#OSCARS: “NOMADLAND” TAKES TOP PRIZE AT THE 2021 OSCARS

The 93rd annual Academy Awards took place tonight at Union Station in Los Angeles, as Hollywood continues to navigate the Pandemic. The ceremony was preceded by a reduced Red Carpet and attendance was limited and socially-distanced within the venue, a departure from the usual Kodak Theatre, which still was used this year, but for a segment leading to the Humanitarian Award, which was awarded to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

Without a formal host this year, the broadcast also adopted a number of new changes including no interruption of winner’s speeches under Musical Director Questlove. Presenters and winners drew their attention to anti-racism, including Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient Tyler Perry, stating in his speech, “It is my hope that all of us will teach our kids: refuse hate. Don’t hate anybody.”.

The evening’s big winner was NOMADLAND, taking Best Picture. The Film directed by Chloé Zhao, made history as she became the first ever Asian woman to win in the Directing category, following Korean Director Bong Joon-Ho‘s win for Parasite last year. Just last September, the Film had won the People’s Choice Award here in Toronto at TIFF. Frances McDormand went on to win her fourth Oscar, taking Best Actress for her work in the Film.

An absent Sir Anthony Hopkins took home his second Oscar for Best Actor for his work in THE FATHER, which also took Adapted Screenplay earlier in the ceremony. He won previous for 1992’s Silence of the Lambs. Chadwick Boseman who posthumously was sweeping much of Awards Season was seen as the favourite to win, for his performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

History also was made as MINARI star Youn Yuh-Jung became the first ever South Korean Actress ever to be nominated and win an Oscar. The veteran accepted her Award from MINARI Producer Brad Pitt, starstruck and asking him where he was during production for the Film. Jokingly, she also forgave everyone for mispronouncing her name, questioning whether the Award was simply “American hospitality”.

Some of the evening’s most memorable looks:

Carey Mulligan has arrived. Promising Young Woman star in Valentino. If this isn’t a testament to believing in herself… ✨ pic.twitter.com/4iZpE6te3q

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Maria Bakalova in Louis Vuitton. Best dress so far tonight. Admit it, you’re rooting too for this BORAT star to ‘dark horse’ the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/o5O6bGgRVK

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Minari star Alan Kim in Thom Browne. Such a stylish young man.

Giuliana: Who are you most looking forward to meeting tonight.
Alan: Nobody.

Aww! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/pgdn0d3wRs

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

“That’s hot.” – Paris Hilton

Colman Domingo of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in Versace. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/mTnEvcKd02

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Riz Ahmed in Prada. First time I’ve ever seen a cummerbund on anything but a dress shirt. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/BPf1OXI8if

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Now that’s gorg! Crazy hearing how Amanda Seyfried would do like 200 takes to get it right in MANK for David Fincher. She’s in Armani. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/jlHgfE2gTr

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 25, 2021

Complete list of winners here.