The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, were recently hosted on March 27 of this year. The award ceremony had viral moments that left many shocked. 

   The 94th Oscars consisted of many awards given to talented actors and actresses. The winner for actor in the leading role was Will Smith, with his role in the film King Richard. Junior Julia Eakes says, “I think everyone did so well and all the awards were justified.” She adds, “I would’ve liked to see Andrew Garfield win best actor for tick, tick…BOOM!” Eakes mentions, “He literally learned to sing for that role, and he was amazing.”  

    Garfield was one of the nominees for best actor in leading role, along with Javier Bardem, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Denzel Washington. Junior Lundyn Prinz says, “I personally think that West Side Story should’ve won best costume design over Cruella.” She adds, “West Side Story just had costumes that fit the story line and looked very realistic while the ones with Cruella looked like every average Disney movie costume design.” The other nominees for best costume design included films Cyrano, Dune, and Nightmare Alley. 

     As for the actors and actresses who were nominated and who won awards, many showed up red-carpet ready. Eakes says that actor Simu Liu was the best dressed of the night. Similarly, Prinz said “Simu Liu and Penelope Cuz” were best dressed. Eakes’ favorite part of the Oscars was, “Ariana Debose’s speech and the ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ performance.” She adds, “also seeing all the outfits [was one of my favorite parts].” Prinz says that her favorite part was “probably when the hosts did a skit and dressed up as their favorite movie.”  

    There was one incident at the show that also got attention and it had nothing to do with winning an award. The Will Smith and Chris Rock incident left many with opinions of their own. Comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Smith’s (Will Smith’s wife) hair. Jada Smith didn’t like the joke and Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in response to the comment.

     Prinz said, “I personally feel the slap was scripted but Will Smith screaming was not, and his emotions took over.” She says, “But either way, it was not handled well at all and people in the industry know that they need to be able to take hits from people.” 

    Eakes says, “I think it’s overshadowing the other accomplishments that happened that night. If Will hadn’t done anything, no one would’ve remembered the joke but now there’s even more attention being shown to it.” She adds, “But Chris Rock also shouldn’t have joked about Jada’s medical condition.”