It is my personal tradition to watch the yearly Academy Awards. In Germany, it was broadcast late at night. I enjoyed a nice sparkling wine, while excitedly watching the nominees arriving on the red carpet.
The 93rd Academy Award was on 25th of April instead of 28th of February, due to the pandemic. And it was not in the Dolby Theatre, but in the Union Station in Los Angeles. Everybody had to be tested several times to be able to attend. Still, it was a small crowd of just 170 people, where there are usually about 3.000 guests. Several international nominees could not visit the Awards personally, because of the Covid restrictions of their countries.
First Oscar for female African-American hairstylists
So, it was an unusual time and space. Unusual was also how diverse the nominees and winners were.
Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson became the first African-American women to ever win the Award for Make-up and Hairstyling, for their work on the movie Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The same movie was also honored for Best Costume Design, created by 89-year-old Ann Roth.
Academy Award for Best Director goes to a Chinese woman
Chloé Zhao from China is only the second woman in the 93 years of the Academy Award, who won the Oscar for Best Director for her movie Nomadland. Also, 63-year-old Frances McDormand received the Oscar for Best Actress in the same movie which also wonnBest Picture. Sadly, China chose to censor the Oscar win of Zhao.
Korean Youn Yuh-jung wins Oscar and more
The 73-years-young Youn Yuh-jung became the first Korean actress to win an Oscar for her role in the movie Minari. She was so happy to meet Brad Pitt, who presented her Award for Best Supporting Actress. She said that a dream came true for her, after decades of fantasizing about being in Los Angeles with all the famous celebrities, and she really loved it.
Heavily pregnant Emerald Fennel, got the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Promising Young Woman. Alice Doyard and Anthony Giacchino were awarded Best Short Documentary for Colette.
Best Original Song was Fight For You, Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II, Lyrics by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas, from the movie Judas and the Black Messiah. It was wonderful to see so many sisters being honored.
Diverse is the new normal
Finally, diversity in film is expanding. It is nice to see that women of any age, skin color and background are being recognized for their fabulous work. Young girls and women see new possibilities popping up. The world is changing. What does it take to create a friendly and safe earth for all beings? Hopefully diversity is becoming the new normal.
Cécile Blumenbär.
Love this Cécile… didn’t know what went on at Thd Oscars was so refreshing to read your article. Thank you.