The 86th annual Academy Awards easily takes the prize for being the most diverse list of Oscars winners in its history.
For the first time, a film directed by a black filmmaker - Steve McQueen of "12 Years a Slave" - won best picture and a Latino - Alfonso Cuaron of "Gravity" - took home best director in a ceremony presided over by a lesbian host and overseen by the academy's first black president. And only two of the top six awards went to Americans.
McQueen's grimly historical drama "12 Years a Slave" took best picture, leading the usually sedate filmmaker to jump up and down in celebration after his acceptance speech.
The British director dedicated his award to "all of the people who endured slavery and the 21 million people who still suffer slavery today."
Cuaron's lost-in-space thriller "Gravity" led the Oscars with seven awards, including cinematography, editing, score, visual effects, sound mixing and sound editing. Some in his native Mexico have been critical that since the attention came for a Hollywood release and not a Mexican-themed film, his win didn't have the same kind of importance.
"I'm Mexican so I hope some Mexicans were rooting for me," he told reporters backstage.
![John Ridley poses in the press room with the award for best adapted screenplay of the year for "12 Years a Slave" during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, 2014, in Los Angeles.](../../sites/default/files/stories/oscars2-ap.jpg "John Ridley poses in the press room with the award for best adapted screenplay of the year for "12 Years a Slave" during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, 2014, in Los Angeles. Photo credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP")
The entire Oscar ceremony had the feel of a make-over for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - an institution that has sometimes seemed stuck in the past. After a Los Angeles Times report revealed the academy was overwhelming older white men, new president Cheryl Boone Isaacs has pushed for a more varied membership.
The movie industry that the Oscars reflect has also been reluctant to tell a wider range of stories.
"Dallas Buyers Club," the best picture-nominated drama about AIDS in 1980s Texas, took two decades to get made after countless executives balked at financing such a tale. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, the two Americans in the top six awards, took best actor and best supporting actor titles for their roles in the film as a heterosexual rodeo rat (McConaughey) and a transgender drug addict (Leto) united by HIV.
"Thirty-six million people who have lost the battle to AIDS and to those of you out there who have ever felt injustice because of who you are or who you love, tonight I stand here in front of the world with you and for you," said Leto in his acceptance speech.
Cate Blanchett, the Australian best-actress winner for her bitter, ruined socialite in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine," used her acceptance speech to trumpet the need to make films with female leads - films like her own and like "Gravity," starring Sandra Bullock. A study by analyst Kevin B. Lee found that last year's lead actors averaged 100 minutes on screen, but lead actresses averaged only 49 minutes.
"To the audiences who went to see the film and perhaps those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films, with women at the center, are niche experiences, they are not," said Blanchett. "Audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money."
![Brad Pitt, left, and Steve McQueen pose in the press room with the award for best picture for "12 Years a Slave" during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, 2014, in Los Angeles.](../../sites/default/files/stories/oscars3-ap.jpg "Brad Pitt, left, and Steve McQueen pose in the press room with the award for best picture for "12 Years a Slave" during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, 2014, in Los Angeles. Photo credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP")
"12 Years a Slave" also won awards in the writing and acting categories. John Ridley picked up the trophy for best adapted screenplay, which was based on the 1853 memoir by Solomon Northup. The screenwriter is only the second black writer (Geoffrey Fletcher won for "Precious" in 2009) to win in the category. Backstage, the "12 Years" team mentioned their efforts to include Solomon Northup's memoir as part of high school study. The National School Boards Association announced in February that the book is now mandatory reading.
"It's important that we understand our history so we can understand who we were and who we are now and most importantly who we're going to be," said Brad Pitt, who produced "12 Years." ''We hope that this film remains a gentle reminder that we're all equal. We all want the same: Dignity and opportunity."
Lupita Nyong'o was a first-time Oscar winner for her supporting role as field slave Patsey in "12 Years." ''I'm a little dazed," said Nyong'o backstage. "I can't believe this is real life."
Nyong'o is the sixth black actress to win in the supporting actress category - and the first major Oscar win for Kenya (the president of Kenya congratulated her in a tweet) - following Hattie McDaniel ("Gone with the Wind"), Whoopi Goldberg ("Ghost"), Jennifer Hudson ("Dreamgirls"), Mo'Nique ("Precious") and Octavia Spencer ("The Help").
Foreign language film nominees included "The Missing Picture," the first-ever Oscar-nominated film from Cambodia. "The Act of Killing," a dark look into the mass killings of communists and ethnic Chinese in Indonesia in the 1960s, was nominated for best documentary feature.
In her second time hosting, openly gay Ellen DeGeneres sought to make celebrities more like plain folk. She passed out slices of pizza to the front rows at the Dolby Theatre, then passed the hat to pay for it. She also tweeted a "selfie" with such stars as Meryl Streep, Julie Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Pitt and Nyong'o. The shot "made history," DeGeneres told the audience later. It's since been retweeted more than 2 million times.
