Editor’s note

One of the perks of working at Woman’sDay is we have a valid excuse to watch the Oscars live each year. With 16 pages of awards’ glam and gossip to fill, watching the show is a legitimate part of the job – and a lovely way to spend a Monday afternoon!

So while we tap away at our computers, we can also oooh and ahhh at the red-carpet arrivals and stand together to celebrate the big winners. It's a buzz.

This year's ceremony was particularly special, watching Taika Waititi win his first Oscar. As he thanked his mum and dedicated his win to all indigenous kids who dream to make it as an artist, we all burst with pride.

The fact his win was for JojoRabbit is amazing. It's about a boy who has been indoctrinated into the Hitler Youth, then discovers a Jewish girl hiding in his attic – and their developing friendship is at the heart of the th story. It divided the critics but b I loved it and saw it twice in one week, taking my boy Darcy D along. It opened his eyes e and touched his 10-yearold o soul, and we often talk about a the movie's messages. It was fantastic to see it validated by the Academy.

Taika's ability to use humour to tackle stories with a deeper message is a gift we all benefit from – and his distinct Kiwi funnybone is a joy. His films like Boy, HuntfortheWilderpeople and now JojoRabbit will be repeat viewing in our house for years to come. We're lucky Taika juggles big blockbusters like Thor:Ragnarok (so good!) with smaller films that tell stories with heart.

I hadn't realised 22 Kiwis have now won Oscars. It's incredible for a country of our size. Sport has long seen us lauded on the global stage, but it's terrific our art and stories are being taken to the world. Taika joins a long list of amazing Kiwi directors who have worked abroad – Dame Jane Campion, Sir Peter Jackson, Vincent Ward, Lee Tamahori, Roger Donaldson, Andrew Adamson and Niki Caro to name a few. Kiwi creativity is awesome.

Congratulations Taika! And thank you for the magic of your movies.

SIDO KITCHIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, WOMAN’S DAY