Oscars 2021: The Complete List Of Winners
The 2021 Oscars were, let's be honest, a little different. But hey, we still got to celebrate some amazing movies! So, who took home the gold? Let's dive into the complete list of winners from the 93rd Academy Awards.
Best Picture
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Nomadland - Winner
Nomadland's win for Best Picture was a huge moment, and rightfully so! This movie, directed by Chloé Zhao, follows Fern (played by the incredible Frances McDormand) as she journeys through the American West as a modern-day nomad. The film beautifully captures the resilience of the human spirit and the search for community in unconventional places. What makes Nomadland so special is its authentic portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle, featuring real-life nomads alongside the actors. The cinematography is breathtaking, showcasing the vast and stunning landscapes of the American West. The story is deeply moving, exploring themes of loss, freedom, and the search for meaning in life. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on our own lives and the choices we make. The film's success can be attributed to Zhao's masterful direction, McDormand's compelling performance, and the film's ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. It's a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and its ability to tell stories that resonate with viewers around the world. The win for Nomadland was not just a victory for the film itself, but also a significant moment for representation, with Zhao becoming the first woman of color to win Best Director. It's a film that challenges traditional notions of success and happiness, offering a different perspective on the American dream.
 
Best Director
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Chloé Zhao - Nomadland - Winner
Chloé Zhao's win for Best Director was a historic moment! She became only the second woman and the first woman of color to win the award. Her direction of Nomadland was nothing short of masterful. Zhao's approach to filmmaking is unique, blending fictional narratives with real-life stories and non-professional actors. This gives her films an authenticity and a sense of realism that is rare in contemporary cinema. Her ability to capture the beauty of the American landscape while simultaneously exploring the struggles of those living on the margins is truly remarkable. She has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotions, which she translates onto the screen with incredible sensitivity. Zhao's background in political science and film studies informs her work, giving her a unique perspective on social issues and human relationships. She is a storyteller who is not afraid to challenge conventional norms and explore unconventional narratives. Her films are characterized by their poetic visuals, their understated performances, and their profound emotional impact. Zhao's win is a testament to her talent, her vision, and her commitment to telling stories that matter. It is also a sign that the Academy is becoming more open to recognizing diverse voices and perspectives in filmmaking. Her success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of filmmakers, particularly women and people of color, to pursue their dreams and tell their own stories. It's a win that resonates far beyond the film industry, sending a message that anything is possible with talent, hard work, and a commitment to one's craft.
 
Best Actor
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Anthony Hopkins - The Father - Winner
Anthony Hopkins winning Best Actor for The Father was a bit of a surprise, but totally deserved! His performance as a man grappling with dementia is absolutely heartbreaking and powerful. Hopkins completely embodies the character, portraying the confusion, frustration, and vulnerability of someone losing their grip on reality. What makes his performance so compelling is his ability to convey the character's inner turmoil with such subtlety and nuance. He doesn't rely on exaggerated gestures or dramatic outbursts, but instead, uses his eyes, his expressions, and his body language to communicate the character's emotional state. Hopkins's portrayal is both deeply moving and incredibly realistic, capturing the essence of what it's like to live with dementia. He brings a level of authenticity to the role that is rarely seen on screen, making the audience feel like they are witnessing a real person struggling with this devastating illness. His ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level is truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression long after the film ends. Hopkins's win is a testament to his extraordinary talent and his dedication to his craft. He is a true master of his art, and his performance in The Father is a career-defining moment. It's a role that will be remembered for years to come, not only for its technical brilliance but also for its emotional impact. Hopkins's win is a reminder of the power of acting to shed light on difficult and important issues and to connect us with the shared human experience.
 
Best Actress
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Frances McDormand - Nomadland - Winner
Frances McDormand's performance in Nomadland is a masterclass in understated acting. She embodies the character of Fern with such authenticity and grace, it's hard to believe she's not actually living the nomadic lifestyle. Her portrayal is deeply human, capturing the resilience, the vulnerability, and the quiet strength of a woman who has chosen a different path in life. McDormand's ability to connect with the real-life nomads featured in the film is remarkable, creating a sense of community and shared experience that is palpable on screen. She brings a level of empathy and understanding to the role that is truly inspiring. Her performance is not about grand gestures or dramatic speeches, but about subtle expressions, quiet moments of reflection, and the unspoken bonds that connect people. McDormand's win is a testament to her talent, her dedication to her craft, and her willingness to take risks. She is an actress who consistently challenges herself and her audience, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in film. Her performance in Nomadland is a career-defining moment, solidifying her status as one of the greatest actresses of our time. It's a role that will be remembered for its authenticity, its emotional depth, and its profound impact on viewers. McDormand's win is also a victory for independent filmmaking, highlighting the power of small, intimate stories to resonate with audiences around the world. It's a reminder that great acting is not about fame or fortune, but about telling the truth and connecting with the human spirit.
 
