Oscars 2016: In Review.
Appreciating Leo.
"Making The Revenant was about man's relationship to the natural world. A world we collectively felt in 2015 as the hottest year in history.
"Climate change is real- it's happening right now. It is the most urgent threat right now to our entire species and we need to work now.
"Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted." - Leonardo DiCaprio (Academy Award Winner).
I could easily spend this whole post paying homage to Mr DiCaprio and the selfless way in which he decided to advocate the threat of climate change during acceptance speech. Instead of speaking about himself, he drew attention to a plethora of humanitarian causes that he holds close to his heart. There really wasn't anyone more deserving.
Alicia Vikander
Best Supporting Actress went to Alicia Vikander for her role in The Danish Girl. Although I knew she was presumed to win, there was much speculation surrounding Kate Winslet for her role in Steve Jobs. After starring in many incredible films last year (including the Danish Girl), Vikander well and truly deserved this honour.
Mark Rylance.
I was happily surprised when I found out that Mark Rylance won the Award for Best Supporting Actor. Beating speculated favourite Sly Stallone, Rylance won for his moving role in Bridge Of Spies. His minimalist approach to the role made him to be somewhat of an underdog - beating all odds to take home the gold.
Brie Larson.
Of course Brie Larson won Best Actress for her role in Room. She gave an honest performance absent of showboating and over-acting which ultimately earned her this award.
Best Original Score.
My favourite award of the evening is always for Best Original Score. I believe that the soundtrack to a movie is inherently the most important aspect. It completes the emotional quality of the picture. It is a universal language that does not have to be translated, one bar of composition can say far more than a line of dialogue. The winner tonight was Ennio Morricone for The Hateful Eight. I was very happy with this choice as I simply loved the score. Tarantino does not usually include a traditional score as the musical backdrop for his movies but this one had a wonderful place in The Hateful Eight building momentum whilst also establishing an ambient setting.
Mad Max Sweeps the Board.
As for the other awards, there were many surprises in store. Mad Max: Fury Road swept the board with six overall including: Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Hair and Make-Up, Best Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. For anyone who has watched this spectacle of a movie, you will know that it is extremely worthy of the praise that resonated among the Academy.
The Main Event.
Finally, there was the most anticipated Award of the evening: Best Picture. Again it was a pleasant surprise to see Spotlight taking the award home. It was an astounding film and through winning this award, awareness for the despicable acts of human conduct that were displayed in the plot will (hopefully) be acknowledged.
