It’s kind of unfair that Neil Patrick Harris is so good at so many things, but it sure does make him the ideal Oscar host. Showing the same grace, wit, charm, and star power he brought to the Tony and Emmy awards shows, NPH has made hosting an art form. Opening with a musical number that was almost magical, he appeared in scenes from great movies and not-great ones as well (“Clue?”). Anna Kendrick’s sweet soprano and Jack Black’s “School of Rock” voice-shred provided just the right mix of sugar and spice. As the show went on, he was occasionally out of synch with the mood of the moment, but overall, he did very well.
Best acceptance speeches: J.K. Simmons, for his tender appreciation of his family. He’s right — call home, everyone. And Graham Moore telling all the kids who feel weird that he felt weird, too. It’s always dicey to get political at the Oscars, but it was heartening to see Meryl Streep’s response to Patricia Arquette’s call for pay equity and to hear John Legend and Common on the continuing injustice of our society. Graham Moore’s emotional memory of attempting suicide as a teenager because he felt so isolated and weird was raw, real, and inspiring. Somewhere listening was a kid who feels weird today and will be accepting an Oscar ten years from now who needed to hear that.
Best use of pearls: the dresses of Lupita Nyong’o and Felicity Jones were exquisitely lovely
Best red carpet idea: #Askhermore
Best production number: “Everything is Awesome” lived up to its name. I liked the LEGO Oscars, too. The “Glory” re-creation of the march across the bridge was dignified and powerful.
Best comeback: John Travolta, who was gracious about being ribbed by Neil Patrick Harris and Idina Menzel for the way he bumbled her name last year. “It’s not like it’s going to follow me the rest of my life,” she said. “Tell me about it,” he replied.
Best quote: “Artists are the radical voice of civilization.” Harry Belafonte, quoting Paul Robeson (in a pre-taped segment). Runner-up: “A single person is missing for you and the whole world is empty.” Meryl Streep quoting Joan Didion
Best “I Told You So” moment: Yes, Lady Gaga can sing. And wasn’t it wonderful to hear Julie Andrews say, “Dear Lady Gaga?”
Most touching moment: tears on the cheeks of David Oyelowo and Chris Pine after the very moving “Glory”
Didn’t need to hear about: Neil Patrick Harris’ Oscar predictions and underwhelming reveal
Worst dress: Naomi Watts, especially from the back
Best reference to Michael Keaton’s tighty-whiteys: Alejandro González Iñárritu Worst: Neil Patrick Harris
Best Picture
“Birdman”
Best Director
Alejandro González Iñárritu, “Birdman”
Best Actress
Julianne Moore, “Still Alice”
Best Actor
Eddie Redmayne, “The Theory of Everything”
Best Supporting Actress
Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood”
Best Supporting Actor
J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash”
Best Adapted Screenplay
Graham Moore, “The Imitation Game”
Best Original Screenplay
Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo, “Birdman”
Best Foreign Language Film
“Ida”
Best Documentary Feature
“CITIZENFOUR”
Best Animated Feature
“Big Hero 6”
Best Film Editing
“Whiplash”
Best Original Song
“Glory” from “Selma” (written by Common and John Legend)
Best Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Best Cinematography
Emmanuel Lubezki, “Birdman”
Best Costume Design
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Best Production Design
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Best Sound Editing
“American Sniper”
Best Sound Mixing
“Whiplash”
Best Visual Effects
“Interstellar”
Best Short Film, Live Action
“The Phone Call”
Best Short Film, Animated
“Feast”
Best Documentary, Short Subject
“Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1”
