Hollywood seized the global platform of the Oscars on Monday to take on Donald Trump, but stars kept the tone light and inclusive after the President’s divisive debut.
With Trump famous for his angry Twitter attacks on critics, Hollywood’s stars made jibes about incurring his wrath but mostly adopted a celebratory mood, with multiple winners highlighting their origins as immigrants, minorities or foreigners.
“This broadcast is being watched live by millions of Americans and around the world in more than 225 countries that now hate us,” host Jimmy Kimmel said in his opening monologue.
The late-night comedian quipped that Mr Trump had taken the heat off Hollywood and its annual gala. “I want to say thank you to President Trump. Remember last year when it seemed like the Oscars were racist? That’s gone,” Kimmel said.
“We are very welcoming to outsiders here in Hollywood. We don’t discriminate on people based on what countries they come from. We discriminate them based on their age and weight.” Midway, Kimmel tried to get a rise out of Mr Trump by tweeting to him on the air. By the show’s end, the President didn’t take the bait.
Tarell Alvin McCraney who won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay for Moonlight said: “This goes out to all those black and brown boys and girls, and non-gender-conforming, who don’t see themselves — we’re trying to show you.”
Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal said: “As a Mexican, as a Latin American, as a migrant worker...I’m against any form of wall that wants to separate us.”
Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said : “Tonight is proof that art has no borders.”
Mahershala is first Muslim actor to win
Heavily-backed favorite Mahershala Ali won the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of a drug dealer in coming-of-age drama Moonlight becoming the first Muslim film star to pick up a golden statuette.
A first-time nominee, the 43-year-old actor saw off competition from Britain’s Dev Patel, veteran US actors Jeff Bridges and Michael Shannon and newcomer Lucas Hedges. “I want to thank my teachers, my professors,” Ali said. “One thing that they consistently told me... ‘It’s not about you. It’s about these characters. You are a servant. You’re in service to these stories.”
Chazelle youngest director to win Oscar
Damien Chazelle became the youngest ever filmmaker to win the Oscar for best director for his whimsical musical La La Land, which took home a total of six awards. Chazelle’s latest movie, an opulent tribute to the musicals of Old Hollywood, has already earned a record haul of seven Golden Globes and several other awards.
The American, who turned 32 in January, smashed an 85-year-old record held by Norman Taurog, who was born in the 19th century and was 222 days older than Chazelle when he was recognized for comedy Skippy. ”This was a movie about love and I was lucky enough to fall in love while making it,” said Chazelle, paying tribute to his girlfriend.
Oscar diversity praised, #oscarssoblack trendS
Last year the Academy Awards was criticised for being too white, prompting the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. This year the Academy has managed to avoid the controversy. Six black actors were nominated for 2017 Oscars: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Ruth Negga, Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris and Octavia Spencer. Hashtag #OscarsSoBblack was trending on Twitter.
“This year a black Muslim got the award for his performance in a movie as a gay guy.Celebrate that @moonlightmov #Oscars #diversity,” a user tweeted after Ali won an Oscar for the best supporting actor. “Love #FencesMovie The first black actor to ever receive an #Oscars , #Emmy , and a #tony . #violadavis #OscarsSoBlack #redcarpet #fashion,” another tweeted about Viola Davis’ win.
Casey Affleck emerges from brother Ben’s shadow
Casey Affleck won the Academy Award for Best Actor on Monday in Hollywood and his brother Ben Affleck was there to share the moment. The older Affleck brother gave Casey a bear hug after his name was announced.
Casey, 41, beat out Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, Andrew Garfield and Viggo Mortensen to take the top prize for his performance in Manchester By The Sea. After his name was announced, Ben, 44, jumped up from his seat and rushed to embrace his sibling.
The actor has already picked up a Golden Globe and British Bafta for his acclaimed role. The win — which comes a decade after his best supporting actor nomination for Andrew Dominik’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford sees him finally come out of the shadow of his more famous older brother Ben, 44, who has Oscars for writing and producing.
