Was it me or did this year’s Academy Awards seem more fun without an actual host? Kevin Hart was supposed to take the reins but stepped down due to the whirlwind of horrible publicity he endured as a result of homophobic tweets. Guess what? The show went on without him. Here are the highlights from last night’s event:
- Kicking off the event was a drone that pulled viewers into the Dolby Theatre to what sounded like a rock show. And it was. Queen, fronted by Adam Lambert, tore the roof off the place and brought everyone to their feet.
- “Welcome to the one millionth Academy Awards!” Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler could rule the world. Everything they say is solid gold.
- Tom Morello needs his own television or radio show. His speaking voice rivals Morgan Freeman’s and Sam Elliott’s in terms of who I want to narrate my life.
- The two women who won for Best Makeup and Hairstyling clearly need a stylist for themselves. Those jeweled dresses looked off the Forever 21 rack – not like couture.
- I could barely take Melissa McCarthy in her insane stuffed animal outfit and bunny rabbit hand puppet. As always, her comedic timing was impeccable and her ability to pull off the entire bit with a straight face was incredible.
- All the comments and jokes about certain categories presented on and off camera and the absence of a host definitely made for better television.
- Bohemian Rhapsody picked up two Oscars for sound. If A Star Is Born did not take home those prizes, I’m glad it was the movie telling the story of Brian May, Roger Taylor, and Freddie Mercury.
- Beanies were apparently in fashion this year – which is fun for me as I watched the show wearing a beanie all the way from arctic Colorado.
- I absolutely loved the iconic Wayne’s World clip of Mike Myers and Dana Carvey singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” leading into the duo appearing on stage to introduce the movie. They haven’t lost their touch.
- Maybe Awkwafina and John Mulaney should host next year – their “we’re so nervous to be presenting at the Oscars for the first time” bit was hilarious.
- The most anticipated performance of the night was definitely Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga singing their hit song “Shallow” and wow did they deliver. Clad in black and holding hands, the actors walked up to the stage from their front row seats in the audience rather than appearing from behind a curtain. I love that their performance was shot from the stage and was full of closeups so the audience there and at home could see and feel the chemistry. As my friend Stephanie said after her initial screening of A Star Is Born, I was beside myself. Again.
- Seeing more ladies in glamorous pants was fun and I hope is a trend that will continue. I’m looking at you Jennifer Hudson and Awkwafina!
- Samuel L. Jackson could not have been more excited for Spike Lee who was decked out from glasses to sneakers in purple and gold and jumped on Jackson in celebration as he climbed the stage. Lee then gave an acceptance speech that earned a well-deserved standing ovation.
- Excited for Best Original Song winner “Shallow” and Best Actor winner Rami Malek – his speech was also totally worth watching.
- As always, Julia Roberts looked stunning. Of course she can pull off bubble gum pink!
- Congrats to Green Book for winning the big prize – I clearly need to see that film.
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