The Scoop on the 20201 Oscars

A sparse red carpet, spread out tables with nominees and no one else, and stylish, haute couture…face masks were not the only firsts at this year’s Oscar Awards. There was no official host but instead, multiple actors came together and contributed to the flow of the show and the presentation of awards. The first round of presenters chosen were, in alphabetical order: Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Bong Joon Ho, Don Cheadle, Bryan Cranston, Laura Dern, Harrison Ford, Regina King, Marlee Matlin, Rita Moreno, Joaquin Phoenix, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Renée Zellweger, and Zendaya. Riz Ahmed and Viola Davis, who are also nominated for Oscars this year, were announced as cast members on Aprill 22. Steven Yeun, another acting nominee, was added to the list the next day making it the most diverse cast yet. But wait, there’s more…

For the first time ever,two women, Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” and Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland” were nominated for best director and the Oscar went to the latter. Also, history was made when Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson, part of the hair and makeup team behind “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” became the first Black stylists in Oscars history to win for best makeup and hairstyling. In fact, women took home 17 golden statues at the 93rd Academy Awards, but they weren’t the only ones finally getting their day in the sun. Never has the list of nominees and winners represented a more diverse racial and cultural background than they did this year.

Best Picture

“Nomadland” — Winner

Best Director

Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland” — Winner

Actress in a Leading Role Frances McDormand, “Nomadland” — Winner

Actor in a Leading Role

Anthony Hopkins, “The Father” — Winner

Actress in a Supporting Role

Yuh-jung Youn, “Minari” — Winner

Actor in a Supporting Role

Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah” — Winner

Original Song

“Fight For You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah” — Winner

Animated Feature Film

“Soul” — Winner

Makeup and Hairstyling

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — Winner

Visual Effects

“Tenet” — Winner

Cinematography

“Mank” — Winner

Film Editing

“Sound of Metal” — Winner

Production Design

“Mank” — Winner

Sound “Sound of Metal” — Winner

International Feature Film

Denmark, “Another Round” — Winner

Documentary Short Subject

“Colette” — Winner

Documentary Feature

“My Octopus Teacher” — Winner

Live Action Short Film

“Two Distant Strangers” — Winner

Animated Short Film

“If Anything Happens I Love You” — Winner

Original Screenplay

Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” — Winner

Adapted Screenplay

Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller, “The Father” — Winner

Original Score

“Soul” — Winner

Costume Design

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — Winner