The 93rd Academy Awards had a few moments of significance that caught our attention. Here’s a quick recap of some highlights from the ceremony.
1.) A Glenn Close Cook-Out Invitation
Suppose you receive an invitation to a bbq or family cook-out in the African-American community. If so, someone might have determined that you won’t act strange when the DJ calls everyone to the dance floor, or you won’t look at Uncle Skeeter crazy when he’s throwing them bones on the domino table. In other words, you’ll feel right at home and won’t act out with a “Karen” mentality. Last night, Oscar nominee actress Glenn Close let comedian Lil Rel Howery know what time it is when she schooled him on her knowledge of the Washington D.C. Go-Go sound music during his trivia question quest. And to top it all off, at Howery’s request, Glenn Close got up and let loose as she danced to the song “Da Butt” for a live audience. This moment is a true highlight of the ceremony from an “I can’t believe she did that, but I’m glad she did,” fun party perspective.
2.) Racial Equality & Recognition Takes Center Stage
The idea of sweeping racism and police brutality under the rug is no longer ideal when the oppressed people look like a brother or sister standing next to me. When Regina King doesn’t hesitate to remind us that she’s raising a Black son and will trade in her heels for tennis shoes to seek out justice when needed, that means she is about that business of racial equality. When Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award winner Tyler Perry gave his impactful acceptance speech as he uttered the words, “Refuse Hate,” everyone agreed that enough is enough. Oscar-winner Travon Free accepted the award for Best Short Film (Live Action) and shared the quote by James Baldwin stating, “‘The way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people’s pain.” As people of color, the pain is deafening to our ears, and we must not continue in the manner in which we live.
3.) Daniel Kaluuya Pays Homage To The Birds & Bees
After winning the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the film “Judas and the Black Messiah,” on stage Daniel Kaluuya thanked his mother and father for having sex and giving birth to him. One can only imagine the pure joy and excitement overflowing from Daniel’s lips as he received his first Oscar. During a press interview backstage, it was at that moment he realized the faux pas. Nevertheless, Daniel stated he and his mom joke a lot, and she probably didn’t take his comment too seriously.
4.) Brad Pitt Doesn’t Make Yuh-Jung Youn’s Knees Quiver
Upon winning Best Actress in a Supporting Role for the film “Minari,” Korean actress, Yuh-Jung Youn let everyone know she is unfazed by the brawn and sex appeal of her film’s executive producer Brad Pitt. Known for her role as a fun and witty grandma character, Yuh-Jung Youn is a delight to behold behind the microphone and quite amusing. Yuh-Jung also made history tonight as the 2nd Asian actress to win an acting award in this supporting role category and the first Korean actress to win an Academy Award.
Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees for an eventful year in film. View the complete list of winners from last night’s ceremony here. Also featured below are photographic highlights from the Red Carpet.
