Oscars 2019: Fussing and Frocks

Posted on 28 February, 2019

I have opinions about the sex, drama and rock ‘n’ roll of the Academy Awards 2019

Oh Oscar, thank you for a fabulous, frivolous evening. Thank you the respite from Trump’s wall, Britain’s exit and anything to do with Australian politics.

Thank you for the two awards I really cared about. Rami Malek’s win for his portrayal of the ultimate rock star, Freddie Mercury—a fabulous role that he embodied with élan. From pharaoh to robot to Fred—what next? Challenging Dustin Hoffman’s lauded turn as Louis Dega in Papillion, actually.

 

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A post shared by Rami Malek?? (@rami._.malek) on Feb 24, 2019 at 11:09pm PST

I also cared deeply about Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse winning for best animation and it did! So not Pixar and so, so good.

Thank you, Oscar for the fashion triumphs and the failures—such drama.

My best dressed (quite literally) goes to Pose star Billy Porter, proving black tie and ballgown can morph together. So much better than the several versions of the pink toilet roll dolly on display: Linda Cardellini’s was the worst, Helen Mirren’s was pretty, but Gemma Chan won because hers was comfortable and had pockets for biscuits. Still, all of these were better than the swimsuit-with-train Kendall Jenner wore.

 

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A post shared by Gemma Chan (@gemma_chan) on Feb 24, 2019 at 11:25pm PST

I liked Melissa McCarthy’s clever trousers and cape combo (it always works for Dracula) and I loved Nicolas Hoult’s tux. I admired Charlize Theron’s restraint (mmm, structured shoulders) and Gaga’s black gown (mmm, structured hips)—for me this harked back to Dior’s ‘New Look’. I was baffled by Michelle Yeo, all togged up in a Disney princess number. Still, all better dressed than me in my PJs or Maya Rudolph in her floral bedspread.

Thank you for awkward speeches inspiring moments.

I am quietly pleased one of the most versatile and hardworking actors on British TV, film and stage beat out two ‘stars’ to win Best Actress. Olivia Colman—the everywoman of acting was gracious, astounded and witty.

Menstruation was the topic of the short documentary winner, menstruation was discussed in the director’s speech. Loved it.

Thank you for the…um, what now?

Spike Lee, the most purple person in attendance, missed out on best film in favour of a racially tense driving film…again! Do The Right Thing lost to Driving Miss Daisy in 1990.

 

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A post shared by Ruth E. Carter (@therealruthecarter) on Feb 25, 2019 at 3:42pm PST

Best song, Shallow from A Star is Born was performed by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga who really needed to get a room, immediately.

Then the best actor fell off the stage and they called the paramedics … really, could you ask for more from the biggest show in the world?