Broadcasting from the Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles in a much more intimate and socially distant setting than in years past, the 2021 Oscars delivered a show filled memorable highlights and history-making moments.
While the 93rd Oscars went on without a host, the show was able to swiftly maneuver through each category with a long roster of presenters including: Regina King, Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Joaquin Phoenix, Zendaya and Harrison Ford.
In addition, the Oscars also celebrated diversity, this year’s nominees made up the most diverse class in Academy Awards history.
The film “Nomadland,” which told the story of a woman who, after losing her job and husband during the Great Recession, makes the decision to journey across the American West, won big picking up the awards for “Best Picture,” “Best Director,” and “Best Actress.”
While the award for “Best Picture” was traditionally presented last during previous Oscars ceremonies, it was presented before the awards for “Best Actor” and “Best Actress” during Sunday’s broadcast.
Chloe Zhao, who directed “Nomadland”, became the first woman of color and only the second woman to win for “Best Director.”
“I have always found the goodness in the people I met everywhere I went in the world,” Zhao said during her acceptance speech. “So this for anyone who has the faith and the courage to hold on to the goodness in themselves.”
Francis McDormand nabbed the Oscar for “Best Actress,” making it the third time that McDormand has one in that category.
She previously won the award for her work in 2018’s “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and 1997’s “Fargo.”
Daniel Kaluuya took home the Oscar for “Best Supporting Actor” for his performance as the Chicago Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in the 2021 film, “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
“To Chairman Fred Hampton, what a man. How blessed we are that we lived in a lifetime where he existed,” Kaluuya said. “He was on this Earth for 21 years and he found a way to feed kids breakfast, educate kids, get free medical care against all odds.”
Yuh-Jung Youn became the first Korean performer to win an acting Oscar when she won the award for “Best Supporting Actress” for her performance in “Minari.”
“Soul,” Pixar’s first film to feature a Black lead character, won the Oscar for “Best Animated Feature.”
R&B singer H.E.R. nabbed the award for “Best Original Song” for the song “Fight for You” which was featured in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” The song was a collaboration with Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas.
“I am so, so, so grateful, not only to win but to be a part of such an important, important story,” H.E.R. said during her acceptance speech.
Perhaps one of the most talked about and debated moments of the night came when Anthony Hopkins was named the winner for “Best Actor” over the late Chadwick Boseman, whom many predicted would pick up the posthumous award.
At 83-years-old, Hopkins became the oldest actor to win an Oscar. While Hopkins was not present to accept his award, he did post a short video on Instagram where he shared a brief acceptance speech.
“At 83 years of age I did not expect to get this award, I really didn’t. I’m very grateful to the Academy and thank you,” Hopkins said. “I want to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman who was taken from us far too early. And again, thank you all very much. I really did not expect this, so I feel very privileged and honored. Thank you.”
