On Sunday March 4, 2018, the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles California was packed with the biggest names in Hollywood all anxiously awaiting the start of the biggest award show of the year. After host, Jimmy Kimmel delivered a mediocre opening monolog with the only memorable joke being a jet ski to be awarded to the winner with the shortest speech, the night had started.

The show was full of surprises as the winners of each category were announced. One of the most talked about winner was basketball star Kobe Bryant who won an Oscar for best animated short film. With so many other worthy nominees, it seems a waste to give such a prestigious award to someone who does not devote his life to the art.

As the middle of the night drew near, it was clear who the big winners of the night were. Christopher Nolan’s World War II drama “Dunkirk”, had taken home three awards and Guillermo del Toro’s science fiction film “Shape of Water” had also received three with the hopes of winning the nights biggest award, Best Picture, at the end of the night.

The award for best director has often been male dominated with only one women ever winning it in the history of the award. But this year, with all the social reforms such at the Time’s Up movement making headlines, the audience wanted to see a more inclusive group of winners. This made the categories only female nominee, Greta Gerwig, director of Lady Bird, a shoe in for the Oscar. Unfortunately, this this award like so many others, went to a man, Guillermo del Toro. Though deserving, it was just upsetting to see the continued male winning streak of the honor continue.

Best actor and actress are always highlights of the night. This year, the youngest nominee of the night, Timothée Chalamet was nominated for best actor. Amazingly talented and awarded the New York Film critics best break out actor, he had a good chance at taking home the prize. But sadly that award went to another deserving actor, Gary Oldman, for his work in “The Darkest Hour”.  

Finally, the night’s most anticipated reveal was upon us. With so many winns under its belt, “Shape of Water” was expected to win. Not disappointing, the film took home the award making it the most decorated film of the night.

Ending on a high note, the jet ski that was offered in the beginning of the show, was brought with it’s winner, Marck Bridge, costume designer for “Phantom Thread” riding it. Over all the night had met the high expectations placed upon it and leaves us waiting in anticipation for next year’s ceremony.