On March 12, 2023, the 95th Oscars Awards ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Among the highlights of the night was historical wins, stunning performances, and star studded hosting. Read on to catch up on the biggest night in Hollywood! For a full list of the winners, read our article with full updates from Sunday.
‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ Sweeps with Seven Oscars
The film has received widespread critical acclaim since its premiere. Critics praised the film for its bold, imaginative storytelling, stunning visual effects, and outstanding performances. Undoubtedly fans and critics alike were thrilled by the performances from Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Stephanie Hsu.
At the Oscars ceremony, Everything Everywhere All At Once faced stiff competition from some of the most acclaimed films of the year, including Avatar: Way of the Water and Elvis. However, the film’s unique blend of groundbreaking use of technology and its timely exploration of issues such as identity, belonging, and mortality, ultimately won over the Academy voters.
In addition to its Best Picture win, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” also took home awards for Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay. The film’s total of seven Oscars puts it in the elite company of other record-breaking winners such as The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Ben-Hur (1960)
Naatu Naatu Wins Best Song
Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava took to the stage this Sunday to perform the energetic and catchy song “Naatu Naatu” from RRR to a roarous crowd.
“Naatu Naatu” is one of the most memorable sequences from the Telugu-language action film RRR. It won “movie darling” status among many film critics this year with it’s fast fun action sequences and lively acting.
The movie also won an Oscar for Best Music that same night. Audiences were able to see in real time why RRR deserved such an award.
Rihanna Takes the Stage with ‘Lift Me Up’
Rihanna has made her second musical appearance this year coming hot from the Super Bowl. “Lift Me Up” was written specifically for the upcoming Black Panther sequel. The beautiful ballad was tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. Boseman passed away in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer, leaving behind a legacy of excellence both on and off the screen. “Lift Me Up” honors his memory and his impact on the world. He reminded listeners to keep fighting and pushing forward even in the face of adversity.
Rihanna’s performance of the song was nothing short of spectacular. As the pop icon performed, she was surrounded by a full string ensemble. The production also incorporated a rising stage. As expected, the performance elicited rapturous applause. Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the stunning tribute, with some calling it the highlight of the night.
By bringing the message of the film to a wider audience, Rihanna reminded viewers of the importance of representation and the impact that diverse stories can have on the world. It was a truly unforgettable performance that will be talked about for years to come.
Lady Gaga’s Raw Performance at the Oscars
Lady Gaga’s performance of “Hold My Hand” was nothing short of breathtaking. She took to the stage in a black t-shirt and black ripped jeans. As she belted out the song’s emotive lyrics, Lady Gaga’s voice soared through the auditorium throughout the intimate performance.
“I wrote this song with my friend BloodPop for the film Top Gun: Maverick in my studio basement,” starts the Chromatica star. “It’s deeply personal for me, and I think that we all need each other. We need a lot of love to walk through this life, and we all need a hero sometimes.”
