The 90th Academy Awards: March 4, 2018

The 90th Academy Awards ceremony, a prestigious event celebrating excellence in the film industry, took place on March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian and television host Jimmy Kimmel, the event was marked by significant achievements and memorable moments.

Key Highlights

Best Picture: The Shape of Water

• Winner: The Shape of Water
• Director: Guillermo del Toro
• Synopsis: Set during the Cold War era, the film tells the story of a mute janitor, Elisa, who forms a unique relationship with a mysterious aquatic creature being held in a high-security government laboratory.
• Significance: The film was praised for its unique storytelling, visual artistry, and emotional depth, blending elements of fantasy, romance, and thriller.

Best Director: Guillermo del Toro

• Achievement: Guillermo del Toro won the Best Director award for his work on The Shape of Water.
• Impact: Del Toro’s win was celebrated as a recognition of his distinctive vision and contribution to the fantasy genre. It also highlighted the increasing recognition of diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

Other Notable Awards

• Best Actor: Gary Oldman for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
• Best Actress: Frances McDormand for her role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
• Best Supporting Actor: Sam Rockwell for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
• Best Supporting Actress: Allison Janney for I, Tonya.

Cultural and Historical Context

The 90th Academy Awards occurred during a period of significant social movements in Hollywood, notably the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, which sought to address issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry. The ceremony included several references to these movements, with many attendees wearing Time’s Up pins and using their platform to advocate for change.

Aftermath and Significance

The success of The Shape of Water at the Oscars underscored the Academy’s growing appreciation for genre films and international filmmakers. Guillermo del Toro’s win was part of a broader trend recognizing the contributions of Mexican directors in Hollywood, following the successes of Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro González Iñárritu in previous years.

Overall, the 90th Academy Awards highlighted a shift towards more inclusive and diverse storytelling in cinema, reflecting broader societal changes and the evolving landscape of the film industry.