Amid the controversies revealed in the entertainment industry, Oscars aired an almost four-hour long broadcast naming the winners of some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. However, the show fetched only 26.5 million views, according to early rating reports.

Despite the numbers, celebrities continued on with a message of positivity and inclusion.

Support for immigrants

Viewers of the show tune in to see their favorite celebrities dressed in lavish outfits and designer clothes as they hope for their names to be called to receive a prestigious award.

Some celebrities, however, cleverly use these platforms to take a stand about pressing issues. Lupita Nyong'o, of "Black Panther," and who was also linked with the Harvey Weinstein controversy, expressed her support for immigrants, along with Kumail Nanjiani of "The Big Sick." Nyong'o is an immigrant from Mexico and Kenya, while Nanjiani is from Pakistan.

Nyong'o and Nanjiani mentioned their support for "Dreamers." According to Nyong'o, who called herself a dreamer along with those watching at home said, "We grew up dreaming of one day working in the movies. Dreams are the foundation of Hollywood, and dreams are the foundation of America."

In line with the message, Oscars screened a short film about inclusion.

Kumail Nanjiani also talked about growing up watching films featuring white men and having no difficulties relating to them. Nanjiani continued to say that white men can also do the reverse.

Director Guillermo Del Toro, who won the best director for "The Shape of Water," talked about his experience. "Growing up in Mexico, I thought this could never happen.

It happens." "The Shape of Water" also won the best picture, with del Toro expressing an empowering message to those "using fantasy to tell stories about things that are real."

'Stand up for something'

One of the highlights of the show was Andrea Day and Common's performance of "Stand up for Something," in which they featured activists such as Janet Mock, Tarana Burke, and Bana Alabed.

Keala Settle also performed Academy Award-nominated song "This is Me" from "The Greatest Showman." The emotional performance echoed the message of self-empowerment, which was met with a warm reception from the crowd.

Zendaya, who stars in "The Greatest Showman" along with Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams, says Settle "killed" the performance.

The song holds a special meaning for Settle. In an interview with People, Settle revealed how she struggles with body image issues and feelings of unworthiness. Settle says, "That fight will always be something I struggle with, but each time I sing it, it gets easier."
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