The 93rd Academy Awards held on Sunday, April 25. The academy paid tribute to several actors, filmmakers and artists who lost their lives last year.
Reflecting on the difficult times, actor-director Angela Bassett introduced the ‘In Memoriam’. “As of April 25, 2021, there were recorded over 3 million souls lost around the world to COVID alone,” she shared.
“Considering the enormity of our collective loss and the often incomprehensible times we’re living through, we wish to also acknowledge those precious lives lost to the violence of inequality, injustice, hatred, racism, and poverty. To all of those who left our lives too soon, we cherish the moments that we had the honour of having with you.”
“Tonight, we want to celebrate the artists who gave us permission to dream, the technical pioneers and innovators who expanded our experience of movie love,” she further said. “Let us as one community say thank you, you will remain, as we remember you in our hearts, always.”
The Academy honoured Irrfan Khan, who passed away in April 2020. Indian costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, who worked on over 100 films. ‘In Memorium’ also featured Soumitra Chatterjee, Sushant Singh Rajput, Rishi Kapoor, Shashikala.
Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, Cloris Leachman, Sean Connery, Helen McCrory, Christopher Plummer, Olivia de Havilland, Hal Holbrook, Ian Holm, George Segal, Cicely Tyson and Max von Sydow among others were also honoured by the Academy.
Chinese filmmaker Chloé Zhao became the first woman of colour to ever win the Best Director category for her film Nomadland. British actor, Daniel Kaluuya won the Best Supporting Actor for Judas and the Black Messiah.
While Youn Yuh Jung of Minari became the first Asian actress to win an Oscar since 1957 and the second in history – she won Best Supporting Actress.
