2015 Oscars recap and reactions
The 87th annual Academy Awards aired Sunday, Feb. 22 on ABC and brought out all of Hollywood’s A-list stars. Many students from the University of Tennessee expressed their thoughts and opinions through Twitter.
courtesy of Rachel Jackson's flickr obtained via creativecommons.org
The 87th annual Academy Awards aired Sunday, Feb. 22 on ABC and brought out all of Hollywood’s A-list stars.
Host Neil Patrick Harris opened the show with a musical tribute to movies featuring guest performances by Anna Kendrick, Jack Black and some Stormtroopers from “Star Wars.”
Many students from the University of Tennessee expressed their thoughts and opinions through Twitter.
Last year’s Best Supporting Actress Lupita Nyong’o presented the first award of the night for Best Supporting Actor to J.K. Simmons for his performance in “Whiplash.” Simmons thanked his wife and children and reminded everyone about the importance of parents.
“If you’re lucky enough to have a parent on this earth, call them,” he said.
Patricia Arquette won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Boyhood.” Her acceptance speech excited the internet (and Meryl Streep) with her mentions of the importance of equal pay for men and women.
The awards also featured performances from all of the nominees for Best Original Song. John Legend and Common’s performance of “Glory” from the movie “Selma” proved to be an emotional one, producing tears and a standing ovation from audience members. The song went on to win the category and was presented by Idina Menzel and John Travolta.
Tegan and Sara and the Lonely Island’s performance of “Everything is Awesome” from “The Lego Movie” appeared to be a hit with viewers at home.
Best Actor went to first-time nominee Eddie Redmayne for his role as Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everthing.” His speech was a highlight of the night, filled with excitement and enthusiasm.
“I will be its custodian,” said Redmayne referring to his new Oscar statue.
Best Actress went to Julianne Moore for her role in “Still Alice.” Moore said she was glad to have “been able to shine a light on Alzheimer’s disease.” This was her fifth nomination and first win.
Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” won awards in many categories including Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.
“Birdman” was the night’s big winner. The film took home awards for Best Cinematography, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director Alejandro Gonzàles Iñárritu and Best Picture.
To see a full list of winners, go to the official Oscars website.
Edited by Courtney Anderson
Arts and culture editor, Taylor Owens, recognized her passion for writing at a young age. As an avid talk show fan, Owens found journalism to be the perfect way to combine her love for interviewing and writing. She is now a sophomore at the University of Tennessee majoring in journalism and electronic media. When she isn’t writing for the Tennessee Journalist, Owens is most likely catching up on the latest reality television show.
