The Academy Awards is one of the most important of the award show seasons. Also known as the Oscars, the show recognizes screenwriters, costume designers, and actors for their efforts in film making. Award shows can be long and full of awards that you don't really care all to much amount. What we all really care about are the laughs, the stars, the performances, and if Leo finally won his first Oscar. Here are your need-to-knows about the 2016 Oscars.
1. Chris Rock
Chris Rock, known for his comedic work and acting, Chris Rock was chosen to be the host of this year's Academy Awards. It's his second time hosting and he did a pretty amazing job. With the weight of the controversy of diversity in the industry, he was able to lighten up the award show that was getting a lot of talk for not having any colored nominees.
2. Diversity
Have you really ever thought about the amount of diversity or lack of that is present in the film industry today? This year especially, people have recognized this issue. The academy had decided to address this head on during the award show. Through a mix of humor from Chris Rock and more serious speeches from people like Kevin Hart, the Academy shows that that they support and encourage more diversity in the industry.
3. "Mad Max: Fury Road"
"Mad Max: Fury Road," one of the movies nominated for an Academy award that I haven't even heard of until the show dominated. From all different categories the movie has won countless Oscars. Even with all the Oscars, the best picture went to the movie "Spotlight."
4. Girl Scout Cookies
One of the most hilarious parts of the Academy Awards was when Chris Rock asked all the stars to get out their wallets to buy Girl Scout cookies from his daughters. Surprisingly, the stars were more than willing to pull out some money for a small box of cookies, but who? Of course, Chris Rock had to point out some of the few who didn't, but who bought the $65,000 worth of cookies?
5. Woody!
The Academy didn't forget about the animations that we all know and love. Celebrating Toy Story's 20th year, Buzz and Woody announced an Academy winner and so did the Minions!
6. Kevin Hart
For once, Kevin Hart took the stage and surprisingly had a more serious speech written. He addressed the ongoing issue of diversity in the nominations and applauded the actors of color. He encouraged them to leave the negativity behind and focus on their craft as artists. Being Kevin Hart, he brought humor back into the mix and announced one of my faves, The Weeknd.
7. Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga had a killer performance towards the end of the show supporting the fight against sexual assault. It was a powerful and meaningful performance of "Til It Happens to You" that was very emotional for her as well as the audience as she was joined with numerous sexual assault survivors.
8. Leo
"And the Oscar goes to... Leonardo Dicaprio." Finally, after over 20 years in the industry, Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar! He won actor in a leading role for the movie "Revenant." This has been a long time coming. In his speech he thanked all of those who helped him throughout his career and brought attention to the environmental problem of global warming and climate change.
9. Best Picture
The Academy Award for best picture of 2016 went to the movie "Spotlight." This was a surprising win because the movie that seemed to be sweeping the stage with numerous Oscars was "Mad Max: Fury Road."
