1. Horror Was Everywhere
This is unusual for the Oscars. Horror usually gets snubbed. And yet last night we saw major awards go to Sinners (which, for the record, I wish had won the whole thing), Frankenstein for a bunch of the art awards (costuming, hair and makeup, production design), and Amy Madigan’s win for her role in Weapons.
It makes sense. Horror tends to surge when a culture is trying to process fear, instability, and the feeling that something monstrous might be lurking within everyday life.
2. The Elephant in the Room
Politics were everywhere last night, but it was almost as if people had made a pact to never say the president’s name. There was a joke early on where Conan said “We’re coming to you live from the ‘has a small penis’ theater. Let’s see him put his name in front of that.” Jimmy Kimmel and others followed suit, poking fun at Trump without ever saying his name.
3. A Historic Win in Cinematography
There was also a genuinely historic moment when Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography, becoming the first woman ever to receive that award.
Arkapaw was the cinematographer for Sinners. When she won, Ryan Coogler ran to the back of the theater to grab her kid and bring him down closer so he could see his mom accept the award. She also asked all of the women in the audience to stand, acknowledging that she couldn’t be there without the women who came before her.
I thought it was a really powerful moment.
4. Conan’s Balancing Act
Conan O’Brien really tried to strike a balance between acknowledging the reality of politics and bringing silliness and optimism into the evening. Your mileage may vary on that approach, but I liked it. I appreciated both the political content and my favorite joke of the night: The sequel to F1 should be called Caps Lock. It’s exactly the kind of dad joke that makes me very happy.
5. A Performance That Reminded Us Why Movies Matter
When the number started, I was a little worried it might be cheesy. Sometimes when the Oscars stage tries to recreate a theatrical dance moment, it can feel a little underbaked.
Not this time.
This time the Academy filmed it cinematically, with the camera roving through a recreation of that transcendent scene from Sinners. Misty Copeland dancing ballet in Timothée Chalamet’s face—it was a beautiful moment.
Copeland had hip surgery just a few months ago, and seeing her dance like that was incredible. Shaboozey, Brittany Howard, and Buddy Guy were also onstage. It was incredible and joyful; I’ve rewatched it twice already this morning.
Your Turn
What did I miss?
And what was your favorite—or least favorite—moment from the Oscars?
Let me know in the comments!
