The Oscars has been criticized for its awkward handling of the war in Ukraine after hosts and nominees appeared to shun the topic until the end of the three-hour awards show – despite the hosts’ eagerness to go after domestic political issues.
The 94th got underway Sunday night at 8pm, with ABC carrying the three-hour telecast from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Actress , who was born in Ukraine, took the stage at the Oscars to address Russia’s invasion of her home country, leading a moment of silence after praising ‘those who keep fighting through unfathomable darkness.’
Kunis, without mentioning Ukraine or Russia by name, said that in recent weeks the world had been shocked by ‘recent global events’, before introducing country superstar Reba McEntire, who delivered a live performance of Somehow You Do.
Then during a moment of silence, title cards called for the audience to support the ‘people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders’ before a quick cut to commercial — but the word ‘Ukraine’ was not spoken aloud once during the brief segment.
Eventually a couple of attendees mentioned the Russian invasion, including Amy Schumer who said there was a ‘genocide in Ukraine’ as part of a list of world issues in a throwaway line at the end of the show.
Aides for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had lobbied the academy for a last-minute video appearance at the ceremony, but the producers opted to go for the moment of silence instead, according to the New York Times.
The hands-off approach to addressing the war in Ukraine drew an immediate flood of criticism, with one person tweeting: ‘they seem to not only be incapable of even saying “Ukraine” but just throw up a wall of text their affiliates can cut off if they don’t want to show it.These people are grossly out of touch in so many ways.’
Kunis has otherwise been vocal about the war in Ukraine, raising $35 million for the nation’s people together with her husband Ashton Kutcher, leaving many of her fans stunned at her soft-touch tribute.
In contrast, the co-hosts of the Oscars wasted no time turning to domestic politics, taking aim at a range of hot-button issues and mocking Republicans in their opening monologue.
Actress Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, took the stage at the Oscars to address Russia’s invasion of her home country — but did not mention Ukraine or Russia by name as the ceremony tread lightly on the issue
Instead of the video appearance that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested, Reba McEntire then performed
The Oscars instead addressed Russia’s invasion with these title cards
‘We’re going to have a great night, and for you folks in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night!’ announced Sykes (center) in the opening monologue, referring to a controversial law in the Sunshine State
Hosts , Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes, the first time three women have guided the ceremony, joked about the wage gap.
Schumer said: ‘This year the Academy hired three women to host—because it’s cheaper than hiring one man.’
Their opening remarks quickly turned political with jokes targeting conservatives, in defiance of criticism that overly-political content has contributed to the award show’s tanking ratings in recent years.Last year’s pandemic-delayed ceremony garnered just 10.4 million total viewers — a massive 56 percent decline from the year before.
‘We’re going to have a great night, and for you folks in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night!Gay, gay gay!’ announced Sykes in the opening monologue, referring to the state’s so-called ‘don’t say gay’ bill, which would bar lessons about gender or sexuality in school between kindergarten and third grade
Many in the crowd such as Denzel Washington and Nicole Kidman smiled and applauded in delight at the jab.
In another joke, Sykes took aim at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, making him the punchline of a joke about ‘toxic masculinity’.Another joke centered on diversity at the Golden Globes.
Schumer also referenced race and policing issued, joking: ‘I represent unbearable white women who call the cops when you get a little too loud.’
Beyoncé kicked off the Oscars with pre-taped performance on the tennis courts where Venus and played as girls, in a tribute to the biopic King Richard, about the tennis stars’ upbringing.
Host Amy Schumer appears on stage at the Oscars on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles
West Side Story star Ariana DeBose spoke of her pride of being an ‘openly queer woman of color’ as she won the best supporting actress Oscar
Troy Kotsur became the first deaf man to win an Oscar, taking the Academy Award on Sunday for best supporting actor for his role as a fisherman and father in family drama ‘CODA.’
US singer-songwriter Beyonce performs during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on Sunday
The Oscars opened on an unconventional note with a performance cheap flights from philadelphia to myrtle beach one of the biggest stars on the planet: Beyonce
In a bid to draw more viewers, especially younger ones, after years of plunging ratings, the three-hour show starting at 8pm ET will add two awards, the results of fan votes for favorite film and scene.
The co-hosts’ short monologue also included jabs at ‘Being the Ricardos’ nominee J.K.Simmons and ‘House of Gucci’ stars Lady Gaga and Jared Leto – or ‘House of Random Accents,’ as Sykes called it.
