The 89th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars 2017, was a star-studded event that took place on February 26, 2017. This prestigious ceremony, held annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), celebrates excellence in cinematic achievements. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know about the Oscars 2017.
When and Where Were the Oscars 2017 Held?
The Oscars 2017 was held on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The ceremony started at 5:30 PM PST (8:30 PM EST) and was broadcasted live on ABC in the United States. For viewers around the world, the show was telecasted on various international channels.
Who Hosted the Oscars 2017?
Jimmy Kimmel, the American comedian and television host, was the master of ceremonies for the Oscars 2017. This was his first time hosting the prestigious event. Kimmel is known for his sharp wit and humor, which added a touch of entertainment to the otherwise serious award ceremony.
Notable Moments from the Oscars 2017
- Moonlight's Historic Win: Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" made history by becoming the first film with an all-black cast to win Best Picture. The film also won awards for Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali) and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- La La Land's Mix-up: In a shocking turn of events, the wrong envelope was given to the presenters, leading to "La La Land" being announced as the Best Picture winner instead of "Moonlight". This mix-up is now infamously known as the "Envelopegate" scandal.
- Political Speeches: Several winners used their acceptance speeches to address political and social issues, including Meryl Streep, who won the Best Actress award for "Florence Foster Jenkins". She delivered a powerful speech condemning President Donald Trump's behavior.
Major Award Winners at the Oscars 2017
Here are some of the major award winners at the Oscars 2017:
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | Moonlight | Moonlight |
| Best Director | Damien Chazelle | La La Land |
| Best Actor | Casey Affleck | Manchester by the Sea |
| Best Actress | Emma Stone | La La Land |
| Best Supporting Actor | Mahershala Ali | Moonlight |
| Best Supporting Actress | Viola Davis | Fences |
Oscars 2017 Viewership and Ratings
The Oscars 2017 attracted an average of 32.9 million viewers in the United States, making it the most-watched television event of 2017. However, this viewership was a slight decrease from the previous year's 34.4 million viewers. The ceremony also received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its diversity and others criticizing its pacing and lack of surprises.
The Oscars 2017 was a night filled with memorable moments, historic wins, and unexpected twists. Despite the "Envelopegate" controversy, the ceremony highlighted the best of cinema from the previous year and served as a platform for artists to express their views on social and political issues. As the film industry looks forward to the next awards season, the Oscars 2017 will always be remembered for its unique blend of triumph and turmoil.
