Long before this year's 90th Oscars took to the air to award its trophies for the best achievements in the film industry, and even before the attention given to the pre-show cavalcade of stars on the red carpet, the night was being severely downplayed. Film critics like David Edelstein voiced his dismay over his pick of the year, “The Florida Project,” being overlooked, apart from the nomination for Willem Dafoe as Best Supporting Actor. Edelstein was in good company, with many fellow critics insisting that this year’s films were not “must-see” ones that drew mass crowds or peak publicity.
Nonetheless, from the first moments of the 90th Oscar night, host Jimmy Kimmel and the stars who graced the stage to grab their statues, and present them, made the night very satisfying. The 90th Oscars celebration put color into the festivities on many levels and didn't forget social statements of inclusion, gun violence, and the contribution of women to their craft.
Here are five keeper moments worth replaying and reflecting back on from the 2018 90th Oscars celebration:
The perfect man for the night
Jimmy Kimmel’s brilliant treatise on the “statue of limitations.” Jimmy Kimmel kept the commentary light but still spot-on regarding the “Times Up” movement, letting the stars’ pins and personal statements speak their piece.
He did quip that men should pause before rising too quickly after hearing their names called. The late-night host moved on to a perfect introduction to the mascot of the Oscars. “He keeps his hands where you can see them, he doesn’t say a word, and he has absolutely no penis.” The timing and truth of the humor set a perfect tone for the rest of the evening.
Kimmel also tossed in moment-by-moment "Black Panther" revenue updates.
Impromptu snack run. A bit later in the broadcast, Jimmy Kimmel correctly surmised that the real persons worthy of tribute were the actual movie-going public. Those who actually sit in a theater seat have been on a steady decline since “Netflix and chill” have become standard double entendre.
The comedian recruited an all-star group of delivery staff to pop into the theater next door. Director Guillermo del Toro teamed with Emily Blunt, Mark Hamil, Lupita Nyong’o, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more with snack baskets and hot dog guns. Given that everyone in the gang noted the distinct smell of marijuana, it’s sure that the goodies were much appreciated.
History and heart
“Get Out” gets credit. Jordan Peele’s near one-man project of a film was one of the 2017 films that won a dedicated following and quadrupled its production cost in a matter of months. Topping it off, Jordan Peele was presented with his Oscar for Best Original screenplay by none other than Nicole Kidman. His words came from the heart in gratitude, echoing that “I never thought it would get made.” He also movingly thanked his wife and his mom, who “taught me how to love, even in the face of hate.” After the broadcast, Peele described how he wanted his own history-making award that “let me lift my voice” to speak to other young writers who never think it can happen.
The songs speak. The stands against gun violence were understated this year, with some in attendance donning orange ribbons. When rapper Common took the stage to sing “Stand for Something” with Andra Day, he opened with a freestyle verse that took aim at the NRA as being “in God's way,” and by name, mentioned the Parkland, FL youth before launching into song. Every other performance of song spoke out strongly for inclusion and cultural respect, including the Oscar-taking title song from “Coco.” The performance of “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” reverberated in self-respect and acceptance. Singer Keala Settle could hardly get lyrics out, overcome by emotion at the end. Everyone in earshot rose to their feet to offer their own sonic hug of approval.
Acceptance in acceptance speeches. Probably without knowing it, Jimmy Kimmel made the 90th Oscars' acceptance speeches matter more. The host playfully told each nominee that he would be timing him or her by stopwatch, and the Oscar winner with the briefest remarks would win a $17,000+ jet ski, displayed with the “The Price Is Right” panache. The tease seemed to make the one honored hone in on how much this moment mattered, in every regard.
Counting seconds couldn't have made the heartfelt appreciation of “The Shape of Water” director Guillermo del Toro or Best Actor Gary Oldman more impactful. The English thespian gushed with gratitude for the country that gave him “love, work, and friendship.” Oldman has had his share of notorious headlines from the past, but this expression was genuine from the man embodying Churchill in “The Darkest Hour.”
Del Toro’s conviction and admonition to immigrants to hold onto their dreams was particularly poignant in light of the DACA upheaval, and the director’s sincerity referring to art that “makes a place for everyone” was unquestionably felt.
No words were needed for “Three Billboards (Outside of Ebbing, Missouri)” Best Actress, Frances McDormand. “If I may,” she began, asking for all the women, representing all areas in film production, to stand. Silent respect began to swell as the numbers grew. Meryl Streep was happily obliged to fulfill the plea, “if you do it, everyone will.” The power of the gesture didn't stop there, as McDormand called for appointments to be made in the next few hours to fund female-led productions. The golden statue status also prompted the actress to call for inclusion riders in contracts, assuring diversity in every facet of production.
For a night predicted to be a snore, these 90th Oscar moments made sure it would matter.
