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Feb 25, 2019

The 9 Best Moments From Oscars 2019

Who would have thought that a hostless Oscars would have delivered such an entertaining night at the 91st Academy Awards?

Going into Sunday’s awards show, both movie fans and Hollywood were figuratively white-knuckling their armrests to see how the show’s producers would pull off a ceremony mired in controversy and behind-the-scenes turmoil. The end result was a surprisingly drama-free and, dare we say, entertaining one.

The show moved at a relatively fast clip, thanks to seasoned presenters like Melissa McCarthy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph. The awards show also delivered enough meme-worthy fodder to keep the internet busy for DAYS (re: Spike Lee’s win and that performance of “Shallow.”) There were some surprises on the way to the winner’s stage last night as well that kept viewers on their toes –and regretting some of their Oscar ballot picks for their office pool. Here are the best moments from the telecast that you’ll be talking and tweeting about.

1. Glenn Close On The Red Carpet

 

Game recognize game. Despite the object of her affection’s name being misspelled in the above tweet, the night yielded its first meme-able moment thanks to Best Actress nominee Close’s reaction to Red Carpet on-camera personality Billy Porter’s stan-worthy outfit.

2. Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, And Amy Poehler

 

This trio made a strong and hilarious case for why it should be law that they host every awards show. And star in every movie. The three talented stars had the night’s best jokes and banter; here’s hoping somehow the Academy Awards producers can convince these ladies to come back next year in a full hosting capacity.

3. Chris Evans Is A Perfect Swoon-Worthy Gentleman…Again

 

Our hands are still sore from applauding Regina King’s much-deserved win for her compelling performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. And we’re still kinda swooning over the moment when Steve Rogers himself, Chris Evans, helped escort King up on stage to accept her award because he is a gentleman. And just the best. O, Captain, our Captain.

4. Melissa McCarthy And Bryan Tyree Henry Rock…Couture?

(Credit: ABC)

 

Best Actress nominee McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) joined Henry (Widows, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) onstage to present the award for Best Costume Design and, well, they arguably stole the night with their mash-up ensemble of outfits inspired by the night’s nominees. (Love the nod to The Favourite with the bunny puppet). If Team Maya/Tina/Amy are too busy to host next year, let’s hope these two have some room on their calendars.

5. Ruth Carter Becomes First Black Woman To Win For Costume Design

 

Wakanda Forever! In an awards show full of emotional moments, Carter’s win – and the standing ovation that accompanied it – were high notes. Her inspiring speech also tugged on the heartstrings.

Passionate and from the heart, the veteran costume designer took command of the stage as she was honored for her next-level work in Marvel’s Black Panther. She helped earn Marvel their first-ever Oscar win – the studio would take home three in total last night – and fans of the movie were given yet another reason to love the film thanks to her work in it.

6. Spike Lee Finally Won A Competitive Oscar

 

This one was a long time coming.

After having won an honorary Oscar in 2015, acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee earned his first Best Director nomination (BlacKkKlansman) ever heading into last night’s ceremony. And while he did not win for that category, he did take home an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay… but not before jumping into presenter Samuel L. Jackson’s arms, who was overjoyed to see his old friend finally win one of the coveted golden prizes. Truly one of the most memorable moments in the history of the awards.

7. That…Intense…Performance Of ‘Shallow’

 

Whether you love or hate A Star Is Born, or are less than a big fan of Lady Gaga, there is no denying that her and Bradley Cooper’s performance of the Oscar-winning “Shallow” was an event in that auditorium last night.

Shot from the perspective of the stage, looking out onto the crowd just like in the movie, Best Actor nominee Cooper escorted his costar and Best Actress hopeful Gaga to the stage. He took a mic, she took the piano, and the internet was given its next talking point for days. If the song wasn’t already a shoo-in for the win, this number clenched it – which is probably why its performance was saved for the last one of the night.

8. The Cinematography And Camera Direction Of The Show Itself

Speaking of direction, this Oscars seemed to be more inventive with its camera movement – especially with a few crane shots that would soar over the stage and out into the audience to find a recently-announced winner and follow them in one-shot up to the stage. The direction and camera shots were on par with many of the feature films the telecast was honoring; more meta-y programming decisions like that for next year, please!

9. Olivia Colman‘s Off-The-Cuff-, Joyous Speech

 

This is how you make a speech.

Full of class, grace, and wit, Olivia Colman celebrated her Best Actress victory for The Favourite by addressing her fellow nominees – especially presumed-frontrunner Glenn Close for The Wife – with genuine sincerity while trying to process a win that seemed to take her completely by surprise. The internet and press were quick to heap on deserving praise for the speech, with some already ranking it among the best ever in the history of the Academy Awards. We totally support that choice.

 

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