Follow AP Film Writer Jessica Herndon on Twitter.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
Comments
Indeed, this year's awards
Indeed, this year's awards have been a step forward. They have demonstrated and they brought attention to the fact that diversity is something great and enriching. Equality is not a matter of skin color, heritage, or sexual orientation.
Awards for Diversity
The fact that the sexuality of the host and the ethnicity of the award recipients is the highlight of the award season should prove, beyond a doubt, that America is still very focused on diversity issues. It was truly delightful to see true talent awarded at this show, and that so many minorities and walks of life were represented in the nominees.
I think we should be excited that such talent was recognized, and that discriminatory practices are become less obvious. However, although this award show seems to be a wonderful showing of equality among actors and directors, our society must still keep a wary eye out for the more subversive types of discrimination that are ever-present, even in Hollywood.
I haven't been able to see
I haven't been able to see the Oscars on screen this year. I heard that it was an amazing show but reading this article makes me even more sad to have missed it. It does not only seem to have been a great show but also something much more meaningful for the American society and the world. I do agree, based on this article, that this years's Academy Awards have been in favor of promoting diversity and further, the awards recognized aspects that we are already fighting against but that are still present. I was impressed only reading what award winners have said in their acceptance speech. Yes, I know what the article summarized but these points are amazing to read and I am sure they have touched people the globe.
I'm with you, I wasn't able
I'm with you, I wasn't able to watch it either. I'm sad I missed all the great winners for their achievements in film. In reading this article I was kind of shocked that there would even be question on race. I have always viewed these types of programs based on the work and talent put forth by the winners, so it was interesting to me to see an article pertaining to it. It didn't even dawn on me that race was ever an issue, but I see the diversity here and am happy the people who won their awards won for their work. The acceptance speeches haven and who gave them made me think about just how diverse the film business is.
I agree. I don't think race
I agree. I don't think race and gender should even be considered when discussing talent, but in reality these factors are a huge component of achievement in all areas of the US. I think it is amazing that a diverse group represented this event and even more diversity was present in the award winning groups. I think this is a great example of how all types of talent can be valued and encouraged others to accept and appreciate diversity.
If they took race away in
If they took race away in general it would no longer be about the first black or the first Hispanic to win something. It should be more about the people and how they act not what color they are. By people trying to make things more diverse they are actually making it racist against white people. There is no need to point out someones sexual preferences or their color.
I completely agree with that.
I completely agree with that. At first I thought that this story should not even be in the discussion about race because it shouldn't matter what color you are to win an award.
I agree
I agree with what most of you are saying the big question is why are we even looking at it this way? If we continue to look at it by the color of people skin then we will also have some segregation. These people are actresses, actors, film directors, etc. They should be known for that. These people also didn't win because of the color of their skin, they won because they had amazing performances.
I Second that!
I completely agree! If we keep focusing on the color of one’s skin, society in American will get nowhere. They should be recognized and awarded for their talent and their work, not because they are Black/Mexican/etc. I felt that the article focused on the achievements of their race and worded it as a world achievement, as they said, “Americans only took home two awards of the night”. They created a deeper racial barrier in the film world, rather than a diverse community. I can see how they article may have wanted to develop a diverse, cultured article, however I think the wording completely takes it in the wrong direction.
I agree that skin color
I agree that skin color should not be the focus of these awards, but unfortunately race is a huge factor in success in the US. I think the fact that diversity was present at this show is beneficial to promoting acceptance and could have a significant impact on how the US views race and gender.
I agree and I think that it
I agree and I think that it was not only about skin color... it was something a lot bigger!
I saw the entire ceremony and the speeches were amazing. The winners were clever and used those minutes of opportunity on television to give the voice to issues that made people reflect and that definitely touched whoever they needed to. It was very inspiring.
And the fact that we had such diverse people among winners, that just inspires even more those people that think they can’t be successful because they are part of a “minority”.
Only Enhances Racism
I think it amazing that such a diverse group of different individuals can come together to celebrate the achievements of film and the arts. I do agree that the film industry has made many strides to incorporate such a diverse community with actors from all over the world. The film industry has also brought lite to difficult topics such as HIV, slavery, sex-trafficking and so on. Topics like these are still swept under the rug because of their difficulty and harshness and yet film has been able to break these boundaries. However I think the language of this article only increases the boundaries and creates more of a racial barrier than breaking down those walls. Why can’t we celebrate their winnings from an educational, talented view? They won those awards based on their work and talent, not because they were Black or from Kenya. To me this article highlights the negative. It also goes on to mention only two Americans won major awards and at one point, and Oscar winner Cuaron tells reporters, “I’m Mexican so I hope some Mexicans were rooting for me”. What is with the comment? He did not win for being Mexican and he did not win for representing Mexico. Some say that because he is Mexican he should still with Mexican themed films. Why? The race of an individual should not have to affect or persuade what type of films they create. To me the article only enhances the racial barriers.
