This particular event, the 89th Academy Awards, was pretty significant for a few reasons, with one moment in particular really standing out. It was the night where "Moonlight" got the top honor for Best Picture, but not without a truly astonishing mix-up on stage. That moment, as a matter of fact, became one of the most talked-about events in Oscar history, changing how we remember that evening forever.

In this piece, we're going to take a good look back at the academy oscar awards 2017. We'll explore the big winners, the films that were nominated, and of course, those truly memorable highlights that made the 89th ceremony so special. We'll also touch on what made that Best Picture announcement so utterly surprising, and why it still sticks in our minds, you know, even all these years later.

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Table of Contents

• The Unforgettable Best Picture Mix-Up
• Major Award Winners and Notable Films
  • Best Director
  • Best Actor
  • Best Actress
  • Best Supporting Actor
  • Best Supporting Actress
  • Original Screenplay
  • Adapted Screenplay
  • Animated Feature Film
  • Foreign Language Film
  • Documentary Feature
  • Other Key Awards
• Memorable Moments and Performances
• The Host and the Atmosphere
• The Lasting Impression of the 89th Academy Awards
• Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Oscars

The Unforgettable Best Picture Mix-Up

The 89th Academy Awards ceremony will always be remembered for one of the most astonishing moments in live television history, and that's the Best Picture announcement. It was, quite frankly, a moment of pure, unadulterated confusion that unfolded right before our eyes, you know. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were presenting the award, and what happened next truly shocked everyone watching, in a way.

As the story goes, the card handed to them was actually a duplicate of the Best Actress award, which Emma Stone had just won for "La La Land." Faye Dunaway, after a slight pause from Warren Beatty, announced "La La Land" as the Best Picture winner. The cast and crew of "La La Land" went up on stage, obviously thrilled, and started their acceptance speeches, pretty much.

However, as the celebrations continued, it became clear that something was very wrong. Producers for "La La Land" were seen looking at a card, and then, well, the truth started to come out. Jordan Horowitz, one of "La La Land's" producers, very gracefully announced that "Moonlight" had actually won Best Picture, holding up the correct card for all to see. It was, honestly, an incredibly surreal few minutes.

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The mix-up was later explained as human error, with the accounting firm PwC taking responsibility. They had given the wrong envelope to the presenters, which, you know, led to all that chaos. The moment was incredibly awkward for everyone involved, but the teams from both "La La Land" and "Moonlight" handled it with remarkable grace and professionalism, which was pretty amazing to watch, actually.

This incident, quite apart from the actual winning film, really cemented the academy oscar awards 2017 in the minds of many. It became a viral sensation immediately, sparking countless discussions, memes, and analyses about what exactly went wrong. It's a story that, basically, gets retold every year when the Oscars come around, showing just how much of an impact it had.

Major Award Winners and Notable Films

Beyond the Best Picture mix-up, the 89th Academy Awards celebrated many truly deserving films and performances. "La La Land," despite the Best Picture confusion, still had a fantastic night, taking home a lot of awards. "Moonlight," of course, secured the night's biggest prize, which was a very significant win for independent cinema, you know.

Other films like "Manchester by the Sea" and "Fences" also received major recognition for their powerful stories and outstanding acting. The diversity of the nominated films, in a way, reflected a broader range of storytelling that year, which many people appreciated. It was a year where different voices and perspectives really shone through, honestly.

Best Director

Damien Chazelle took home the award for Best Director for his work on "La La Land." At 32 years old, he became the youngest person ever to win this particular award, which is a pretty incredible achievement. His direction in the musical was widely praised for its innovative style and vibrant energy, really bringing the story to life, so.

His vision for "La La Land" captured the hearts of many, blending classic Hollywood musical elements with a fresh, modern sensibility. It was a performance that, quite frankly, showed a true mastery of filmmaking craft, and that's why he got the recognition, basically.

Best Actor

Casey Affleck won the Best Actor award for his moving performance in "Manchester by the Sea." His portrayal of Lee Chandler, a man dealing with immense grief and regret, was incredibly raw and powerful. It was a performance that, you know, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning him widespread acclaim.

His quiet intensity and ability to convey so much emotion with subtle gestures made his character truly unforgettable. This win, honestly, was a testament to his profound acting abilities, which many had recognized for quite some time.

Best Actress

Emma Stone received the Best Actress award for her role as Mia Dolan in "La La Land." Her performance as an aspiring actress trying to make it in Hollywood was charming, vulnerable, and absolutely captivating. She truly brought a lot of heart to the film, and that's what people loved, pretty much.