In another joke Schumer quipped: ‘I’m Amy Schumer, or as they know me in Hollywood, ‘Melissa McCarthy said no.”
‘Leonardo Dicaprio, what can I even say about him?He’s done so much to fight climate change and leave behind a cleaner, greener planet for his girlfriends,’ joked Schumer at another point.
Meanwhile, Troy Kotsur became the first deaf man to win an Oscar, taking the Academy Award on Sunday for best supporting actor for his role as a fisherman and father in family drama ‘CODA.’
Kotsur, 53, has worked for over three decades in theater, television and film for both deaf and hearing audiences.
In ‘CODA,’ an acronym for ‘child of deaf adults,’ Kotsur plays Frank Rossi, the father of teenager Ruby who struggles to help her family’s fishing business while pursuing her own aspirations in music.
The only other deaf person to win an Oscar was Kotsur’s ‘CODA’ co-star Marlee Matlin. She won best actress for her role in 1986 romantic drama ‘Children of a Lesser God.’
The first eight awards of the night were handed out before the telecast began. Denis Villeneuve’s science-fiction epic ‘Dune’ won four Academy Awards before the televised show even began: production design, editing, sound and for Hans Zimmer’s score.
Following criticism in prior years of the lack of diversity at the awards, West Side Story star Ariana DeBose spoke of her pride of being an ‘openly queer woman of color’ as she won the best supporting actress Oscar.
The star, 31, collected her gong dressed in red Valentino trousers and a crop top and said her win was proof that ‘dreams do come true’.
DeBose spoke of her pride of being an ‘openly queer woman of colour’ as she won the best supporting actress Oscar
Troy Kotsur (L) accepts from South-Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “CODA” onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
Canadian director Ben Proudfoot in the press room during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
US actor Jake Gyllenhaal attends the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on Sunday
DeBose won the Academy Award on Sunday night for her acting, singing and dancing as Anita in her breakthrough role in the Steven Spielberg reimagining of the classic musical.
She becomes the first Afro-Latina and openly LGBTQ actor win in the category.’To anybody who has ever questioned your identity,’ she said, ‘I promise you there is a place for us.’
Largely unknown in film circles before landing the coveted role, the 31-year-old North Carolina native became the clear Oscar favorite after an awards season full of victories.
She was previously primarily known as a stage actress, with Broadway roles in ‘Bring It On: The Musical,’ ‘Motown: The Musical’ and ‘Hamilton.’
DeBose beat out fellow nominees Jessie Buckley, Judi Dench, Kirsten Dunst and Aunjanue Ellis.She thanked Rita Moreno, who starred in both 1961 and 2021 film adaptations.
Prior to the show, celebrities walked the Oscars red carpet, ready to celebrate the year in movies at a ceremony free of last year’s pandemic restrictions and promising a few plot twists as well as a moment of support for Ukraine.
Jessica Chastain, Nicole Kidman and other nominees donned a rainbow of colors outside the Dolby Theatre where 2,500 gown- and tuxedo-clad attendees were expected for the 94th Academy Awards.
Beyoncé kicked off the Oscars with pre-taped performance on the tennis courts where Venus and Serena Williams played as girls, in a tribute to the biopic King Richard, about the tennis stars’ upbringing
Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor and Gerd Nefzer accept the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for “Dune” at the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood on Sunday
‘My English is not enough to express all the feelings I am going through right now.It’s like a dream come true moment,’ said Ahn Hwitae, one of the stars of Japanese best picture nominee ‘Drive My Car.’
A dark Western, ‘The Power of the Dog,’ will battle feel-good deaf family drama ‘CODA’ for the prestigious best picture prize.A win by either movie would mark a milestone by handing the statuette to a streaming service.
Netflix Inc released ‘Power of the Dog’ while ‘CODA’ streamed on Apple TV+.
Producers said they planned an upbeat show but will acknowledge the crisis in Ukraine, which has killed thousands and driven a quarter of Ukraine’s 44 million people from their homes.Actor Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, is among the night’s presenters. Jason Momoa wore a handkerchief in the colors of the Ukrainian flag: blue and yellow.
‘It’s really, really strange to be here in tuxedos, knowing what’s going on in Ukraine,’ said ‘Power of the Dog’ producer Emile Sherman. ‘It’s not an easy time trying to absorb what’s happening in that part of the world, while still celebrating the achievements of everyone who made this movie and all the movies here tonight.’
