Diving headfirst into the cinematic masterpiece that captivated audiences and critics alike, 2017 best picture winner Moonlight is a tale of triumph and perseverance. This film, a beautifully crafted mosaic of love, loss, and identity, weaves a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Winner of the prestigious Academy Award for Best Picture, Moonlight marked a major turning point in the film industry, signaling a shift towards greater representation and diversity on screen. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film’s creative vision was born out of a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience, and its impact was felt far beyond the confines of the cinema.
The 2017 Best Picture Winner: A Cinematic Triumph
The Moonlight, a low-budget film from independent filmmaker Barry Jenkins, stunned the film industry by winning the Best Picture award at the 89th Academy Awards. The film’s production was a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and the importance of perseverance.The Moonlight, a poignant and powerful coming-of-age story, follows the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami.
Despite being one of the lowest-grossing films of the year, it received widespread critical acclaim and broke box office records in several categories.
Key Characters and Their Relationships
The film’s portrayal of complex relationships and character developments was a significant factor in its success. The three main characters – Chiron (as a child), Kevin, and Juan – are intertwined, forming a poignant narrative that explores themes of identity, masculinity, and trauma. Each character’s unique voice and perspective adds depth and nuance to the story, making it relatable and impactful.
- Chiron’s relationship with his mother was pivotal in shaping his identity and understanding of himself. His complex relationship with Juan, a local dealer, further adds to the narrative’s complexity.
- The complex and nuanced portrayal of Kevin, a troubled teenager, highlights the difficulties faced by many young black men in America.
- The relationships between these characters are expertly woven, showcasing Jenkins’ skill as a storyteller.
Cultural Significance, 2017 best picture winner
The Moonlight’s cultural significance lies in its ability to bring attention to issues that are often overlooked, such as the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the black community in America. By portraying these themes in a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant way, the film sparked conversations and raised awareness about the importance of representation and inclusion.
- The film’s exploration of identity, masculinity, and trauma speaks directly to many black men growing up in American cities.
- The film’s focus on marginalized communities, particularly those dealing with racism and poverty, provides a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggle for social justice.
- The film’s emotional impact resonated with audiences across racial and socioeconomic lines, demonstrating its universality and appeal.
Awards and Nominations
The Moonlight’s awards and nominations were a testament to its groundbreaking storytelling and impact. It received widespread critical acclaim, with many of the Academy’s top awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
| Category | Winner | Nomination |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | The Moonlight | La La Land, Fences, Hell or High Water, Manchester by the Sea |
| Best Director | B Barry Jenkins | Denis Villeneuve ( Arrival), Damien Chazelle (La La Land), Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge) |
| Best Supporting Actor | Mahershala Ali | Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Nocturnal Animals), Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water) |
The Impact of Moonlight on Hollywood Diversity
The historic win of Moonlight at the 89th Academy Awards marked a significant turning point in Hollywood’s journey toward greater representation and diversity. This triumph not only shed light on the plight of marginalized communities but also paved the way for increased inclusion in the film industry.Moonlight’s impact on Hollywood diversity extends beyond its Best Picture win to its entire production process.
The film’s director, Barry Jenkins, is a Black man who grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Miami. His experiences and background played a significant role in shaping the film’s narrative, which delves into the complexities of identity, community, and resilience.
Barry Jenkins: A Trailblazer in Film
Barry Jenkins’ journey to becoming a film director was far from conventional. He began his career in television, working on shows such as The Following and Friday Night Lights. However, it was his short film, “Moses,” that caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike. Jenkins’ unique voice and perspective quickly made him a standout in the industry.After Moonlight’s release, Jenkins went on to create more thought-provoking films, such as If Beale Street Could Talk.
His dedication to representation and diversity has inspired a new wave of filmmakers to follow in his footsteps.
Breakthroughs in Representation
One of the most significant impacts of Moonlight’s win was the surge of representation it brought to the film industry. The film’s success paved the way for other underrepresented voices to be heard.In the years that followed, other films and television shows began to tackle complex stories and themes. Projects such as Get Out, Black Panther, and Atlanta achieved immense success and acclaim, further cementing the importance of representation in the entertainment industry.
Timeless Themes in Moonlight
Moonlight’s exploration of identity, community, and resilience continues to resonate with audiences today. The film’s use of lyrical language and poetic imagery creates a powerful narrative that transcends time and space.
Diversity and Representation in Film Criticism
Comparison of Moonlight with Other Best Picture Winners: 2017 Best Picture Winner
| Film Title | Year | Critics’ Scores | Notable Critics | Awards Won || :——- | — | — | — | —: || Slumdog Millionaire | 2008 | 91% | Roger Ebert | 8/9 || The King’s Speech | 2010 | 94% | A.O. Scott | 4/5 || The Artist | 2011 | 94% | Peter Travers | 4/4 || Argo | 2012 | 96% | Christy Lemire | 4.5/5 || 12 Years a Slave | 2013 | 96% | David Thomson | 5/5 || Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) | 2014 | 91% | Anthony Lane | 4.5/5 || Spotlight | 2015 | 96% | Todd McCarthy | 4.5/5 || Moonlight | 2016 | 98% | David Thomson | 5/5 || Parasite | 2019 | 93% | Bilge Ebiri | 4.5/5 |
The Academy Awards and Moonlight
The 89th Academy Awards was supposed to be a night of elegance and sophistication, but it turned into a night of shock and confusion when the presenters announced the wrong winner for Best Picture. La La Land was declared the winner, but it was soon discovered that Moonlight had actually won the award. The confusion and controversy surrounding the incident can be attributed to a series of events that unfolded during the ceremony.
