Oscars 2020: Diversity is the biggest winner of the night as 'Parasite', 'Jojo Rabbit' and 'Hair Love' shine
“Where are the people of color?” slammed social media over the lack of representation for Black and Asian creators after the 92nd Academy Awards nominations were announced. Fast forward to the awards night, and there's a 180-degree shift in the outlook now.
At the 2020 Oscars, South Korean movie 'Parasite' made a memorable mark as it bagged four major awards, including its historic claim with the Best Picture Award.
If Bong Joon-ho's win wasn't a reason for fans to rave enough, they couldn't contain their happiness when Taika Waititi clinched the trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'Jojo Rabbit'.
That's not all. Matthew A Cherry took the Best Animated Short Film Award for 'Hair Love' and the former NFL player became the second professional athlete to win an Oscar after late Kobe Bryant’s win for 'Dear Basketball' in 2018.
What's more, Barack and Michelle Obama-produced 'American Factory' got the Best Documentary Feature Award.
There may have been one too many snubs and a certain lack of diversity, but viewers couldn't contain their joy after the big 'Parasite' win.
"Diversity truly did win tonight. 'Hair Love', 'American Factory', 'Learning to Skateboard in a War Zone (If Your'e a Girl)', and the big winner tonight, 'Parasite' (4 awards!!!!) all told stories from nonwhite perspectives," one tweet read.
Calling the awards night a "reaffirmation of authenticity, diversity and originality in cinema," one viewer said, "Congratulations to all the winners at the #oscars tonight but especially to the director producers and the entire Korean film industry for @ParasiteMovie historic win."
"It was a reaffirmation of authenticity, diversity and originality in cinema. Bravo!" the viewer shared.
Another posted, "This is one of the only times where I've seen such sincere diversity, genre & border crossing, sense of community of actors supporting their fellow actors, & just sheer innovative inspiring talent at the Oscars. Best one to date imo! Bravo to everyone this year!"
The hall roared with thunderous claps after 'Parasite' won the award. "Truly significant moment to see #Parasite win Best Picture at #TheOscars Goes to show stories about Asian families are universal & not just for Asian audiences. Game recognize game regardless of color or language," one user posted.
Another said, "The 92nd Oscar's were really good! A lot of deserved people won tonight! Really great decisions by the Academy!! Really happy Parasite got nominated and won the most awards tonight. This is what we want! Diversity!! Really enjoyed the show! #BestPicture #ParasiteMovie #Oscars2020!"
"Congrats to #TaikaWaititi on his #Oscar! Go Kiwi! Who says there's no diversity? Shame about Anthony McCarten," one fan posted and another wrote about how a Korean film made a clean sweep: "And everyone moaned about lack of diversity at this year's #Oscars2020. A Korean film has cleaned up. Bravo."
Saying "art is art," many ecstatic fans poured their thoughts on Twitter. "Just goes to show that a spectacular film transcends language boundaries. Here's to more diversity in the creative industry, where films (and music!) can compete on the level ground regardless of the country of origin. Art is art," one tweet read.
Another shared, "A South Korean film gets its first Oscar, becoming the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture, a Maori wins a first Oscar, a film on Afghanistan girls wins an Oscar. Pleasantly, #Oscars2020 show a little diversity. A delight to see that smile by #BongJoonHo!"
"You nailed it, @TheAcademy! This is a turning point for diversity & inclusiveness at the Oscars. There is so much content to share, great stories to tell, and amazing talent from many parts of the globe. Here's hoping the momentum is sustained going forward," one tweet read.
Held at the Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, California, United States on February 9, the star-studded ceremony finally gave a green light to diversity and inclusion.