeup and hairstyling, being the first Black women to be nominated and win in this category, for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. There was also Ann Roth who won for costume designs in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, being the oldest woman to win an Oscar at the age of 89. Other powerful films that won that night that feature people of color were “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Two Distant Strangers”

  The night ended with the announcement of the best actor category given by Joaquin Phoenix. He was meant to present it to Anthony Hopkins for his performance in “The Father”, who was unfortunately not there to receive it. Therefore, Phoenix accepted it on his behalf and the credits started rolling. This weird ending seemed to be unexpected especially since many people had hoped for Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer last year, to win for his performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. 

  Nevertheless, this year’s Oscars event seemed to struggle like many other award shows have been with their viewership ratings at an all time low because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At least the award show was able to validate certain strong individuals in the film industry in a crucial time period for all people of color.

Best Picture

• “Nomadland” — Winner

Best Director

• Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland” — Winner

Actress in a Leading Role

• Frances McDormand, “Nomadland” — Winner

Actor in a Leading Role

• Anthony Hopkins, “The Father” — Winner

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Yuh-jung Youn, “Minari” — Winner

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah” — Winner

Original Song

• “Fight For You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah” — Winner

Animated Feature Film

• “Soul” — Winner

Makeup and Hairstyling

• “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — Winner

Visual Effects

• “Tenet” — Winner

Cinematography

• “Mank” — Winner

Film Editing

• “Sound of Metal” — Winner

Production Design

• “Mank” — Winner

Sound

• “Sound of Metal” — Winner

International Feature Film

• Denmark, “Another Round” — Winner

Documentary Short Subject

• “Colette” — Winner

Documentary Feature

• “My Octopus Teacher” — Winner

Live Action Short Film

• “Two Distant Strangers” — Winner

Animated Short Film

• “If Anything Happens I Love You” — Winner

Original Screenplay

• Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” — Winner

Adapted Screenplay

• Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller, “The Father” — Winner

Original Score

• “Soul” — Winner

Costume Design

• “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — Winner