The biggest night of the year for film took place the night of March 2 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood: the Oscars. An evening celebrating the filmmaking community and legends in film. Filled with performances, heartwarming acceptance speeches and silly skits and jokes, the Oscars is more than just an awards show, it is a night of entertainment. Here are some of the highlights of the best moments from the night.
This year’s opening was absolutely thrillifying, to say in Ozian terms. Ariana Grande kicked off the Oscars with a rendition of “Over the Rainbow” from 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz,” wearing a dazzling sparkly red dress inspired by Dorthy’s red slippers. Cynthia Erivo then followed with a beautiful performance of “Home” from the 1975 Broadway musical “The Wiz.” Then the two stars joined together to perform “Defying Gravity”, the most anticipated song from their Oscar-nominated film “Wicked.”
Adam Sandler is notorious for showing up to the biggest events in his gym shorts and comfy t-shirts that most people wear on their bed-rotting days while devouring all food in sight and crying to the newest rom-com on Netflix. During this year’s Oscars, Sandler was highlighted by host Conan O’Brien in his silly skit addressing Sandler’s attire for the night. He was wearing a bright blue sweatshirt and his classic gym shorts surrounded by fellow celebrities dressed in tuxedos and elegant gowns which are normally expected for this event. After his joke, many thought it was about to be a repeat of the 2022 Academy Awards debacle between host Chris Rock and Will Smith. However, it appeared to be a silly skit. Sandler walked out laughing and even stole a kiss from actor Timothée Chalamet on his way.
O’Brien invited California firefighters who bravely fought against the LA wildfires that have been greatly impacting California recently onto the stage. The heroes received a standing ovation. However, this wasn’t just a normal recognition, it was all a part of a comical bit. The LAFD captain, pilot and Pasadena fire department captain all used this opportunity to deliver jokes about movies nominated from the night, actors present and even O’Brien himself.
But the true party seemed to start before the Oscars at Elton John’s AIDS Foundation’s 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 2 in West Hollywood. A duo people never knew they needed, Elton John and Chappell Roan, performed together at this party with a collection of both of their songs. Roan started the night off with her hit song “HOT TO GO!”, which has a special dance to go along with it. They followed with a rendition of John’s iconic “Your Song.” Then, the two joined together for a duet of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” to close the night. The Midwest Princess then crowned John with a pink dazzling cowboy hat for a duet to “Pink Pony Club.” This e.l.f. Cosmetics-sponsored event raised over $8.6 million to support the Foundation’s mission to end AIDS.
