The 89th Academy Awards that took place on Sunday, February 28th, were eventful, to say the least. From the banter of the host, Jimmy Kimmel to the Moonlight mishap and everything in between, this award show will definitely be one for the books. Here, we highlight a few of the best moments of the night.
Mahershala Ali and Viola Davis Makes History
Mahershala Ali became the first Muslim actor to receive an Academy Award for his supporting role in Moonlight. In his moving speech, Ali thanked Barry Jenkin's, the film's director, and Tarell Alvin McCraney, the writer of the play that Moonlight was based on. "I'm so blessed to have had an opportunity. It was such a wonderful experience" he proclaimed as he accepted his award.
Viola Davis also made headlines for becoming the first African-American woman to win an Emmy, a Tony and now an Oscar for her role opposite Denzel Washington in the film Fences. Davis became emotional as she accepted her award, "I became an artist, and thank God I did, because we are the only profession to celebrate what it means to live a life."
Director Asghar Farhadi's Political Statemen
Iranian director Asghar Farhadi was awarded Best Foreign Director for his film The Salesman. However, he was not there to accept the honour. Instead, Iranian-American engineer Anousheh Ansari accepted the award on his behalf.
Farhadi explains his boycott in the speech he wrote that was delivered by Ansari. "I’m sorry I’m not with you tonight. My absence is out of respect for the people of my country and those of other six nations whom have been disrespected by the inhumane law that bans entry of immigrants to the U.S.”
“These wars prevent democracy and human rights in countries which have themselves been victims of aggression. Filmmakers can turn their cameras to capture shared human qualities and break stereotypes of various nationalities and religions. They create empathy between us and others. An empathy which we need today more than ever.”
To see the full speech that Ansari made on behalf of Farhadi, click the video below.
Moonlight for Best Picture
Many predicted that the highly anticipated La La Land would win Best Picture, however it was the film Moonlight that took home the ultimate prize after a slight mishap. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were apparently given the wrong category envelope, thus they announced the wrong winner. Theproducers Jordan Horowitz and Marc Platt began their speeches before the Academy Award producers and accountants realized their mistake.
After much commotion, Horowitz confirmed that Moonlight indeed won and graciously handed the spotlight over to the cast and filmmakers of Moonlight. Director Barry Jenkins and producer Adele Romanski expressed their disbelief and gratitude in winning the award.
By Kelsey Seepersad
Photo courtesy of: Rolling Stone.
Mahershala Ali became the first Muslim actor to receive an Academy Award for his supporting role in Moonlight. In his moving speech, Ali thanked Barry Jenkin's, the film's director, and Tarell Alvin McCraney, the writer of the play that Moonlight was based on. "I'm so blessed to have had an opportunity. It was such a wonderful experience" he proclaimed as he accepted his award.
Viola Davis also made headlines for becoming the first African-American woman to win an Emmy, a Tony and now an Oscar for her role opposite Denzel Washington in the film Fences. Davis became emotional as she accepted her award, "I became an artist, and thank God I did, because we are the only profession to celebrate what it means to live a life."
Photo courtesy of: Rolling Stone.
Iranian director Asghar Farhadi was awarded Best Foreign Director for his film The Salesman. However, he was not there to accept the honour. Instead, Iranian-American engineer Anousheh Ansari accepted the award on his behalf.
Farhadi explains his boycott in the speech he wrote that was delivered by Ansari. "I’m sorry I’m not with you tonight. My absence is out of respect for the people of my country and those of other six nations whom have been disrespected by the inhumane law that bans entry of immigrants to the U.S.”
“These wars prevent democracy and human rights in countries which have themselves been victims of aggression. Filmmakers can turn their cameras to capture shared human qualities and break stereotypes of various nationalities and religions. They create empathy between us and others. An empathy which we need today more than ever.”
To see the full speech that Ansari made on behalf of Farhadi, click the video below.
Moonlight for Best Picture
Many predicted that the highly anticipated La La Land would win Best Picture, however it was the film Moonlight that took home the ultimate prize after a slight mishap. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were apparently given the wrong category envelope, thus they announced the wrong winner. Theproducers Jordan Horowitz and Marc Platt began their speeches before the Academy Award producers and accountants realized their mistake.
Photo courtesy of: The Washington Post.
Director Barry Jenkins celebrates Moonlight's big win. Photo courtesy of: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
By Kelsey Seepersad
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