{O/C} {We're saving the best for last} The small, coming-of-age film "CODA" won best picture at the 94th Academy Awards Show.
And the audience witnessed a surprising drama when actor Will Smith strode onstage and slapped comedian Chris Rock for a joke about Smith's wife.
Here's a recap.
{SOT}
Three female hosts - Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall - opened this year's Academy Awards show by leaving the audience in stitches.
{Soundbite} AMY SCHUMER, Host, Comedian: This year, the Academy hired three women to host because it's cheaper than hiring one man.
And the live performance returned after a two-year hiatus, with Beyonce's performance of "Be Alive" topping the ceremony.
The best film of the year...
CODA, a coming-of-age film that revolves around the only hearing member in a family of deaf adults.
Unadulterated joy emanated from the faces of those who partook in the production of the movie.
What's more, deaf actor Troy Kotsur won best supporting actor for his role in "CODA", while Ariana Debose became the first openly queer woman of colour to win best actress.
{Soundbite} ARIANA DEBOSE, Actress: There is indeed a place for us.
This year's show also featured a dramatic altercation when actor Will Smith slapped unabashed comedian Chris Rock, who poked fun at Smith's wife, in the face.
But having won his first Oscar best actor award for his superb performance in "King Richard", a teary-eyed Smith apologised to the Academy for swearing while sharing his joy.
{Soundbite} WILL SMITH, Actor: I want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees. I hope the Academy will invite me back. Thank you.
The best actress award went to Jessica Chastain for her excellent performance in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye".
{Soundbite} JESSICA CHASTAIN, Actress: And in times like this, I think of Tammy, and I'm inspired by her radical acts of love. And I'm inspired by her compassion, I see it as a guiding principle that leads us forward. And it connects us all in the desire that we want to be accepted for who we are, accepted for who we love, and to live a life without the fear of violence or terror.
The best director award was bestowed upon Jane Campion from New Zealand who beamed with pride for the unconventional film "The Power of the Dog."
{Soundbite} JANE CAMPION, Director of "The Power of the Dog": I love directing because it is a deep dive into story, yet the task of manifesting a world can be overwhelming. The sweet thing is I'm not alone.
And "Queen of Basketball" won this year's award for short subject documentary, while "Drive My Car" from Japan won the award for best international feature film.
Comments