Everyone was waiting to see if The Oscar Awards 2017 would be any different from years past. Last year #Oscarssowhite was the major trending topic about the Oscar Awards. People of color and other ethnic backgrounds felt snubbed when the nominations were announced last year. Jada Pinkett-Smith spoke out in opposition to the snub. Her and husband actor Will Smith boycotted last years award show, along with a host others.
Cheryl Boone Isaacs, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences addressed the issue and vowed major changes. She took steps to include more African Americans on the voting panel and other internal changes.
Those changes showed at The Oscar Awards 2017, as diversity was on full display.
Mahershala Ali took home the first Oscar of the night, securing the best supporting actor trophy for his role as Juan in Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight.” He is the first Muslim actor in history to win an Academy Award. He thank his teachers, professors, and wife in his acceptance speech.
La La Land came in as the favorite to capture best picture, but got upset by Moonlight. It was an incredible moment.
In a stunning turn, “Moonlight” won the best picture Oscar after “La La Land” was incorrectly named. The “La La Land” team were in the process of giving thanks when it was announced that the wrong film had been read and that “Moonlight” was the real winner. Warren Beatty read from the wrong envelope. “Moonlight” is the first LGBTQ film to win the Oscar for best picture.
Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney also won adapted screenplay for “Moonlight,” Jenkins dedicate his acceptance speech “to all those black and brown boys and girls and non-gender-conforming who don’t see themselves” in film.
Is it me or does Viola Davis just keep getting better with age wearing a stunning red dress, but her skills as actress is undeniable. She has been nominated three times and I guess the third time is the charm. She took home Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Fences”
Director Ezra Edelman took home an Oscar for his 8-hour documentary “O.J.: Made in America.”
In all five African-Americans took home major awards, this may be the most in history at the Oscar Award Show.
This is huge step in the right direction of being more inclusive of different films. The Oscars nominated and awarded African Americans that touch on social issues and display actors and actresses with dynamic range. It is very important the Oscars showcase films from all walks of life. There is plenty of work to be done, but this is a good start.
