After being delayed 2 months later than their typical air date, the Academy Awards actually happened last night. Was it an exciting show that embraced how films can lift our spirits in the worst of times? Absolutely not. The Oscars were a trainwreck. I’ve watched the Oscars since I was 5 years old, and this was the worst show I’ve ever seen by a long shot.
Of course, I expected the show to be scaled down due to COVID precautions. Instead of the Dolby Theater, the Awards were held at Union Station. That’s okay. You can make things fun in a train station. Just look at the movie Hugo. It was not the location but the awful production that killed the telecast. Where do I begin with this hot mess? We’ll start with the fact that I felt like I was stuck in a business meeting instead of an Oscars telecast. Director Steven Soderbergh produced the show. He has won an Oscar, but I’m wondering if he has ever watched them.
Instead of showing clips from each film while presenting awards, the presenters took time to describe the nominees. It was bizarre and awkward. Why would we want to hear Laura Dern’s description of Daniel Kaluuya’s acting when we could watch a clip of his performance instead? When presenting Best Costume Design, not a single photo of the costumes was shown on screen. WHY? Show people what you have nominated, Academy!
The biggest head-scratcher of the night came from the order of the categories. Best Director was presented very early on. Chloé Zhao deservedly took home the award for Nomadland. She’s the second woman ever to win Best Director and the first Asian woman to win Best Director. Typically Best Director is presented as one of the big final 4 categories (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director.) Putting the award so early in the night made it less impactful because it was presented before the tech categories.
Best Picture was presented BEFORE Best Actress and Best Actor. Historically that doesn’t happen. You build the suspense to Best Picture. Make the people wait! That’s the biggest award. Steven Soderbergh did not care. He decided to throw everything into chaos.
Nomadland took home the award for Best Picture, but just like the Best Director moment, it felt like the hype was not built up enough because of the chaotic structure. Frances McDormand won the award for Best Actress for her work in Nomadland, making this her third Best Actress win. (Fargo, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Nomadland)
It all came down to Best Actor—the final award of the night. Joaquin Phoenix approached the stage. Were we about to get a lecture on dairy consumption? Anything could happen with Joaquin. He actually kept it pretty low-key, read the nominees, and announced that Anthony Hopkins won Best Actor for The Father. Hopkins did not attend the ceremony, so the show ended abruptly.
Many thought that Chadwick Boseman would win the award for his final performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and that’s why Best Actor was saved for the final category of the night. I will say that Anthony Hopkins gave a fantastic performance in The Father. Truthfully, he was my pick for Best Actor. However, the producers messed up by making it look like they were going to have a big moment for Chadwick Boseman as the finale of the night, then end the show so awkwardly. Another fail in a terrible broadcast.
Best Moment of the Night
The night was not all bad. Just mostly bad. The best moment came when Yuh-Jung Youn from Minari won Best Supporting Actress and accepted the award from Brad Pitt. Her acceptance speech was witty and entertaining as she began by saying, “Mr. Brad Pitt, finally! Nice to meet you! Where were you when we were filming in Tulsa?”
If you have not seen Minari, her performance is excellent. Her on-screen dynamic with Alan S. Kim is the heart of the film.
Worst Moment of the Night
There are so many moments to choose from in the worst category. The one that truly stands out in my mind is the “In Memoriam” section. Whew, it was downright disrespectful to all of those who have passed away in the last year. The song choice was weirdly upbeat for such a somber moment, and their photos were flying by like the editor accidentally sped up the slideshow. It was uncomfortable to watch. Considering the Academy airs a 3-hour broadcast, they could have easily come up with a much better segment.
Did you watch the Oscars this year? How did you feel about the broadcast? Did your favorite nominees win? Here is a full list of the winners.
List of all Winners
Best Picture: Nomadland
Best Actor: Anthony Hopkins, The Father
Best Actress: Frances McDormand, Nomadland
Best Director: Chloé Zhao, Nomadland
Best Supporting Actor: Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and The Black Messiah
Best Supporting Actress: Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari
Best Original Screenplay: Promising Young Woman
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Father
Best Cinematography: Mank
Best Animated Film: Soul
Best International Film: Another Round
Best Documentary: My Octopus Teacher
Best Documentary Short: Collette
Best Production Design: Mank
Best Costume Design: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Best Film Editing: Sound of Metal
Best Original Score: Soul
Best Original Song: Fight For You, Judas and the Black Messiah
Best Short Film (Animated): If Anything Happens I Love You
Best Short Film (Live Action): Two Distant Strangers
Best Sound: Sound of Metal
Best Visual Effects: Tenet