Actor Jamie Lee Curtis said she would deliver a tribute to acting legend Betty White, who died in December just shy of her 100th birthday.
Co-hosts Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall speak onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California
US actress and comedian Amy Schumer (L), US actress and comedian Wanda Sykes (C) and US actress Regina Hall speak onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on Sunday
Shaun White, Kelly Slater, and Tony Hawk attend the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles
Color reigned on the red carpet.Nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee wore a light blue suit, while Chastain donned a lavender and gold gown with giant ruffles on the skirt. Kirsten Dunst and Marlee Matlin chose bright red.
After past complaints about a lack of diversity, two of this year’s four acting accolades may go to people of color.Will Smith is likely to earn his first Oscar for ‘King Richard,’ awards watchers say, as is Ariana DeBose for ‘West Side Story.’
The best picture race hinges on whether the 9,900 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences back a gothic psychological thriller or an uplifting story.
‘Power of the Dog,’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a repressed cowboy who torments his brother’s new wife, outpaced all movies with 12 nominations.It had been considered the leader until ‘CODA’ landed top honors from the Screen Actors Guild and Producers Guild.
‘CODA’ tells the story of a hearing girl who serves as interpreter for her deaf family but longs to pursue a career in music.CODA is an acronym for ‘child of deaf adult.’
A screen shows the Oscars sign onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
A traditional Hollywood studio could score an upset.Awards experts give an outside shot to Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast,’ a film inspired by his childhood in Northern Ireland at the onset of the sectarian conflict known as the Troubles, or Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ remake.
‘King Richard’ star Smith is the best-actor favorite for playing the determined father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.Competitors include Cumberbatch and Andrew Garfield for musical ‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’
Best actress is the most unpredictable. Many experts say Chastain’s portrayal of TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker will triumph, though some give the edge to former ‘Twilight’ vampire Kristen Stewart for playing Princess Diana in ‘Spencer.’
In supporting actor categories, Afro-Latina actress DeBose is expected to prevail for her portrayal of Anita in ‘West Side Story.’ ‘CODA’ star Troy Kotsur could make history as the first deaf man to win an Oscar.
Oscars red carpet 2022: Lily James stuns in a racy pink lace gown while Best Actress nominee Olivia Colman sparkles in silver as they join Emilia Jones and Judi Dench leading the Brits on the red carpet
and were among a slew of British stars leading the charge at the 94th Academy Awards at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on Sunday.
Gracing the star-studded red carpet, the Pam & Tommy star put on yet another daring display in a revealing pink lace gown, as she joined fellow UK favourites Dame and Emilia Jones at the ceremony.
Following it’s return to full form in the wake of the Covid pandemic, this year’s Oscars has seen huge recognition for British talent, with ‘s biopic Belfast also landing seven nominations including Best Picture.
Here come the Brits!Lily James (far left) and Olivia Colman (second left) joined a slew of UK stars including Emilie Jones (second right) and Dame Judi Dench (far right) gracing the red carpet for the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday
Turning up the glamour, Lily showed off her phenomenal figure in the gorgeous number that also flaunted her ample assets with a daring neckline.
The dress also featured a long chiffon train and was adorned with intricate pink flowers sewn into the semi-sheer fabric.
She completed the look with a pair of chunky pink satin heels and wore a statement silver necklace to draw attention to her cleavage.
Wow!Lily put on a very leggy display in a daring pink lace dress with a dramatic thigh-high split, ensuring all eyes were on her in the pink lace Versace gown that showed off her toned and tanned pins
Style: The dress also featured a long chiffon train and was adorned with intricate pink flowers sewn into the semi-sheer fabric
Beauty: Turning up the glamour, she showed off her phenomenal figure in the gorgeous number that also flaunted her ample assets with a daring neckline
Cute!She later joined her musician boyfriend Michael Shuman on the red carpet and held his hand
Incredible: She completed the look with a pair of chunky pink satin heels and wore a statement silver necklace to draw attention to her cleavage
Exciting: The Academy Awards are taking place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday evening with comedians Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes as hosts and Beyonce as well as Billie Eilish as performers
Confident: She made sure all eyes were on her in the daring pink dress that showed off her endless legs
Design: The Versace dress featured thin straps over her shoulders and a longer train. It comes in the midst of a huge year for Lily following the release of Pam & Tommy
