The Oscars: From the shiny dresses to the Will Smith slaps, it’s a ceremony that’s full of big moments. In fact, the Academy Awards have been the origin of so many cultural hullabaloos that one could be forgiven for forgetting that it’s actually about lit movies.
So, with this in mind, what were the best moments from the 2023 Academy Awards? What parts of it broke the internet? Whelp, let’s deep-dive into them now.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Opening Monologue
For the third time, Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the Oscars, bad jokes and all. He started off listing A-list celebs, then dug into last year’s drama, starting with blaming the accountant that mixed up the Best Picture Winner envelope, then of course, touching on the crisis that was the Will Smith slapping Chris Rock.
“If anyone in the theatre commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for Best Actor,” he said, as a dig to Will Smith last year.
Ke Huy Quan’s Emotional Speech
We were all rooting for Ke Huy Quan before he walked down the carpet, but when he took the stage to accept his Oscar for best actor in a supporting role, we were in tears. We will never forget these words.
“My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp. And somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it’s happening to me! This is the American dream!” he said.
“Look mum I won an Oscar.”
Jamie Lee Curtis’s Reaction to Winning an Oscar
Did you catch Jamie Lee Curtis saying “shut up” when she heard her name called for winning an Oscar for best actress in a supporting role? We did, and it made us smile. By the way, this is her first Oscar nomination and win. We’re so happy for her.
“I know it looks like I’m standing up here by myself but I am not. I am hundreds of people.”
The Emotional Support Donkey
Kimmel turned heads when he brought out an emotional support donkey, which he explains is an actor from the movie, The Banshees of Inisherin. We couldn’t help but gawk at the glittery gold vest. A moment we no doubt will be on Twitter soon, and a potential meme.
Naatu Naatu Makes History
A track from Telugu blockbuster RRR, short for Rise Roar Revolt, Naatu Naatu is the first Indian film song to be nominated for an Oscar, let alone to win an Oscar. The song became a global sensation, spreading across Instagram reels and dance trends on social media. As we saw from the performance on stage, this Indian action spectacle is charming the West.
Hugh Grant’s Eye-Roll
Did you catch Ashley Graham’s awkward interview with Hugh Grant? After being asked about his role in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Grant rolled his eyes as the interview ended. You can watch the extremely awkward moment here.
Lady Gaga’s Stripped-Down Version of “Hold My Hand”
Tears. Literal tears were shed. Lady Gaga is an absolute powerhouse and that performance was pure emotion. We could watch it on replay.
Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”
We’ve all been waiting for this moment, and it was delivered spectacularly. Rihanna performed the Oscar-nominated song, “Lift Me Up” which was created for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The outfit, the emotion, it was all perfect.
John Travolta’s Tribute to Olivia Newton-John
John Travolta took the stage to introduce Lenny Kravitz, but we can’t stop thinking about these words.
“Each of them left an individual and indelible mark that shared and informed us, they’ve touched our hearts, they’ve made us smile, and always remain hopelessly devoted to.”
Brendan Fraser’s Comeback Complete
Brendan Fraser takes home the Oscar for best actor for his performance in The Whale and if that isn’t proof he’s back, we don’t know what is.
Michelle Yeoh Makes History With Oscars Win
Michelle Yeoh is the second woman of colour to ever win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Lead Role. Her speech was so sweet and dedicated to her mum in Malaysia. Here’s to more women of colour winning Oscars!
“Ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you you are past your prime. Never give up. I have to dedicate this to my mum, and all the mums in the world. They are really the superheroes and without them, none of us would be here tonight. She’s 84 and I’m taking this home to her.”
Every Oscar Everywhere All At Once
Everything Everywhere All At Once has cleaned house at the Oscars taking home seven wins, from eleven nominations. We could relive Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan’s speeches over and over again. History was made tonight.
Malala Yousafzai: “I Only Talk About Peace”
Let’s not forget when Jimmy Kimmel asked Malala Yousafzai a viewer question. “As the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history, I was wondering, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?” To which she brilliantly responded, “I only talk about peace.” It was a cringe-worthy question, and she handled it gracefully.
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To see Everything Everywhere All At Once, book your tickets at Hoyts.