Oscars 2019: No host? No problem!
February 28, 2019
I know I’m a little late to the party, but boy what a night! Where do I even begin?
First off, not having a host this year didn’t seem to bother anyone. Sure the press for the Academy was great, but it ultimately didn’t affect the run of the show. I’ll admit, I was skeptical of not having a host at first, but as the awards kept coming and the presenters came and went, I realized that it ultimately doesn’t make sense to have a host. Sure they give the opening monologue and some jokes throughout the show, but that’s about it.
The show opened with Adam Lambert & Queen playing those songs we’ve all become so familiar with. And “Bohemian Rhapsody” left with four Academy Awards, making it the most decorated film that night. So I guess having the band there was the film’s good luck charm.
Anyways, moving on. Let’s talk about that Best Picture race. I’m going to be real honest with all of you, I believe that almost any of the nominees could’ve taken home that award. Of course, I had a top three, but when you put them all next to each other, they were pretty equal. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed “Green Book” and I feel as if it was well deserved.
Best Actor was one of the most disputed topics I’ve heard to date. Those who were in love with “A Star is Born” — myself included — felt that Bradley Cooper should win. And there were those who felt that Rami Malek should win for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury. In the end, though, Malek took home the award — and if he fell off the stage, so what? He’s an Oscar winner now!
“Black Panther” made history by becoming Marvel’s first Oscar-winning film. The film took home three awards — Best Score, Best Costume Design, and Best Production Design — making it one of the most decorated films of the night.
Most thought that Glenn Close — one of the most nominated actresses who hasn’t won an award — had it in the bag. Unfortunately, Olivia Colman came out of left field and shocked everyone by becoming this year’s Best Actress. Her acceptance speech was both funny and moving, and she simultaneously became a meme. At the end of her speech, she pointed to Lady Gaga, and just screamed her name. Which most of us can relate to.
Unsurprisingly, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” won Best Animated Feature, ending Disney’s six-year streak. That’s kind of a big deal. Miles, Gwen, and the other alternate Spider-Man’s are web-slinging their way into stores on March 19th — on DVD, that is.
One of the highlights of the night was Bradley Cooper’s and Lada Gaga’s duet. Their performance of “Shallow” on the popular awards show was one of the nights most looked forward to events. The cameras mimicked movements similar to that of the film, making the moment even more special. When the number ended, if you weren’t seeing that chemistry, you’re blind.
Alfonso Cuarón won three awards for “Roma.” And while the film didn’t win Best Picture like I thought it would, I still feel as if Cuaron received the recognition he deserved. “Roma” is a masterpiece that is breathtakingly beautiful and technically astounding. And on top of his film was the first to win Best Foreign Film for Mexico.
Some minor highlights: Better Midler signing the Oscar-nominated song “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from “Mary Poppins Returns” made the night. “First Man” beating out “Avengers: End Game” for Best Special Effects. A short film about menstruation winning Best Documentary (Short Subject). And Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey having a “Wayne’s World” reunion on stage.
Every year the Oscars bring something new to the table. Whether it be new memes or new films, there’s always some by-product of the year’s most anticipated awards show. And I for one was not disappointed this year.
