Redemption. The key underlying theme of this show. From seasoned veterans such as Colin Ferrell receiving his first nomination to Jamie Lee Curtis's victory. Actors and crew receiving accolades encompass many forms of the Film Industry. Despite disagreeing with particular wins (Women Talking over Top Gun: Maverick for Best Adapted Screenplay) and the choice of Jimmy Kimmel as the talk show host, the speeches were eloquent and reserved, the editing smooth, and a killer production design present throughout.
Additionally, the Academy rightfully addressed animation with a hard backpedal from their prior award show statement (with a welcome comedic touch from The Rock). Also, this show found creative methods around obstacles (such as honoring Tony Scott during "Hold My Hand"). Ultimately, I cried when Ke Huy Quan won Supporting Actor. It was both earned and respectful after twenty years of absence-similarly, Brendan Fraser's tearful and honest reflection after a demanding career. I was on the edge of my seat, awaiting his victory.
In terms of music, performances, such as M. M. Keeravani & Chandrabose's "Naatu Naatu," were masterfully matched with accompanying backgrounds and precise choreography. Conversely, Ryan Lott, David Byrne, & Mitski's "This Is A Life" were flat and off-pitch despite a creative costume design and well-staged setup, understandable due to the unnecessary pressure of performing alongside four other performers. Sofia Carson and Diane Warren's "Applause" is worthy of its title. Rihanna's "Lift Me Up," due to the solid vocals and elaborate breath control, maintained a necessary presence available solely to stage performers and, as a result, is worthy of applause. Finally, Lady Gaga killed it with a bare-bones setup, crisp diction, and raw vocals when performing "Take My Breath Away," unexpected to anyone. (Except for her fanbase). In addition, issues such as the disrespectful dance sequence were replaced by a well-performed and masterful Lenny Kravitz performance for the In Memoriam.
For pacing, the show unsurprisingly dragged during the halfway point with unnecessary comedy bits (Kimmel asking celebrities nothing questions) and unfairly cutting off VFX artists before they could thank their families. Additionally, the advertising for various additional ceremonies needed to improve due to halting prominent editing and core acting categories. Also, despite being sarcastic, dancing "Naatu Naatu" to shoo the actors would have been more respectful than abruptly cutting the mic after an inconsistently timed twenty to forty-five seconds. Meanwhile, in terms of positive Academy Performance, the endpoint of the Oscars without an accident was brilliantly timed-a far turn from the cringe-worthy opening. Overall, this was a few nominations short of greatness. But, if nothing else, like many of the winners, the Academy finds redemption on the stage.
Additionally, the Academy rightfully addressed animation with a hard backpedal from their prior award show statement (with a welcome comedic touch from The Rock). Also, this show found creative methods around obstacles (such as honoring Tony Scott during "Hold My Hand"). Ultimately, I cried when Ke Huy Quan won Supporting Actor. It was both earned and respectful after twenty years of absence-similarly, Brendan Fraser's tearful and honest reflection after a demanding career. I was on the edge of my seat, awaiting his victory.
In terms of music, performances, such as M. M. Keeravani & Chandrabose's "Naatu Naatu," were masterfully matched with accompanying backgrounds and precise choreography. Conversely, Ryan Lott, David Byrne, & Mitski's "This Is A Life" were flat and off-pitch despite a creative costume design and well-staged setup, understandable due to the unnecessary pressure of performing alongside four other performers. Sofia Carson and Diane Warren's "Applause" is worthy of its title. Rihanna's "Lift Me Up," due to the solid vocals and elaborate breath control, maintained a necessary presence available solely to stage performers and, as a result, is worthy of applause. Finally, Lady Gaga killed it with a bare-bones setup, crisp diction, and raw vocals when performing "Take My Breath Away," unexpected to anyone. (Except for her fanbase). In addition, issues such as the disrespectful dance sequence were replaced by a well-performed and masterful Lenny Kravitz performance for the In Memoriam.
For pacing, the show unsurprisingly dragged during the halfway point with unnecessary comedy bits (Kimmel asking celebrities nothing questions) and unfairly cutting off VFX artists before they could thank their families. Additionally, the advertising for various additional ceremonies needed to improve due to halting prominent editing and core acting categories. Also, despite being sarcastic, dancing "Naatu Naatu" to shoo the actors would have been more respectful than abruptly cutting the mic after an inconsistently timed twenty to forty-five seconds. Meanwhile, in terms of positive Academy Performance, the endpoint of the Oscars without an accident was brilliantly timed-a far turn from the cringe-worthy opening. Overall, this was a few nominations short of greatness. But, if nothing else, like many of the winners, the Academy finds redemption on the stage.