The 90th Academy Awards, which took place in 2019, celebrated the best films of 2018, and what a night it was! Held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, was filled with memorable moments, stunning performances, and of course, the crowning of some truly deserving winners. Guys, if you're anything like me, you love reminiscing about these iconic moments in film history. So, let’s dive into the highlights of the night and the amazing films and individuals who took home the coveted golden statuettes.

Best Picture: The Shape of Water

The biggest award of the night, Best Picture, went to “The Shape of Water,” a beautiful and unique fantasy romance directed by Guillermo del Toro. This win was particularly significant, marking a triumph for a film that dared to blend genres and tell a story that celebrated difference and empathy. “The Shape of Water” tells the story of Elisa, a mute cleaning lady at a high-security government laboratory in 1960s Baltimore, who falls in love with an amphibious creature being held captive there. The film's stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and poignant message resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Del Toro's vision was brought to life by an incredible cast, including Sally Hawkins, who delivered a captivating performance as Elisa, and Doug Jones, who masterfully portrayed the creature. The film’s success was also a testament to its exquisite production design, costume design, and score, all of which contributed to creating a world that was both fantastical and deeply human. Beating out strong contenders like “Dunkirk,” “Get Out,” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “The Shape of Water’s” victory underscored the Academy’s willingness to embrace films that push boundaries and challenge conventions. Its win was a moment of pure joy for del Toro, who had poured his heart and soul into the project, and a celebration of the power of cinema to tell stories that transcend language and cultural barriers. For many, the choice of “The Shape of Water” as Best Picture was a bold statement, signaling a shift towards recognizing more diverse and imaginative storytelling in mainstream cinema. It remains a film that continues to be discussed and admired for its artistry, its message, and its unforgettable characters.

Best Director: Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water)

Speaking of Guillermo del Toro, he also snagged the award for Best Director for his work on “The Shape of Water.” This was a well-deserved recognition of his unique vision and masterful storytelling. Del Toro, known for his fantastical and visually stunning films, poured his heart and soul into this project, creating a cinematic experience that was both enchanting and deeply moving. His direction was key to bringing the film's unique blend of genres—fantasy, romance, and thriller—together seamlessly. He managed to balance the fantastical elements with a grounded, emotional narrative, making the audience believe in the impossible love story at the heart of the film.

Del Toro's attention to detail was evident in every frame, from the meticulously designed sets to the expressive performances he elicited from his cast. His ability to create a fully realized world, complete with its own distinct atmosphere and mythology, is a hallmark of his work. The creature itself, brought to life through a combination of practical effects and CGI, was a testament to del Toro's dedication to visual storytelling. It wasn't just a monster; it was a character with depth, emotion, and vulnerability, thanks to del Toro's guidance and Doug Jones's incredible performance. Furthermore, del Toro's collaborative spirit was crucial to the film's success. He worked closely with his cinematographer, production designer, and composer to create a cohesive and immersive cinematic experience. Each element of the film, from the lighting and color palette to the music and sound design, was carefully considered and executed to enhance the story and evoke the desired emotions. Winning Best Director was not only a personal triumph for del Toro but also a recognition of his contribution to the art of filmmaking. It solidified his place as one of the most innovative and visionary directors working today, and it paved the way for future filmmakers to push the boundaries of genre and storytelling. His acceptance speech was heartfelt and inspiring, encouraging aspiring artists to embrace their unique visions and tell the stories that only they can tell. It was a moment that resonated with many in the audience and watching at home, a reminder of the power of cinema to connect us and inspire us.

Best Actor: Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour)

Gary Oldman delivered an absolutely transformative performance as Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour,” and he deservedly won the Best Actor award. Oldman's portrayal of Churchill was more than just an impersonation; it was a deep dive into the character's psyche, capturing his strength, his vulnerabilities, and his unwavering determination during one of the most critical periods in British history. The film focuses on Churchill's early days as Prime Minister, as he grapples with the daunting task of leading Britain through the early stages of World War II. Oldman masterfully conveyed the weight of this responsibility, showing us the internal struggles and the moments of doubt that Churchill faced behind closed doors.

What made Oldman's performance so remarkable was his complete physical transformation. With the help of extensive makeup and prosthetics, he became virtually unrecognizable as Churchill. But it wasn't just the physical transformation; it was the way he embodied Churchill's mannerisms, his voice, and his overall presence. Oldman captured Churchill's booming voice, his distinctive gait, and his characteristic gestures, making him utterly believable as the iconic leader. Beyond the physical transformation, Oldman also brought a deep understanding of Churchill's character to the role. He showed us Churchill's wit, his intelligence, and his unwavering belief in the British people. But he also showed us his flaws, his insecurities, and his moments of vulnerability. It was a nuanced and complex portrayal that went beyond the caricature and revealed the human being behind the legend. Oldman's performance was not just a tour de force; it was a masterclass in acting. He completely inhabited the role, immersing himself in the character and bringing Churchill to life in a way that was both captivating and deeply moving. His win was a testament to his dedication, his talent, and his commitment to his craft. It was a moment of pure triumph for an actor who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout his career. For many, Oldman's portrayal of Churchill will be the definitive performance of the iconic leader, a testament to the power of acting to transport us to another time and place and to help us understand the complexities of the human experience.

Best Actress: Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri)

In “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Frances McDormand gave a powerful and unforgettable performance as Mildred Hayes, a grieving mother who challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter's murder. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award, and it was absolutely well-deserved. McDormand brought a raw, visceral energy to the role, portraying Mildred as a woman who is both fiercely independent and deeply vulnerable. Mildred is a complex character, driven by grief and anger, but also capable of great compassion and empathy. McDormand captured all of these facets of her personality, creating a character that was both believable and deeply compelling.

What made McDormand's performance so remarkable was her ability to convey so much with so little. She used her eyes, her body language, and her voice to communicate Mildred's inner turmoil, often without saying a word. Her silences were as powerful as her monologues, and her every gesture spoke volumes about the character's emotional state. McDormand also brought a sense of humor to the role, which helped to lighten the tone of the film and make Mildred more relatable. She had a knack for delivering deadpan lines with perfect timing, often eliciting laughter from the audience even in the midst of the film's darkest moments. Beyond her technical skills, McDormand also brought a deep understanding of the character to the role. She understood Mildred's motivations, her fears, and her hopes, and she used this understanding to create a performance that was both authentic and deeply moving. Her portrayal of Mildred was not just a performance; it was an embodiment of the character, a complete and utter transformation that left the audience in awe. McDormand's win was a testament to her talent, her dedication, and her commitment to her craft. It was a moment of pure triumph for an actress who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout her career. For many, McDormand's portrayal of Mildred Hayes will be remembered as one of the most iconic performances in recent film history, a testament to the power of acting to explore the complexities of the human experience and to connect us to characters who are both flawed and deeply relatable.

Other Notable Wins

• Best Supporting Actor: Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri)
• Best Supporting Actress: Allison Janney (I, Tonya)
• Best Original Screenplay: Jordan Peele (Get Out)
• Best Adapted Screenplay: James Ivory (Call Me by Your Name)
• Best Animated Feature: Coco
• Best Foreign Language Film: A Fantastic Woman (Chile)

These are just a few of the highlights from the 90th Academy Awards. It was a night of celebration, recognition, and appreciation for the incredible talent and artistry that goes into making movies. From the stunning red carpet looks to the emotional acceptance speeches, the 2019 Oscars were truly a night to remember. It's always fun to look back and appreciate the films and performances that resonated with us, and the 90th Academy Awards certainly delivered some unforgettable moments!