It’s one of the most highly-anticipated events in the entertainment calendar and The Oscars this year did not disappoint. From glittering gowns on the red carpet to moving acceptance speeches, bold political statements and game-changing winners, the 92nd Academy Awards were packed with drama.
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If you (somehow) missed the lengthy ceremony that aired in SA on Monday morning, here are some of the most moving moments from the night…
Natalie Portman made a statement on the red carpet
Never one to shy away from speaking her mind, the Oscar-winning actress stayed true to form this year. Rather than making a statement on stage, as she did in her 2018 presenters’ speech, she chose to be visually bold.
Natalie used her red carpet look as a way to highlight the lack of nominations for female directors. Embroidered on the lapel of her black Dior cape were the names of female directors who weren’t nominated for their work this year. A subtle, yet effective stand against inequality.
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Janelle Monáe started The Oscars off – with flare
Because this year’s ceremony was host-less, there wasn’t a traditional opening monologue. Instead, actress and singer Janelle Monáe performed a striking original opening number. Moving from a demure version of Won’t You Be My Neighbor, she joined a host of dancers – and Billy Porter – to perform an original song titled Come Alive. It got the audience moving and also held some moving lyrics.
Lines in the track include “The Oscars, it’s so white, it’s time to come alive,” as well as references to actresses and black actors who weren’t nominated.
Catch the performance here…
Billie Eilish made us cry
The talented 18-year-old singer was tasked with performing the In Memoriam tribute this year. She sang a beautiful rendition of The Beatles’ Yesterday and there wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre. She may be young, but her powerful voice has depth beyond its years. Perhaps that’s why she’s also singing the opening track in the new James Bond film?
Jane Fonda proved she’s still totally fabulous
Presenting the final award for Best Picture, the 82-year-old actress almost stole the show. Appearing on stage in the same gown she wore in Cannes in 2014, Jane was ravishing in red. While recycling previously-worn dresses is definitely worth championing, it’s Jane’s other red item that grabbed our eye.
The actress brought to the stage the same red coat she wore in 2019 when she was arrested in Washington for protesting the issue of climate change. In one look, she highlighted sustainability, global warming – oh, and a fabulous new silver hair cut! What a woman.
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The Parasite director made Oscars history
South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho made history for his dramatic thriller, Parasite. His win for Best Picture marks the first time ever a non-English movie has taken away the most prestigious award of the evening.
While accepting the award, another moving moment took place when, in mid-speech, the lights on stage dimmed. The audience quickly took action by shouting “Up!” until the lights came on and the team could continue their acceptance speech.
By Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
Main Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
