- Words Notion Staff
We wrap up last night's 94th Academy Awards, bringing you the highlights of an evening where Coda triumphed, Ariana Debose made history, and Beyoncé gave a stunning performance.
The 94th Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles last night, as Hollywood turned out in-force for another glamorous evening. Coverage of the event may be dominated by a certain altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock, but despite the drama, the ceremony celebrated some of this year’s biggest cinematic achievements.
Coda continued their sweep of critical success, scooping Best Picture, as well as Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur’s celebrated performance. Belfast also had another successful night. Amongst other accolades, Kenneth Branagh won Best Director for his film depicting the Irish Troubles, whilst Judi Dench was awarded Supporting Actress and Ciarán Hinds Supporting Actor. Overall, it was a big night for female achievement, Jane Campion’s win seeing the first ever consecutive win for women directors, and the third female Best Director win overall.
Alongside the winners, the night saw some iconic musical performances from the likes of Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion and Billie Eilish. Come with us for a night at the Oscars as we wrap up the highlights.
Beyoncé Opened the Ceremony with a Bang
In her first awards show appearance in five years, Beyoncé performed her best-song nominated track, “Be Alive”, from King Richard, the film chronicling the lives of Venus and Serena Williams. The Williams sisters introduced the track, and daughter Blue Ivy Carter also had a cameo for the truly show stopping rendition.
Ariana Debose Made History
For the second of the evening’s highlights, West Side Story’s Ariana DeBose joyously made Oscar history by becoming the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award. The accolade also saw her become the second woman to win the prize for this role, as Rita Morena won playing Anita in the 1961 version of the film.
Debose’s emotional speech included inspirational sentiment referencing West Side Story lyrics: “To anybody who has ever questioned your identity or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: there is indeed a place for us…”
Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli: a Duo We Didn’t Know We Needed
In another heartwarming Oscars moment, Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli presented the big Best Picture award together. Minelli received a standing ovation after her entrance, and coverage revealed Gaga’s support for the Cabaret star, whispering: “I got you”.
Timothée Chalamet. That’s The Highlight.
Raising some eyebrows for his shirtless outfit from the Louis Vuitton ’22 Womenswear collection, for us, Timothée Chalamet’s attendance at the Oscars was a highlight in itself. Serving softboy chic, Chamalet has been described as ‘rewriting the Oscar’s Dress Code’ by some news outlets and the look certainly created a stir.
Coda Continued Well-Deserved Season Success
Coda, an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults, is a film that has captured hearts since it’s release. As a small, independent film, it had three nominations this year and managed to leave with trophies for all three – including Best Picture. Another for the history books, it became the first film produced by a streaming service to win Best Picture, as well as Troy Kotsur becoming the first deaf man to win an Academy Award for acting.
Dune Dominated
It was sci-fi action movie Dune that took home the most awards this year. As stars Zendaya and Chalamet wowed on the red carpet, the cast reunited to witness the six wins: for cinematography; editing; score; visual effects; production design; set decoration; and sound.
A Big Night for All-Black Billie
Last night will certainly be a memorable one for Billie Eilish, who performed her Bond-song “No Time To Die” alongside Finneas, before the pair took home an Original Song Oscar for the track. She wowed on the red-carpet with her custom Gucci dress, also notably accessorising with a Fred Leighton tiara dating from the 1890s that has been reworked into jewellery.