HIGH DRAMA AT THE OSCARS
Ultimately, it was the messages imparted by the winners that left a lasting impression. Ariana De Bose of West Side Story, resplendent in a caped red Valentino ensemble and double-stacked De Beers diamonds, was the first openly queer woman of color to win an award. She ended her acceptance speech with “To anybody who has questioned your identity ever, ever, ever, or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us.”
Jessica Chastain, Best Actress winner for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, in a Gucci gold and lavender gown, rallied for LGBTQ+ rights and spoke against discrimination as well, citing bigoted legislation that is sweeping the country, “with the only goal of further dividing us” and mentioning “the violence and hate crimes being perpetuated on innocent civilians all over the world.” Inspired by the passion of the character she portrayed in the film, she marveled at how it can “lead us forward, connect us all in the desire that we want to be accepted for who we are, accepted for who we love, and to live a life without the fear of violence or terror.”
Love also figured in Will Smith’s speech for winning Best Actor as the tennis dad Richard Williams in King Richard. With tears rolling down his cheeks, he compared himself to the character he played — “a fierce defender of his family.” Attempting to justify his slapping of presenter Rock, he said, “I look like the Rita Moreno in Carolina Herrera
(eonline.com) crazy father. But love will make you do crazy things.” He professed that he wants to be “a vessel for love” and apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees. Although there is no excuse for physical violence, and definitely not as a response to a joke, Smith appeared contrite enough and showed that, just like in the story of the character he played, it was one of many bad decisions made in his life. And if he can learn from it, then there is a chance for redemption.
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