Hollywood Lights, Red Carpet and a Shot of History: The 93rd Oscars
Los Angeles was buzzing with the glitter of film royalty on Sunday night as the world’s biggest stars rolled out in front of the Dolby Theatre. The Academy Awards, now hosting no host for the first time in over three decades, promised a night full of surprises and some possibly ground‑breaking moments.
Red Carpet Moods
- Spike Lee – swaggering in a purple suit with gold sneakers, matching cap, and knuckle rings that read “Love” and “Hate.” The first‑time best‑director nominee for BlacKkKlansman looked like a walking billboard for style.
- Constance Wu – dazzling in a Versace marigold chiffon gown that would have made the runway blush. Her “Crazy Rich Asians” glamour paid off.
- Billy Porter – turned heads with a black velvet tux‑gown that felt like a costume from a midnight gala, complete with a dramatic flowing skirt.
- Yasmin Al‑Sajadi (Yalitiza Aparicio) – floated in a mint‑green fairy‑tale look, a nod to the raw, lyrical feel of Roma.
- Adam Lambert – decked out in a tuxide with oversized white cuffs and an orchid‑embellished lapel, ready to salute the crowd with Queen.
With no host on the stage, people were curious whether the Academy could still make the show a must‑watch TV event, especially after the low 2018 audience numbers.
Songs, Sports and Laughs
- Queen & the ten‑year‑old pop‑wizard Adam Lambert were slated to light up the stage.
- Bid to widen appeal, Lady Gaga, Bette Midler and Jennifer Hudson added their voices.
- In a fun twist, icon Serena Williams in her tennis attire and the sharp‑tongued Trevor Noah joined the entertainment roster.
“Gaga will bring it, she always brings it,” raved songwriter Diane Warren on the carpet. “I saw Jennifer Hudson rehearse, and this place is about to get blown off the roof!”
The Oscar Prize Fight
At the heart of the night was the best picture battle. A lineup so eclectic it made Hollywood cockscomb.
- Disney’s “Black Panther” – the first superhero film ever nominated for best picture.
- A Star Is Born – a glittering musical that pulled at the heartstrings.
- Bohemian Rhapsody – a 21st‑Century‑Fox biopic that leapt into the limelight.
- Green Book & BlacKkKlansman – both tackling race and history.
- Roma – a black‑and‑white Mexican drama that built a storm of buzz.
- The Favourite – a quirky 18th‑century Fox Searchlight comedy.
- Vice – an independent political satire that was funny, snarky, and scarily timely.
How the Film of the Year Might Break a New Ground
Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma could bring Netflix a first‑ever best picture win, proving streaming services can outplay Hollywood studios in the same arena. Success means Dark‑Fade‑Room, a foreign‑language narrative gets its entree on the most prestigious podium.
Standouts for “Best Actress” and “Best Actor”
- Lady Gaga – as the hopeful contender for both a best‑song award for “Shallow” and a best‑actress nod for her role in A Star Is Born.
- Glenn Close – eyes on her chance to finally win Oscar for her portrayal in The Wife.
- Rami Malek – for a stellar Freddie Mercury performance in Bohemian Rhapsody.
- Regina King & Mahershala Ali – strong support for backing roles in If Beale Street Could Talk and Green Book.
Why this Night Matters
Tonight will likely shape the Oscars’ future, shining a light on diversity, streaming dominance, and the sheer thrill of the ceremony itself. Fans are on edge: the competition is a whirlwind of possibilities, and the outcome could be the most ambitious, far‑reaching Oscars ever witnessed.
