The biggest celebration of achievement in film occurred on Feb. 26, the 89th Academy Awards. The star-studded extravaganza took place in Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre and showcased the greatest movies of 2016. Hosted by late night personality Jimmy Kimmel, this year’s Oscars were nothing short of a mesmerizing event.
Host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a hilarious yet uplifting opening monologue, referencing his “rivalry” with actor Matt Damon while also poking fun at the nominees. Other notable jokes from the show included candy, cookies and donuts raining from the ceiling of the Dolby Theatre and Kimmel bringing an unsuspecting group of tourists into the venue and introducing them to the world’s most famous actors. Of course, just like after every huge televised event, the internet erupted with memes from the event such as “Whispering Ryan Gosling,” a joke sprouting from Gosling speaking softly in the ear one of the tourists with a starstruck look on her face.
Aside from film, the Oscars are also the showcase of incredible performances including the hit song “Can’t Stop the Feeling” from Trolls by Justin Timberlake, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Auli’i Carvalho’s “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana and John Legend’s medley of the songs, the “Best Original Song” winner “City of Stars” and “Audition” from La La Land. “[Legend] did amazing,” sophomore Kayla Choi said. “But I would have preferred if Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone performed instead.”
After being overlooked for his directing work in Whiplash (2014), Damien Chazelle took home the “Best Directing” Oscar for La La Land and became the youngest person to ever win in that category at only 32 years old. “I’m a little jealous,” film teacher Melissa Kaplan said. “It’s great to see someone so young receive that honor.”
In a result met with partial contempt, Casey Affleck won “Best Lead Actor” for his role in Manchester by the Sea. The outcome disappointed viewers as Ryan Gosling (La La Land) and Denzel Washington (Fences) were favorites to win in that category, not to mention Affleck’s past as an alleged sex predator. However, on the brighter side, Emma Stone won her very first Oscar for “Best Lead Actress” for her memorable performance in La La Land. The young actress’ passionate acceptance speech revealed that her dreams finally had come true.
The final award of the night, “Best Picture,” was presented by legendary actors Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway and after an awkward and long study of the card by Beatty, was announced to be La La Land. The cast and crew of the musical walked on stage and began to thank people until La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz discovered a discrepancy on the card and interrupted the celebration. Holding the card up to the camera, Horowitz revealed that Moonlight had actually won the Oscar. As the shocked crew of Moonlight approached the stage, Beatty returned to the microphone, explaining the massive mishap was unintentional and he had read something that said “Emma Stone, La La Land.” English teacher Kristen Haynes said, “The right picture won but they were told in the wrong way. But now, you can genuinely appreciate the win.” With a bizzare ending, this year’s Oscars will be hard to top.

James Barberis

Staff Writer