90 Years of Oscar

The 90th annual Academy Awards was a combination of class, comedy with a twist of political candor. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel whose opening monologue threw just a little shade…Jokes on you Harvey? Kimmel requested respect to the women in the industry and supporting the movements,  #MeToo and #TimesUp that arose from sexual misconduct allegations that have been swirling throughout hollywood and beyond.

First off the set was simply dazzling with 45-million Swarovski crystals, when the stage-lights hit those gems, it was truly something special. It was only out done by the stars themselves. One special moment when Oscar Nominated song, This is Me from The Greatest Showman was performed by broadway vet, Keala Settle. She was joined by a cast full of diverse people and the song that has become anthem for anyone who has struggled, brought the audience to its feet.

Another feel good time came when a handful of celebrities including Jimmy Kimmel and Wonder Woman herself, Gal Gadot headed across the street to the TCL Chinese Theater and surprised moviegoers. They took the cameras and put the crowd live on the Oscar broadcast. The stars also brought snacks.

Then two baddies came to snatch some edges, Tiffany Haddish and Maya Rudolph came to let us know “the Oscars ain’t too white” bringing some life to the stage. The ladies towed their heel in hand and replaced them with cozy house slippers for their schtick.

A great and one of the final segments of the Oscars pays tribute to the women of #MeToo, #TimesUp, and the minority and LGBT communities of the industry. Representing any and everyone who may fall in one those categories Lee Daniels declared,  “We’re here and we’re not going anywhere” giving hope to the growth and future of the film industry.

Best actress winner, Frances McDormand who won for her performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri topped it off having all the nominated women to stand. McDormand encouraged that meetings should be set up with all those standing and movie brass, to talk about their future projects. She said she had two words, “Inclusion rider”, implying this should be including in future deals to make sure they are inclusive.

The awards were entertaining, without getting too heavy politically, we’ll have to see the Nielson numbers to see how the ratings turned out.

For a list of all the Oscar Winners checkout www.oscars.org

-April Woodard Devin Williams