The 94th Academy Awards: Post-Ceremony Thoughts, Wrap-Ups, and Takeaways

Awards season has come to an end; and as it always does it ends with the most prestigious award of all— The Oscar. The 94th Academy Awards were held last night at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles; and the ceremony looked different than last year’s downscaled, Covid 19-regulated event which was held at Union Station ten minutes away from The Dolby Theatre.

Feel-Good Moments Tainted by a Heated Moment?

A common theme that ran through the films nominated was a feel-good element to it; which in the year that we have had was something that was welcomed by moviegoers and critics alike. However, we must address the elephant in the room. Most years, the majority of the headlines that come out are usually about the winners—but this year the heated argument live onstage between Chris Rock and Will Smith was all anyone could talk about. 

The first acting categories that are announced are the supporting roles, which this year felt like sure locks with “West Side Story’s” Ariana Debose for Actress and “CODA’s” Troy Kotsur for actor—and both of these wins are historic firsts. Debose is the first openly queer actress to win an Oscar, and she touched on this in her speech referencing a line in one of “West Side’s Story’s” songs “Somewhere” stating “there is a place for us.” Kotsur is the first deaf actor to win an Oscar, but the first deaf actress to win one is his co-star in “CODA” Marlee Matlin. Kotsur’s speeches all awards season have been from the heart and this speech was no expectation. 

The Night’s Most Anticipated Categories

The leading actor and actress categories were some of the most anticipated of the night. With the actor, it was again a lock that Will Smith would win the Oscar after two previous nominations. His speech was obviously tainted by the moment with Chris Rock, and he apologized to The Academy and fellow nominees. He also said “I hope The Academy has me back,” and that is something being heavily discussed, with Academy members calling on him to have his Oscar revoked. 

‘CODA’ wins; Chastain and Smith Finally Take Home Oscars

However, the ‘Best Actress’ category was the most anticipated, as it was unsure who the award would go to. Even though Jessica Chastain took home the SAG and Critics Choice, there were still people who would love to see Kristen Stewart or Penélope Cruz win; and this may be due to how divisive the film “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” is. However, Chastain did win the award; and like Smith, it was her first Oscar after two prior nominations.

The night’s biggest film was “Dune,” which won six Oscars, (all in technical categories including ‘Visual Effects’ and ‘Best Cinematography’). However, the best picture winner was “CODA,” which won all of the awards that it was nominated for. These include the ‘Best Picture,’ ‘Best Adapted Screenplay,’ and ‘Best Supporting Actor’ categories. It is the little film that could, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and then being bought by Apple TV +, which brought it to a wider audience. It was a fulfilling end to a mixed night which did celebrate the films this year that bought us joy; however, it all felt tainted by a heated moment.