Her singing and dancing, combined with her strong dramatic acting, really made her stand out. It was a role that, in some respects, allowed her to showcase a wide range of talents, and she definitely delivered, you know.

Best Supporting Actor

Mahershala Ali won the Best Supporting Actor award for his powerful work in "Moonlight." His portrayal of Juan, a drug dealer who becomes a mentor figure to the young Chiron, was brief but incredibly impactful. He brought a lot of warmth and complexity to the character, making a lasting impression, as a matter of fact.

This win was particularly notable as it made him the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award for acting. His performance was widely celebrated for its nuance and emotional depth, really adding a lot to the film's overall power.

Best Supporting Actress

Viola Davis earned the Best Supporting Actress award for her absolutely stunning performance in "Fences." She reprised her role as Rose Maxson from the stage play, delivering a performance filled with raw emotion and incredible strength. Her powerful monologue in the film, well, it was truly unforgettable.

This win marked her first Academy Award, a truly well-deserved recognition for her consistently brilliant work. Her performance was, quite frankly, a masterclass in acting, embodying resilience and heartbreak with such profound conviction.

Original Screenplay

"Manchester by the Sea" won the award for Original Screenplay, written by Kenneth Lonergan. The script was praised for its deeply human characters, realistic dialogue, and sensitive handling of grief and loss. It was a story that, in a way, felt very authentic and deeply moving, you know.

Lonergan's writing created a narrative that was both heartbreaking and subtly hopeful, capturing the complexities of human emotion with great precision. The script was, honestly, a standout for its emotional honesty and careful construction.

Adapted Screenplay

"Moonlight" took home the award for Adapted Screenplay, written by Barry Jenkins, with story by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The screenplay, adapted from McCraney's unproduced play "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue," was lauded for its poetic language and its intimate exploration of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. It was a very unique and powerful narrative, really.

The script beautifully captured the nuances of Chiron's journey through different stages of his life, creating a deeply personal and universal story. Its win here, basically, highlighted the strength of its narrative and its profound message.

Animated Feature Film

"Zootopia" won the award for Best Animated Feature Film. This Disney production was celebrated for its clever storytelling, vibrant animation, and its timely social commentary on prejudice and stereotypes. It was a film that, you know, appealed to both children and adults with its smart humor and meaningful message.

The film's world-building and character development were highly praised, making it a very popular choice for the award. It was, honestly, a very well-deserved win for a truly entertaining and thought-provoking animated movie.

Foreign Language Film

"The Salesman" from Iran, directed by Asghar Farhadi, won the award for Best Foreign Language Film. This powerful drama explored themes of revenge, justice, and personal relationships with great subtlety and tension. It was a film that, in some respects, left a lasting impression on its viewers.

Farhadi, notably, did not attend the ceremony in protest of travel restrictions, making a powerful statement. The film's win here, quite apart from the political context, was a recognition of its excellent narrative and strong performances.

Documentary Feature

"O.J.: Made in America" won the award for Best Documentary Feature. This expansive, nearly eight-hour long documentary explored the life of O.J. Simpson and the broader context of race and justice in America. It was a truly ambitious and comprehensive look at a very complex subject, you know.

The documentary was praised for its in-depth research, compelling storytelling, and its ability to provide new insights into a widely known story. Its win here, basically, recognized its significant contribution to the documentary genre.

Other Key Awards

Beyond the major categories, many other films and artists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to cinema. "La La Land," for instance, also won for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "City of Stars," which was pretty much expected. Its visual and auditory appeal was a big part of its charm, so.

"Arrival" was honored for Best Sound Editing, a testament to its immersive sound design. "Hacksaw Ridge" received awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing, highlighting its intense battle sequences. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" won for Best Costume Design, showcasing its imaginative world. "Suicide Squad" even picked up an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, which was a bit of a surprise to some, honestly.

These awards, you know, really highlight the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where every single craft contributes to the final masterpiece. The technical categories, as a matter of fact, are just as important in bringing a film to life as the acting and directing.

Memorable Moments and Performances

The academy oscar awards 2017 had more than just the Best Picture mix-up; it had many other moments that people still recall fondly. Jimmy Kimmel's hosting, for example, brought a lot of humor and some pointed political commentary to the evening. His ongoing "feud" with Matt Damon was a running gag that many found quite funny, you know.

