Arguably one of the most diverse Academy Awards shows in its history, the 2014 Oscars featured an unparalleled number of African American winners, presenters, nominees and attendees. A look at the history of the show would reveal that more often than not, “we” are not represented in the fullest capacity. For the first time however, 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. Not to mention the academy is currently being presided by it first black president.
There is no doubt that Hollywood’s “it girl” Lupita Nyong’o was the big winner of the evening. “When I’m being true to myself, I can avail myself to extraordinary things such as this. You have to allow for the impossible to be possible,” said the “12 Years” actress.
“When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every child, no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid,” she said. Nyong’o is the sixth black actress to win in the supporting actress category, following Hattie McDaniel (“Gone with the Wind”), Whoopi Goldberg (“Ghost”), Jennifer Hudson (“Dreamgirls”), Mo’Nique (“Precious”) and Octavia Spencer (“The Help”).
Presenters included Will Smith, Jamie Fox, Gabourey Sidibe, and Michael B. Jordan. In addition Chiwetel Ejiofor and Barkhad Abdi were nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
For a full list of winners, see below.
Best Picture
“12 Years a Slave”
Best Supporting Actor
Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”
Best Supporting Actress
Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave”
Best Director
Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”
Best Actor
Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyer’s Club”
Best Actress:
Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”
Best Original Screenplay
“Her”
Best Adapted Screenplay
“12 Years a Slave”
Best Animated Feature
“Frozen”
Best Foreign Feature
“The Great Beauty,” Italy
Best Visual Effects
“Gravity”
Best Cinematography
“Gravity”
Best Costume Design
“The Great Gatsby”
Best Documentary Feature:
“20 Feet from Stardom”
Best Documentary Short:
“The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”
Best Film Editing:
“Gravity”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling:
“Dallas Buyers Club”
Best Music (Original Score):
“Gravity”
Best Music (Original Song):
“Let It Go” from “Frozen”
Best Production Design:
“The Great Gatsby”
Best Short Film, Animated:
“Mr. Hublot”
Best Short Film, Live Action:
“Helium”
Best Sound Editing:
“Gravity”
Best Sound Mixing:
“Gravity”