Six reasons why these are the best Oscars in years

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Popular wins in every round

Frankenstein, which won three Oscars, and KPop Demon Hunters, which won two, were both Netflix films that had limited theatrical releases but, unlike a lot of streaming, millions of people watched them, loved them, and wanted to see them get some Oscars. Meanwhile, Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for her role as creepy Aunt Gladys in the hit horror film, Weapons; Brad Pitt’s F1 race car movie won Best Soundtrack. Avatar: Fire and Ash won Best Visual Effects. In other words, the awards kept going to smart, well-made films, but they were also commercially successful. It sure lifts the mood of the evening when Hollywood is feeling good about itself.

Former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour shows off her comedic skills as a host with Anne Hathaway

Getty Images Former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour shows off her comedic skills as a host with Anne Hathaway — Former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour shows off her comedic skills as a host with Anne Hathaway

Party atmosphere

From his gun-parody opener onwards, Conan O’Brien was a much better host than he was last year, expertly mixing silliness and self-deprecation with a bit of inflammatory political material and a generous slice of celebration. The festive atmosphere was also evident in the stunning performances of Best Original Song nominees such as I Lied to You from Sinners and Golden from KPop Demon Hunters (which won the award); In the skit in which former Vogue editor Anna Wintour snubbed Anne Hathaway, suggesting that she was the inspiration for Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada; And in a reunion of the Bridesmaids stars, who proved they still have the comedic chemistry they had 15 years ago. Isn’t it time for a sequel?

Michael B. Jordan gets emotional on stage while accepting the Best Actor award (Image source: Getty Images)

Image source Getty Images Image caption Michael B. Jordan reacts with his emotions on stage while accepting the Best Actor award — Michael B. Jordan gets emotional on stage while accepting the Best Actor award (Image source: Getty Images)

History has been made

The Academy Awards ceremony has been going on for nearly a century, yet the first woman to win an Oscar for cinematography was Autumn Dorald Arkapaw for Sinners. She was unfazed by her history-making moment in the spotlight, and asked every woman in the Dolby Theater to stand up and share that moment with her. Meanwhile, in a widely expected result, Jessie Buckley became the first Irish woman to win Best Actress.

There was also the inaugural Choice Cast Award — won by Cassandra Kouloconidis for “Battle After Battle” — the first new Oscars category in 24 years. There have been healthy signs of increasing inclusivity. Michael B. Jordan, who played both lead roles in Sinners, became the sixth black actor to win best actor. Ryan Coogler became the second black screenwriter to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.