There was glitz. There was glamour and million dollar baubles. Willowy Valentino and Versace trains swept the red carpet with the world’s entertainment media capturing every bat of a star’s perfectly placed eyelash. But there was also something remarkable at this year’s 90th annual Academy Awards—sisterhood, solidarity and a strong show of diversity. The RC message has changed from “Who are you wearing?” to “What do you stand for?”
The show began with Oscar highlights over the years.
Malibu’s James Cameron made a boatload haul for “Titanic” and pronouncing himself “I’m king of the world.” Longtime local legend Barbra Streisand looked at her award, saying, “Hello, gorgeous.” And my personal favorite—when a naked gent went streaking across the stage photo bombing a distinguished but gob smacked David Niven. He quipped, “Obviously, this fella has a need to show his short comings.” Of course there would be a few Harvey Weinstein jabs. I mean, would it be possible to ignore the elephant in the room? Host Jimmy Kimmel started with Oscar being the most coveted entertainment award ever. “You see why?” he asked, pointing to a statuette. “He has his hands where you can see them.”
In mini movie takes he made reference to “Shape of Water:” “You guys screwed up so badly, women started dating fish.”
Malibu’s big win of the evening came from comedian-turned-documentary filmmaker Bryan Fogel’s groundbreaking film “Icarus,” which grabbed the Oscar for best documentary. “Icarus,” a Sundance sweetheart, helped break open the case on Russian doping and the fallout is still ongoing.
“We hope ‘Icarus’ is a wake-up call,” Fogel said while accepting the Oscar, “yes, about Russia, but more than that, about the importance of telling the truth.”
The show went pretty much as predicted with Gary Oldman as best actor for his mind-blowing role as Winston Churchill.
In her acceptance speech, best actress winner Frances McDormand urged all female nominees to stand to show their united front. Meryl Streep was first on her feet. Activism took center stage. Frances made sure the auditorium of Hollywood royalty was reminded to think of “inclusion riders.” What’s that? It’s something actors can insert into their contract to ensure diversity will be in the casting on all levels. (Who knew?) And they stood for new voices, the oldest nominee, the first women director, the first black scriptwriter and many more.
The only trophy that surprised me was for best pic. I thought it could go either way between “Three Billboards” and “The Shape of Water.” In the end, water won. But this was one for the record books. It was one where you felt like you were watching Oprah. “And you get an Oscar, and you get an Oscar, and you get an Oscar.” Movie history in the making. With celebrations all around, it was time to head to Puck’s sliders, caviar and chicken pot pie, followed by after parties and In n’ Out burgers. Spread the diversity along with the mustard. Hooray for Hollywood!