Os(k)ars

Korea owned the 92nd Oscars ceremony with Bong Joon Ho’s South Korean film, “Parasite,” winning four awards out of its six nominations. The biggest awards of the night–Best Picture and Best Director–were awarded to “Parasite” and Ho respectively, beating out Ho’s own inspirations like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino. The nominations that “Parasite” received were historical in their own right; it was the first time that a South Korean film was recognized at the Oscars. “Parasite” also won Best International Feature Film and Best Screenplay. The Academy Awards brought an end to “Paristite’s” impressive award season run that began with a Palme D’Or, the highest prize, at Cannes. While South Korea stole the show that night, witty speeches were made by other major award winners, including Ho. Best Supporting Actor winner, Brad Pitt politicized the impeachment trial; Best Actor winner, Joaquin Phoenix paid tribute to his late brother river, while, Best Actress winner Renée Zellweger just splurged pure joy. The night was historical and purely wholesome for both the viewers and celebrities present to witness it.  

BAFTAs

Following Harry and Meghan’s departure and in the midst of Brexit, the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) took place in an awkward time for England. Chaired by the Duke of Cambridge, the BAFTAs can be considered one of the most important nights for royalty, speaking in terms of Hollywood and the world. In a political time and an opinionated group of winners, the speeches stole the night. Best Supporting Actor winner, Brad Pitt had fellow costar Margot Robbie read a satirical script he composed beforehand. While referencing the now single Britain and thanking his colleagues, Robbie, while acting on behalf of Pitt, wittingly ends the speech by stating “He is going to name this [award] Harry because he is really excited about bringing it back to the States with him,” resulting in an awkward camera shot of the Duke and Duchess. Best Adapted Screenplay winner, Taika Waititi delivered a less humorous speech criticizing British colonialism and Brexit while emphasizing indigenous storytellers. The heavy speeches were balanced with the humorous breaks from presenters such as Rebel Wilson who poked fun at a number of things such as her role in the film “Cats”. 

The Brit Awards feat. Americans

With a call for greater diversity in nominees, the Brit Awards fell short this year, not having any women or people of color nominated for any major awards, and very few nominated altogether. This may have defined the award show this year, had it not been for the distracting friendships and appearances made by this year’s favorite artists. It is safe to say that new talent reigned at this year’s award show. The number one Twitter trend from that night was the playful banter between Lizzo and Harry Styles, artists whose albums define the last year of music. Their bright personalities, and outfits to match, were more important than focusing on the problems regarding the show. Billie Eilish also returned to make an emotional performance, the first of many during the award season, of the new Bond theme, making people remind themselves that Eilish is still a teenager.