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Oscars 2015: 10 unforgettable moments

Rappler.com
Oscars 2015: 10 unforgettable moments
The return of Adele Dazeem, intense 'Glory,' a super fun 'Everything is Awesome,' number, Naked Neil, and more highlights from the Oscars

MANILA, Philippines – The 2015 Oscars may have ended, but these moments are worth revisiting still, especially Neil Patrick Harris’ performance. (READ: FULL LIST: Winners, Oscars 2015)

Here are just some of the highlights from the 2015 Oscars night:

1. Showstopper: LEGO Movie’s “Everything is Awesome” performance by Tegan & Sara and The Lonely Island

Photo by Michael Yada/AMPAS, courtesy of HBO Asia

Could a LEGO Oscar (handed to the likes of Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, and Oprah!) be better than the real thing? Maybe not, but it’s close. This performance of the punchy, energetic song from The LEGO Movie had artists moving off the stage, exploding the scene full of color and fun – and a singing Batman. 

2. Neil’s opening number

Photo by Mark Suban/AMPAS, courtesy of HBO Asia

We don’t think anything can top the jawdropping Tony Awards number he did back in 2013, but Neil proudly showed off his musical chops, doing a bit with Anna Kendrick and Jack Black. The opening number also featured Neil being worked into scenes of iconic movies like Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz. 

3. “Glory” for Selma

John Legend and Common won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Glory,” written for the movie Selma. Their rousing rendition of “Glory” earlier had many audience members, including Chris Pine and star David Oyelowo, in tears.

 

in their acceptance speech, they talked about how current the issues tackled in Selma were – despite the fact that the film’s events happened decades ago. 

4. The return of Adele Dazeem – and the introduction of Glom Gazingo

Photo by Mike Blake/Reuters

Idina Menzel and John Travolta indeed showed that everything was well between them, following John’s flub of Idina’s name last year. 

It all started when Neil Patrick Harris remarked on Benedict Cumberbatch’s name, saying: 

“Benedict Cumberbatch: not only is it the most awesome name in show business, it’s the sound you get when you ask John Travolta to pronounce Ben Affleck’.”

“I deserved that,” said a sheepish John later said, after being introduced jokingly by Idina as “Glom Gazingo.” 

5. Welcome, Julie Andrews 

Photo by Matt Petit/AMPAS, courtesy of HBO Asia

Everyone in the room was thrilled to see Julie Andrews emerge onstage to thank Lady Gaga for a job well done on her musical tribute – then look back on how music impacted movies. 

6. Call your parents 

Photo by Mike Blake/Reuters

Winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, JK Simmons told viewers to pick up the phone and call their parents, to tell them they love them, and listen for as long they wanted to talk. 

Many folks at the Oscars showed plenty of love for their parents – Common, Dakota Johnson, Emma Stone, and Laura Dern all came with their parents, among others. 

7. What’s your name? 

Seat fillers are there to make sure the camera doesn’t catch empty seats. They’re supposed to be as unobtrusive as possible – but not when Neil’s the host! Neil totally called out two of them, before centering on one Steve Carell, who gamely said he couldn’t wait to meet Edward Norton. 

8. “Oh sure, now you like him!” + Naked Neil 

Photo by Mark Yada/AMPAS, courtesy of HBO Asia

Neil did a bit where he asked David Oyelowo to complete the punchlines to terrible jokes – and when people applauded David’s performance in Selma,  Neil quipped: “Oh sure, now you like him!” 

David was snubbed for a nomination, and many people said the Oscars this year were ‘too white.’ 

Neil made several references to the nominated films that night, as was tradition – but how many hosts have done so while running in his undies? In a funny nod to Birdman, where Michael Keaton had a similar scene, Neil did just that. Later, back in a sharp suit, he said he was “a changed man.”

Screengrab from HBO Asia

9. Meaningful speeches 

Some of the most touching moments of the night came from the evening’s winners. Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez could be seen cheering on Patricia Arquette, who used her Oscar’s acceptance speech to salute women everywhere, and shine a light on her cause.

“To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights. It’s time to have wage equality once and for all. And equal rights for women in the United States of America,” she said. 

Meanwhile, in an emotional address to viewers, Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Imitation Game Graham Moore encouraged those who feel like outsiders to stay true to themselves – and pay it forward once they’ve made it. This speech got many audience members on their feet. 

Photo by Michael Yada/AMPAS, courtesy of HBO Asia

“When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different , and I felt like I did not belong. And now I’m standing here… and so I would like this moment to be for this kid out there who feels like she’s weird or she’s different or she doesn’t fit in anywhere. Yes, you do. I promise you do. Stay weird, stay different and then, when it’s your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass the same message to the next person who comes along,” he said. 

10. A speechless Eddie Redmayne 

Photo by Matt Petit/AMPAS, courtesy of HBO Asia

Eddie Redmayne beat out Oscar favorite and industry mainstay Michael Keaton, as well as Benedict Cumberbatch, Bradley Cooper, and Steve Carell to win the Best Actor prize, and he seemed thrilled to receive the honor. 

“Please know this, I am fully aware that I am a lucky, lucky man,” he said, gasping. “This Oscar belongs to all of those people around the world battling ALS. It belongs to one exceptional family Stephen, Jane, Jonathan, and the Hawking children,” he said, thanking co-star Felicity Jones and director James Marsh, as well as others behind the movie. He also thanked his wife, saying that a new fella was “going to share their apartment.”

What was your favorite Oscars moment? Sound off in the comments! – Rappler.com

Watch the Oscars on HBO Asia Monday Feb 23, 9pm, Feb 24, 12pm,  Feb 25, 11pm, Feb 27, 11pm, March 1, 4:30pm

Acting Category Winners:

More Oscars 2015 on Rappler:

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