What to Remember from the 2019 Oscars
RAMI MALEK SCORED BEST ACTOR
Rami Malek had already made waves throughout this trophy campaign so it was, arguably, one of the most predictable Oscars of the evening. After winning a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, and a BAFTA, the 37-year-old actor was honored with Best Actor for his portrayal as Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody." When he walked onto the stage, the actor explained what the award meant for him, stating, "I am the son of immigrants from Egypt. I'm a first-generation American, and part of my story is being written right now." However, the spotlight did not end there for Malek who finished the night in the hands of first aid agents after falling off the stage in a final photo.
OLIVIA COLMAN WON BEST ACTRESS
The other big winner of the Oscars' 91st ceremony was the British actress, Olivia Colman who was named Best Actress for her performance in "The Favorite" as well as for styling Glenn Close and Lady Gaga. In her own personal exuberance, humility, and humor Olivia Colman went on to address Glenn Close, "Glenn, you've always been my idol, I did not want that to happen..." This victory marks the end of a long period of speculation, based on the idea that the two actresses would pocket the golden statuette on D-Day.
GREEN BOOK WON BEST PICTURE
No one really expected Peter Farrelly's film to leave with the award for Best Picture. And yet, the true story of the friendship between a black pianist and his white chauffeur in segregationist America during the 1960s simultaneously interested the Academy and the whole world. Netizens had exhumed anti-Muslim tweets from the co-scriptwriter Nick Vallelunga, grandson of driver Tony Lip, while director Peter Farrelly had been accused of obscene behavior and inappropriate gestures at the time he did comedies in the 1990s. "Green Book", however, became the symbol of a reconciled America via an unlikely, unexpected, and unwarranted friendship.
A CEREMONY OF MUSIC
Without a host for the second time in thirty years, the ceremony opened with a performance of Queen accompanied by one of his touring friends, Adam Lambert. The American Idol alumni joined Queen's original guitarist, Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor to perform "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions." Lady Gaga won the Best Original Song for "Shallow" from A Star is Born's album. She was the highlight of the show, appearing alongside Bradley Cooper. The pair engaged in a sultry moment during the performance, sending a whirl of gossip through the audience.
DIVERSITY BEFORE EVERYTHING
This ceremony marked a turning point for the Oscars because never before have the nominees been so diverse. "Black Panther" leaves with three statuettes for Best Costume Design, Best Original Music Score, and Best Production Design. Ruth E. Carter and Hannah Beachler, respectively costume designer and art director of "Black Panther," are the first black women to win the statuette in these categories, and the first black women to win an Oscar without being actresses. Regina King won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for If Beale Street Could Talk, and Mahershala Ali snagged Best Supporting Actor for his role in Green Book. Director Spike Lee won Best Adapted Screenplay for his film BlacKkKlansman, delivering one of the most committed speeches of the evening, mentioning that the US presidential elections were held next year and that it is important to mobilize and to make the moral choice between "love and hate."