By Estefania Torres |Staff Writer|
From Leo’s big win to Stacy Dash’s awkward appearance, the Oscars were talked about seemingly by every news outlet in the world.
Many fun facts were left unknown about the Oscars that you may not typically find on your favorite Hollywood magazine or routine talk show.
This year was a big year for women in the film industry.
Despite the lack of diversity claims that have been surrounding the academy awards these last few months, the award show has improved a little by recognizing more women in film.
Sara Bennett won best visual effects for “Ex Machina,” along with Andrew Whithurst, Paul Norris and Mark Ardington, making her the first women to win in this category.
“Brooklyn,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and “Room,” were three out of the eight films that were nominated for best pictures that focused on a women’s story and a women protagonists.
“It makes me happy that little by little the industry is making progress and giving [women] more opportunity,” said sophomore Evelyn Cortez.
This year marked the third consecutive year a Mexican-born film maker has taken home the award for best director.
Alfonso Cuarón won in 2014 for the film “Gravity” and for the last two years Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu has dominated with his films “Birdman” and “The Revenant.”
This makes Iñarritu the first director in 63 years to win Best Director two consecutive years and only the third ever.
Another member of the Cuarón and Iñarritu team that broke a record this year was Emmanuel Lubezki.
The cinematographer became the first person in history to win three times in a row for his films with Cuarón and Inarritu which includes “Gravity,” “Birdman,” and “The Revenant.”
Enio Morricone won best composer for the film “Hateful Eight” at the age of 87.
Morricone became the oldest person to win an academy award after beating 2011’s best supporting actor winner Christopher Plummer’s record, who won at the age of 82.
The crowd gave the Italian composer a standing ovation for his win and for his work of 30 years in the industry.
Anohni became the first transgender performer to be nominated for best original song.
The singer was up for her song “Manta Rey,” a collaboration with J. Ralph for the film “Racing Extinction.”
Although the artist was filled with excitement when she first heard the news of her nomination, that excitement turned into embarrassment and sadness after learning that she was not invited to perform at the Oscars.
“Last night I tried to force myself to get on the plane to fly to L.A. to all the nominee events, but the feelings of embarrassment and anger knocked me back, and I couldn’t get on the plane,” stated the musician in an article for Pitchfork.
“I think it would have been very cool to see her perform. The academy needs to be more diverse and be more accepting of people,” said student Eric Rojas.
Instead Lady Gaga, The Weekend, and Sam Smith took the stage, in which Smith took an Oscar home.
However, the singer should have done some research before accepting his Oscar.
The British musician won Best Original Song for his collaboration with Jimmy Napes for “Writing’s on the wall.”
During his acceptance speech he claimed to be the first openly gay man to win the award.
Soon after former Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black who won for best screen play “Milk” in 2009, lashed out at the singer through Twitter.
“Hey @SamSmithWorld, if you have no idea who I am, it may be time to stop texting my fiancé,” stated the screenwriter.
As classy as could be, Smith replied with an explanation that all he was trying to do was to send love to the LGBT community and apologized and congratulated Black.
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