“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, stars, directors, producers, set designers and costume makers alike come together to celebrate the amazing films of the year. From the streets of Brooklyn (“Anora”) to the desert planet Arrakis (“Dune: 2”) and the Newport Folk Film Festival (“A Complete Unknown”), films have the ability to transport viewers into another world.
TV host and comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the Oscars for the first time. After Jimmy Kimmel’s run as the Oscars host, the torch was passed onto O’Brien. He had his moments in the beginning like when he poked fun at “The Substance” trying to find his shoe in Demi Moore’s fake body. He sang a song about not wasting any time as a pun featuring Deadpool and the “Dune” sandworm playing the piano.
Conan O’Brien did not have the “it” factor as a host, but he also was not controversial like some previous award show hosts. Conan O’Brien remained neutral throughout the night. O’Brien has a dry sense of humor that can attract some but maybe not others. Throughout the show, O’Brien became less tense. He made a funny joke about Timotheé Chalamet’s butter yellow suit, saying that he won’t get “hit on his bike,” referencing the time when Timotheé rode a bike onto the red carpet for “A Complete Unknown”.
The night opened along the yellow brick road, with a stunningly beautiful performance in gorgeous gowns. Ariana’s dress imitated the classic ruby red slippers, and Cynthia’s dress is said to be a subtle nod to Diana Ross’s Dorothy in the “Wiz”.“Wicked” stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande paid tribute to the “Wizard of Oz” universe with Ariana singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Cynthia singing “Home” from “The Wiz,” and both ladies singing “Defying Gravity” from their film. Their performance was legendary and emotional.
First year Emily Flynn shared “I really enjoyed the opening. I thought it was really special. It was definitely a good way to get viewers since “Wicked” was such a popular movie.”
Paul Tanzel is the first black man to receive a costume design award for “Wicked.” I am happy “Wicked” won in this category because the elaborate costumes in the film look like they had a lot of detail. “Conclave” won for adapted screenplay and the writer sentimentally dedicated his award to his daughter. “The Substance” won an award for the best costume and hair, a well-deserved win for the horrifying transformation of Demi Moore’s character Elisabeth. Best Director, Best Film and Best Leading Actor was awarded to “The Brutalist”. Andrien Brody gave a very long acceptance speech and shushed the background music down.
Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye sang iconic James Bond featuring “The Substance” star Margaret Qualley as a dancer to honor producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Despite the controversy surrounding “Emilia Perez,” Zoe Saldaña won the award for the best supporting actress. Saldaña delivered a touching acceptance speech, giving credence to her family.
“Anora” took home the gold, sweeping the categories with five wins. The film won for best original screenplay, film editing, best director, best picture and actress in a leading role. Mikey Madison won her first Oscar award which was also her first nomination at just 25-years-old. “Anora,” an independent film, won more awards than people thought they would..
First year Olivia Newberry said “It was a very entertaining night. It was a full production.” The 97th Annual Oscar Awards was definitely unforgettable!
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