COMMENTARY
by KAYLEE BREWSTER
If you missed watching the Oscars by accident, or by design, here's a recap of the highs and lows.
Best: Opening
Neil Patrick Harris took a cue from Broadway for a musical Hollywood tribute to Moving Pictures celebrating the past, present and future of film and reminding us why we even bother to watch movies. However, his "Birdman" tribute fell flat and would lead anyone who did not see the film to wonder why Neil Patrick Harris was in his undies.
Worst: Presenters
The presenters were all very serious this year. A few were even in tears as they presented (I'm looking at you Terrance Howard), aside from Jared Leto's Meryl Streep joke ("They are four women, plus, in accordance with California State Law, Meryl Streep"), which doesn't count because he apologized for it. The writers of this year's Oscars decided to go all serious and get straight to the point of presenting, which is fine, but where's the fun in that?
Best: Speech that Brought Meryl Streep to her Feet
Patricia Arquette made a rousing speech for women's equality that sent Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lopez and others to their feet in support of this supporting actress.
Worst: Can't Take the Hint to End Their Speech
Director Pawel Pawlikowski from "Ida," the Polish winning Foreign Film, refused to take the hint that he needed to stop talking when the music came on, so much so that the music gave up before he did.
Best: Excitement for Winning an Oscar
Everyone's excited to win to an Oscar but every year there's that person who just realized that they won an Oscar, like, really. And it usually happens on stage, and when it's Brit Eddie Redmayne, it's cute and funny.
Best: Comeback from Last Year's Oscars
John Travolta famously slaughtered Idina Menzel's name at last year's Oscars. This year she got back at him and they were able to reconcile. And Travolta was saved, but then...
Worst: Face-Touching
...he went and ruined it by weirdly touching her face. Maybe he got bad advice from Joe Biden.
Best: Serious Song Performance
"Glory," from "Selma," took home the award for Best Song. After this emotional performance that brought many in the audience to tears, it was no wonder why.
Best: Awesome Song Performance
"The Lego Movie" didn't walk away with any awards but their song performance was nothing but awesome. It added extra color to the evening with suprise cameos from Batman and Andy Samberg.
Best: Tribute to "Sound of Music"
When Lady Gaga appeared and seemed to be taking on Julie Andrews' iconic role there was suspicion as to whether or not Lady Gaga would be worthy. Then she sang and our fears were put to rest. The moment got even better when Julie Andrews appeared to present the award for Best Song.
Worst: Length
Somehow the Oscars managed to run long this year, possibly due to that "Sound of Music" tribute, finishing closer to 9 p.m. rather than 8 p.m. Just be glad you don't live on the East Coast.
Best: Awareness Speech
There were many speeches throughout the night drawing awareness to ALS, Alzheimer's, veterans, diversity, equality and suicide. The most sobering was "The Imitation Game" writer Graham Moore's declaration of his own suicide attempt and his reminder to people watching to "stay weird."
The Films that Raked in the Most Awards
"The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Birdman" tied with four Oscars each but "Birdman" walked away with Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and most importantly, Best Picture. "Whiplash" was second, taking home three awards.
The Less Worthy
Everyone else either walked empty-handed or with only one Oscar, which I am sure they were still grateful for.
