Oscar Night Ends Black History Month on a High Note
The stage was set and ready for Sunday’s biggest night in film—The Academy Awards otherwise known as The Oscars.
The most anticipated winner of the night was Black Panther who was nominated in seven categories including Best Picture. Black Panther did take home two awards for the evening—Costume Design and Production Design. Both awards were given to legendary costume designer Ruth Carter and production designer Hannah Beachler. Both women gave Black girls around the world just the right push needed.
The runner up in lead nominations for Black films was BLACKKKLANSMAN who was up for five nominations including Best Picture. Spike Lee made history and won his first Oscar in his 30 year career in the category of writing for BLACKKKLANSMAN.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Regina King who was not only nominated but also took home the first award of the night for Actress in Supporting Role for her work in If Beale Street Could Talk. King’s acceptance speech paid tribute to her mother who taught her the power of never giving up.
There were also some more obvious surprises including missing a host—a first in history. Comedian Kevin Hart was originally slated to host Hollywood’s big night but stepped down late last year due to activity on his social media targeted towards the LGBTQ community.
Although the awards ceremony did not have a host, many spectators agreed the show flowed effortlessly. Perhaps the Academy will take notes for Hollywood’s big night next year.
Music fans already had their big night with the Grammy’s but that still left room for Original Song nominees to perform including Bette Midler. Sadly, Kendrick Lamar was not present to perform his nominated song for The Black Panther soundtrack.
No awards ceremony is complete without the topic of fashion. Stage performer Billy Porter was undoubtedly the talk on the red carpet as the actor dawned a first the red carpet has ever seen—a velvet tuxedo gown.
Forever giving us body goals, Angela Bassett wore a custom one shouldered fuchsia gown. Regina King’s gorgeous white gown gave viewers and spectators goddess vibes. The mother of Black Hollywood Jennifer Lewis sported a gold pantsuit, meanwhile legendary director Spike Lee wore an all purple suit with gold sneakers.
With Black History Month coming to a close, the Oscars helped to end it on a high note with not only the nominations but also the wins. Just four years ago social media users were using #OscarsSoWhite and now our moment of redemption has finally come with plenty of more history to be made.