Also, this article is not a
Also, this article is not a good way to promote NOT having racism, because it is questioning the fact that a black film maker won the award.
Diversity is the winner!
I completely agree that diversity was the biggest winner at the academy awards. Having the academy awards accept filmmakers, actresses, and actors from all ethnicities is something to be celebrated, because our society has not only in the past not acknowledged them but they've also sometimes have not even been included. In our society everything dealing with diversity comes in baby steps, it seems like every time it progresses one step forward it is pushed 3 steps back. So now that diversity is being accepted in Hollywood theatre I definitely think that diversity was the biggest winner at the academy awards!!
This is just a small part of
This is just a small part of the bigger problem of discrimination and it's nice to see that things are starting to change for the better. It's good to see that people are recognizing a problem and it is starting to change. This is a very small part of the problem but an positive change is needed. The Academy Awards is starting to see that they is more out there other than just the films made in the United States. Ellen seems very down to earth which is why she was a great host for this event.
I think this article is very
I think this article is very interesting. It is great to see that the world of celebrities and Hollywood is beginning to to show signs of more acceptance of different race, sexuality, and gender. An event like the Academy Awards has a significant effect on social opinions on these topics and for the show to promote so much diversity could mean a change in the way some people view diversity in the US. Additionally, the popular acceptance of movies about slavery and starring women could mean a change in the way society views these roles. Although this single event does not completely change racism and sexism in the US, this is progress to a more accepting world, and eventually more equality.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Diversity
While watching the Oscars, I didn't realize until now how diverse it actually was. I felt that a wide range of actors, producers, and directors were phenomenal at their careers and deserved to be recognized. The Academy Awards allowed our nation, and the world, to see how we may be turning towards recognizing talent over color, and I hope that this progressive change is turning to a more permanent action in our nation, not just Hollywood.
Good story will always be recognized
Glad that academy demonstrated that diversity is a profound issue that needs more attention in this society. It brought a step forward for either the film production or the discussion of diversity. Although it might be true that the real motivation for the movie to be awarded is controversial, why not just break away from all those tensions and focus on the movie in terms of art and critical thinking.
In this kind of awards, I
In this kind of awards, I believe that talent should be recognized, no matter what.
Many people in this industry are very talented and have been doing a great job, but they have not been recognized yet.
It is a hard industry to work in and being part of a minority group definitely makes it harder, as they probably have found lots of obstacles on the journey to succeed – simply because they are part of that group.
The fact that this year nominees and winners are part of a very diverse groups, it is a great thing as the Oscar‘s Academy seems a conservative institution, so that reflects some open-minded attitude towards talent, regardless where it came from.
I saw the entire ceremony and
I saw the entire ceremony and I have watched most of the movies that won the top awards. They were all fantastic.
The academy is recognizing who they believe is doing a great job out there, and making a change in the world - not only the winners, but all the nominees.
I believe that this is what movies are for. It is not only entertainment. Movies make us reflect, open our minds, change concepts.
And that is what the winners were doing in their speeches. They were taking those minutes as an opportunity to say something and open the world's eyes for things that are happening in our world and we all need to be aware of.
They were all there to prove a different point. And the diversity is one of them. We are part of a diverse world, and the film industry is a globalized are, so there is no reason why not to have a award like that. I wasn't expecting anything different.
I think that they were just highlighting the diversity because that have never happened with such intensity before.
And that is a win for everyone. The movies are out there to prove that all the winners deserved what they got it, regardless where they come from or their skin color.
Losing the main focus
I believe that with this entire discusion we are loosing the real importance of the work that winners did. We are reading and discussing about the races within Oscar, however I believe that we should be talking about the great job that black people and homosexuals have done to deserve the award or mention in this article. I do not think that this year the Oscar was more focalized to reward diversity such as black people or homosexuals. But, I believe that is really great to see how diversity is saying present by merits and earning these award and sharing they thinking to the theatral world. I am also very glad that the judges did not discriminated and they did what was correct.
I truly appreciate that this
I truly appreciate that this is getting big news for being a diverse academy awards. It's a good thing to embrace and discuses, because diversity in the awards is a step in the right direction. Although it's sad that this is finally happening in 2014, at least it's happening. It's important for us to look at our history and see the huge milestones that have been set in place to further help along race and diversity. I love that the awards had so much diversity with all of those in oppressed groups, including homosexuality. I think this is a great way to look at movies in the future, seeing that those in diverse groups are becoming more recognized for their performances.
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