Oscars 2016 after thoughts

Well, it's over. The almost 4 hour run time of this year's Academy Awards (with lowest ratings in almost a decade) definitely had a statement to make. It was expected, as we knew Chris Rock was going to say something.

"This year, in the in memoriam package, it's just gonna be black people who got shot by the cops on their way to the movies."

It was my favourite opening monologue in recent memory. While it was comedy, Rock was saying the truth of the situation by bringing up real issues.

As the awards started, there wasn't too many surprises. Sure, everyone wanted Stallone to win that Oscar; however Mark Rylance was well deserved for Bridge of Spies. 

The songs were great in the ceremony. I may be the only one who really enjoys "Writings on the Wall" from Spectre (of course Skyfall is better). Lady Gaga once again, may have stole the show as her moving performance brought tears to people's eyes.

As expected, Brie Larson and Alicia Vikander took home the trophies and both had really great speeches. 

Amazing to see an action movie get Academy love

It was FANTASTIC to see so much love given to Mad Max: Fury Road. I would have loved to see it win more, as I believe it's one of the few movies nominated that will be watched and remembered for decades. 

Then there was silence as Julianne Moore walked on stage. Everyone was hoping she would say the coolest name in Hollywood and our golden boy from the Titanic would win his first Oscar. When Leonardo DiCaprio was announced, there was a standing ovation and a collective feeling of happiness from movie goers. For some reason, this Oscar meant something to the fans, and as expected, DiCaprio had a wonderful speech (that was probably rehearsed as we knew he would win). It was great to see, as he is one of the best actors in Hollywood and has been for years.

There was no way they would play his speech off with music

The best picture winner was a little bit surprising as Spotlight took home best picture. It was only surprising because The Revenant seemed to be gaining momentum winning best director and actor. Spotlight was a good film and an important one, but not best picture material in my eyes.

Keep in mind that your opinion of the best movies of the year is more important than what the Academy thinks. Don't let the Oscars sway your opinion, or be used as an argument as to why your favourite films sucked. My favourite film was the zero Oscar winning Star Wars: The Force Awakens  (great to see our favourite droids walk out on the Oscar stage last night). Your opinion means just as much as anyone else's and an award show should not change that at all.

Roger Deakins 0/13

Louis C.K. next year's host?