There were also several powerful and moving acceptance speeches. Viola Davis's speech, in particular, was incredibly emotional and heartfelt, resonating with many viewers. She spoke about the importance of telling stories of ordinary people, and it was a very inspiring moment, pretty much.

Another memorable moment was the performance of "City of Stars" from "La La Land," which truly captured the magic of the film on stage. Justin Timberlake also opened the show with a lively performance of "Can't Stop the Feeling!" from "Trolls," setting a very energetic tone for the night, so.

The ceremony also featured a segment where Jimmy Kimmel brought unsuspecting tourists into the Dolby Theatre, allowing them to meet some of Hollywood's biggest stars. This unscripted moment provided some genuinely charming and funny interactions, really adding a human touch to the show, as a matter of fact.

These various moments, honestly, contributed to the overall feel of the night, making it more than just an awards show. They made it a shared experience, full of laughter, tears, and a little bit of shock, which is what people remember, you know.

The Host and the Atmosphere

Jimmy Kimmel, as host of the 89th Academy Awards, brought a casual and often self-deprecating humor to the stage. His style was, in a way, a good fit for the live television format, keeping things moving with a light touch. He managed to weave in jokes about current events and Hollywood personalities without making things too heavy, so.

The atmosphere of the ceremony, generally, felt pretty lively and, you know, a bit unpredictable. There was a sense of anticipation throughout the night, not just for the awards themselves, but for what Kimmel might do next. The audience, both in the theatre and at home, seemed to be enjoying the ride, pretty much.

Despite the huge Best Picture mix-up, which could have derailed the entire show, the overall vibe remained one of celebration and respect for the art of film. The way the situation was handled on stage, with grace from all parties, actually speaks volumes about the spirit of the evening, in a way. It showed, basically, that even when things go wrong, people can still come together.

The ceremony had a blend of traditional Oscar glamour with a slightly more relaxed, modern feel, thanks in part to Kimmel's hosting. It was a night that, honestly, felt very current and connected to the world outside the theatre, especially with some of the more politically charged moments, you know.

The Lasting Impression of the 89th Academy Awards

The academy oscar awards 2017 will forever be etched in history, not just for its winners, but for that truly unforgettable Best Picture announcement. That moment, as a matter of fact, became a benchmark for live television errors, showing just how quickly things can change on a global stage, you know. It’s a story that still gets brought up whenever a major live event has a hiccup.

Beyond the mix-up, the ceremony was a significant one for "Moonlight," a film that broke barriers and told a deeply personal story. Its win for Best Picture was a huge moment for independent cinema and for diverse storytelling in Hollywood, honestly. It showed that powerful, intimate narratives could reach the very top, so.

The films honored that night, like "La La Land," "Manchester by the Sea," and "Fences," continue to be celebrated for their artistic merit and cultural impact. They represent a snapshot of the cinematic landscape of that year, showcasing a range of genres and voices. People still talk about these movies and the performances within them, which is pretty cool, basically.

Looking back at the 89th Academy Awards, it's clear it was a night of both triumph and unexpected twists. It reminds us that live events are, well, live, and anything can happen. It's a night that, in some respects, truly highlighted the passion and the occasional chaos that comes with celebrating the very best in film. You can always learn more about the 89th Academy Awards and its full list of nominees and winners.

If you're interested in other big moments from past ceremonies, you can discover more about cinema history on our site, and perhaps you'd like to explore other award-winning films that have shaped the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Oscars

People often have questions about this particular ceremony, especially given how memorable it was. Here are a few common ones, you know.

What was the biggest controversy at the 2017 Oscars?

The biggest controversy, absolutely, was the Best Picture announcement mix-up, where "La La Land" was mistakenly announced as the winner instead of "Moonlight." This error, as a matter of fact, quickly became the most talked-about moment of the entire show, and it was quite a shock to everyone watching, you know.

Who hosted the Academy Awards in 2017?

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 89th Academy Awards in 2017. It was his first time hosting the ceremony, and he brought his signature comedic style to the event, which many people found pretty entertaining, so. He definitely kept things lively throughout the night, basically.

Did "La La Land" win any Oscars in 2017?

Yes, "La La Land" actually won quite a few Oscars at the 2017 ceremony, even though it didn't win Best Picture. It took home six awards, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle, Best Actress for Emma Stone, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song for "City of Stars." So, it was still a very successful night for the film, in a way, despite the big mix-up.