Best Supporting Actor
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Daniel Kaluuya - Judas and the Black Messiah - Winner
Daniel Kaluuya absolutely crushed it in Judas and the Black Messiah, and his Best Supporting Actor win was so well-deserved! He played Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Black Panther Party, and his performance was magnetic. Kaluuya completely transforms himself into Hampton, capturing his charisma, his passion, and his unwavering commitment to social justice. He delivers Hampton's speeches with such power and conviction, it's as if he's channeling the spirit of the man himself. What makes Kaluuya's performance so remarkable is his ability to portray both the strength and the vulnerability of Hampton, showing us the human being behind the revolutionary leader. He captures the weight of responsibility that Hampton carried on his shoulders, as well as the personal sacrifices he made in the pursuit of equality. Kaluuya's win is a testament to his talent, his dedication to his craft, and his willingness to take on challenging roles. He is an actor who is not afraid to use his platform to speak out on important issues, and his performance in Judas and the Black Messiah is a powerful statement about the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. His win is also a victory for black actors and filmmakers, highlighting the importance of telling stories that reflect the diversity of the human experience. It's a reminder that representation matters, and that seeing ourselves reflected on screen can be a powerful and transformative experience.
 
Best Supporting Actress
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Yuh-Jung Youn - Minari - Winner
Yuh-Jung Youn's win for Best Supporting Actress for Minari was such a heartwarming moment! She's the first Korean actress to win an acting Oscar, which is a huge deal. Her portrayal of Soon-ja, the unconventional grandmother, was absolutely delightful. Youn brings a unique blend of humor, warmth, and wisdom to the role, creating a character that is both endearing and complex. She captures the essence of a Korean grandmother, with her quirky habits, her unconditional love, and her unwavering support for her family. Youn's performance is not just about playing a stereotype, but about creating a fully realized human being with her own hopes, dreams, and flaws. She brings a level of authenticity to the role that is rarely seen on screen, making the audience feel like they are witnessing a real person struggling to adapt to a new culture. Her win is a testament to her talent, her experience, and her ability to connect with audiences across cultures and generations. It's also a victory for Asian actors and filmmakers, highlighting the importance of telling stories that reflect the diversity of the human experience. It's a reminder that great acting is not about age or ethnicity, but about talent, dedication, and the ability to connect with the human spirit.
 
Best Original Screenplay
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Promising Young Woman - Emerald Fennell - Winner
Promising Young Woman's win for Best Original Screenplay, penned by Emerald Fennell, was a win for bold, unapologetic storytelling! This film tackles a difficult subject with wit, style, and a whole lot of attitude. Fennell's screenplay is sharp, insightful, and unafraid to challenge conventional narratives about consent and revenge. She creates a complex and compelling protagonist in Cassie, a woman who is determined to hold men accountable for their actions. The dialogue is witty and biting, the characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. Fennell's screenplay is not just about entertainment, but about sparking a conversation about important social issues. She uses humor and satire to make her points, but she never shies away from the seriousness of the subject matter. The win is a testament to Fennell's talent, her vision, and her commitment to telling stories that matter. She is a writer who is not afraid to take risks, and her screenplay for Promising Young Woman is a shining example of her creativity and originality. The film's success is also a victory for female filmmakers, highlighting the importance of having diverse voices and perspectives in the industry. It's a reminder that women can tell stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, and that their voices deserve to be heard.
 
Best Adapted Screenplay
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The Father - Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller - Winner
The Father's win for Best Adapted Screenplay, by Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller, was a recognition of its brilliant and innovative storytelling. Adapting Zeller's own play, the screenplay masterfully puts the audience in the perspective of a man experiencing dementia. The script cleverly disorients the viewer, mirroring the character's confusion and disorientation. It's a brilliant and innovative approach that makes the film incredibly immersive and emotionally impactful. The dialogue is realistic and poignant, capturing the frustration, the fear, and the sadness of someone losing their grip on reality. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are complex and believable. The win is a testament to Hampton and Zeller's talent, their collaboration, and their ability to translate a stage play into a compelling and cinematic experience. The film's success is also a victory for independent cinema, highlighting the importance of supporting filmmakers who are willing to take risks and experiment with new forms of storytelling. It's a reminder that great films can come from unexpected places, and that the best stories are often those that challenge us and make us think.
 
Other Notable Wins
- Best Animated Feature: Soul
 - Best International Feature Film: Another Round (Denmark)
 - Best Documentary Feature: My Octopus Teacher
 - Best Original Song: "Fight For You" - Judas and the Black Messiah
 
So there you have it, guys! The complete list of winners from the 2021 Oscars. What were your favorite wins? Let me know in the comments!