Oscars 2017: Top Films, Winners, And Highlights

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Oscars 2017: Top Films, Winners, and Highlights

The 2017 Academy Awards, honoring the best films of 2016, was a cinematic celebration to remember. From groundbreaking narratives to stunning visuals, the films nominated that year left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. In this article, we'll dive into the standout movies, memorable moments, and the ultimate winners that defined the Oscars 2017 ceremony. Get ready to relive the magic and excitement of one of Hollywood's most prestigious nights!

Best Picture Nominees

The Best Picture category at the 2017 Oscars showcased a diverse range of storytelling, each film vying for the top honor. Here's a closer look at the nominees:

  • Arrival: A thought-provoking science fiction drama directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival tells the story of a linguist tasked with communicating with extraterrestrial beings who land on Earth. The film's unique narrative structure and exploration of communication and understanding resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

  • Fences: Based on August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences explores the life of an African-American family in the 1950s. Denzel Washington, who also directed the film, and Viola Davis deliver powerful performances that capture the complexities of family dynamics, race, and the American Dream.

  • Hacksaw Ridge: Directed by Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge tells the incredible true story of Desmond Doss, a pacifist combat medic who served in World War II without carrying a weapon. Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Doss's unwavering faith and courage earned him critical acclaim.

  • Hell or High Water: A modern Western crime drama, Hell or High Water follows two brothers who resort to robbing banks to save their family farm. The film's gritty realism and compelling performances by Chris Pine and Ben Foster made it a standout of the year.

  • Hidden Figures: Hidden Figures tells the inspiring true story of three African-American women who played a vital role in NASA's early space missions. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe shine in this uplifting and empowering film that celebrates the unsung heroes of the space race.

  • La La Land: A vibrant and nostalgic musical, La La Land captured the hearts of audiences with its dazzling song-and-dance numbers and heartfelt story of aspiring artists in Los Angeles. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, whose chemistry and talent are undeniable.

  • Lion: Lion is a moving drama based on the true story of Saroo Brierley, an Indian boy who gets lost and is eventually adopted by an Australian couple. Years later, he sets out to find his biological family using Google Earth. Dev Patel's performance is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

  • Manchester by the Sea: A deeply emotional and character-driven drama, Manchester by the Sea explores the life of a grief-stricken man who becomes the guardian of his nephew. Casey Affleck's portrayal of a man struggling with loss and trauma earned him widespread acclaim.

  • Moonlight: Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, is a groundbreaking coming-of-age story that follows a young black man's journey of self-discovery as he grapples with his identity and sexuality. The film's poetic visuals, poignant performances, and heartfelt narrative made it a critical darling.

The Winner: Moonlight

In a shocking and unforgettable moment, Moonlight was ultimately crowned Best Picture at the 2017 Oscars. After an initial announcement mistakenly declared La La Land as the winner, the error was corrected, and Moonlight rightfully claimed its victory. This win was significant for several reasons:

  • Representation: Moonlight's win was a major step forward for representation in Hollywood, as it told a story that had rarely been seen on the big screen. The film's exploration of race, identity, and sexuality resonated with audiences and critics alike.

  • Independent Cinema: Moonlight's success highlighted the power of independent cinema and its ability to challenge mainstream narratives. The film's low budget and unconventional storytelling proved that powerful stories can come from anywhere.

  • Artistic Merit: Moonlight's win was a testament to its artistic merit and the vision of director Barry Jenkins. The film's poetic visuals, nuanced performances, and heartfelt narrative made it a deserving winner.

Other Notable Wins

While Moonlight's Best Picture win was the biggest surprise of the night, there were several other notable victories worth celebrating:

  • Best Director: Damien Chazelle won Best Director for La La Land, becoming the youngest person to win the award. His innovative direction and musical vision brought La La Land to life.

  • Best Actor: Casey Affleck won Best Actor for his performance in Manchester by the Sea. His portrayal of a man struggling with grief and trauma was both powerful and moving.

  • Best Actress: Emma Stone won Best Actress for her performance in La La Land. Her charm, talent, and on-screen chemistry with Ryan Gosling made her a standout.

  • Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Moonlight. His portrayal of a drug dealer who becomes a father figure to the protagonist was both nuanced and powerful.

  • Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Fences. Her portrayal of a strong and resilient woman struggling with her own dreams and desires was a tour de force.

Memorable Moments

The 2017 Oscars were filled with memorable moments that went beyond the awards themselves:

  • The La La Land/Moonlight Mix-Up: The infamous La La Land/Moonlight mix-up will forever be etched in Oscars history. The cast and crew of La La Land initially accepted the Best Picture award, only to realize that Moonlight was the actual winner. The grace and professionalism with which both teams handled the situation was commendable.

  • Jimmy Kimmel's Hosting: Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Oscars for the first time in 2017, bringing his signature humor and wit to the ceremony. His opening monologue and ongoing jokes throughout the night kept the audience entertained.

  • Political Statements: The 2017 Oscars took place during a politically charged time, and many winners and presenters used their platform to speak out on social and political issues. From immigration to freedom of speech, the Oscars became a forum for important conversations.

Impact and Legacy

The 2017 Oscars left a lasting impact on the film industry and popular culture:

  • Diversity and Representation: The success of films like Moonlight and Hidden Figures highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in Hollywood. These films opened doors for more stories from underrepresented communities to be told.

  • Independent Cinema: Moonlight's Best Picture win paved the way for more independent films to gain recognition and acclaim. The film's success proved that smaller, more personal stories can resonate with a wide audience.

  • Artistic Innovation: The films nominated at the 2017 Oscars pushed the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking. From Arrival's unique narrative structure to La La Land's vibrant musical numbers, these films inspired audiences and filmmakers alike.

The Oscars 2017 was a night of surprises, celebrations, and important conversations. From the groundbreaking win of Moonlight to the memorable moments that unfolded on stage, the ceremony will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Oscars history. The films honored that night continue to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the importance of representation.