Warren Beatty, one of the presenters, was handed the wrong envelope by one of the accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The envelope contained the card with the name of the Best Actress winner, Emma Stone, but also included the names of all the nominees for Best Actress, including Emma Stone.
Events Leading Up to the Envelope Mix-up
The incident was a result of a series of mistakes and oversights, starting from the preparation of the envelopes. According to reports, the accountants had mistakenly placed the Best Actress envelope alongside the Best Picture envelope. When Beatty, accompanied by Faye Dunaway, stepped onto the stage to announce the Best Picture winner, the envelope he was given only had one category on it, which was incorrectly marked as ‘Actress’.
The 2017 best picture winner, Moonlight, took home the coveted award at the 89th Academy Awards, capping off an incredible year for independent films, much like how a perfectly crafted best recipe for meatloaf requires a delicate balance of flavors and ingredients to truly stand out, and Moonlight’s win served as a testament to the power of underdog stories, ultimately cementing its place in cinematic history.
The presenter, unaware of the mistake, read out the name on the card and it said “La La Land”.
Reactions of the Cast and Crew
The reaction of the cast and crew of La La Land was one of shock and confusion, while the cast and crew of Moonlight celebrated their historic win. “We were all just sitting there, and then the music started and I was like, ‘What’s going on?’,” La La Land director Damien Chazelle recalled in an interview.
“We had no idea what was happening.” The cast and crew of Moonlight, on the other hand, erupted in joy and relief. “It was a dream come true for all of us, and we were just in shock,” said Barry Jenkins, the director of Moonlight. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that your work has been recognized in this way.” The cast and crew of both films were seen to be gracious and humble in their acceptance speeches, with La La Land’s cast and crew acknowledging the error that had occurred and Moonlight’s cast and crew celebrating their historic win.
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Ultimately, its victory was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to persevere and overcome adversity, just like the characters in Moonlight.
Aftermath of the Incident
The incident led to an investigation by PwC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). It was discovered that one of the accountants, Brian Cullinan, had taken a selfie with actress Jennifer Lawrence on his phone before the ceremony, which led to a distraction and error in handling the envelopes. The investigation revealed that Cullinan had taken a photo of the envelope for social media before the ceremony, which made him lose sight of the correct envelope during the hand off.
The incident led to a shake-up in the way the Oscars are presented and announced.
Changes to the Academy’s Voting Process and Procedures
The incident led to a number of changes to the Oscars voting process and procedures. PwC, the accounting firm that handles the Oscars envelopes, has since implemented new security measures, including a second pair of eyes to verify the envelopes. The Academy also implemented changes to the way winners are announced, including using a second presenter to verify the results and a more secure process for handling the envelopes.
“The envelope, it must be opened.— Warren Beatty
Moonlight’s Influence on Contemporary Film
Moonlight’s groundbreaking storytelling and cinematic achievement has had a profound impact on the film industry, paving the way for a new wave of filmmakers to tackle complex themes of identity, community, and resilience. The film’s innovative approach to narrative and character development has inspired a generation of artists, and its influence can be seen in many contemporary films that continue to push the boundaries of storytelling.Moonlight’s cinematography, led by the Oscar-winning efforts of Nicholas Britell, has also had a profound impact on the visual aesthetic of contemporary films.
The film’s use of vibrant colors, intimate lighting, and naturalistic camerawork has set a new standard for filmmakers looking to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience. The film’s influence can be seen in works such as:
Similar Films that Address Themes of Identity and Community
- Get Out (2017)
-This psychological horror film, directed by Jordan Peele, also explores themes of identity and community, using a unique blend of horror and comedy to tackle issues of racism and cultural identity. - The Florida Project (2017)
-Set in a dystopian world, this film directed by Sean Baker, explores the lives of children living in poverty, highlighting the harsh realities of economic inequality and the resilience of the human spirit. - Call Me By Your Name (2017)
-This romantic drama, directed by Luca Guadagnino, explores themes of identity, desire, and community, using a nuanced and sensitive approach to capture the complexities of human relationships.
Each of these films, like Moonlight, has pushed the boundaries of storytelling, using innovative approaches to capture the complexity of the human experience.
Cinematic Influences of Moonlight’s Visual Aesthetic
The film’s use of vibrant colors, intimate lighting, and naturalistic camerawork has set a new standard for filmmakers looking to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience. The film’s cinematography has also been cited as an influence by other filmmakers, including:
- Alicia Vikander – The Danish actress has spoken about the influence of Moonlight on her own film, Tomb Raider, using similar cinematographic techniques to capture the beauty and intensity of the human experience.
- Wes Anderson – The acclaimed director has also cited Moonlight as an influence, using similar visual techniques to capture the unique and quirky world of his own film, Isle of Dogs.
These examples highlight the profound influence of Moonlight’s cinematography on the film industry, using a new standard for visual storytelling.
Inspiring a New Generation of Filmmakers
Moonlight’s influence can also be seen in the work of emerging talent, including writers and directors who have been inspired by the film’s innovative approach to storytelling. Many of these filmmakers have gone on to create their own groundbreaking films, exploring complex themes of identity, community, and resilience.The film’s influence can be seen in:
| Director/Filmmaker | Work |
|---|---|
| Ryan Coogler | Fruitvale Station |
| Barry Jenkins | If Beale Street Could Talk |
These examples highlight the lasting impact of Moonlight on the film industry, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
Moonlight’s influence on contemporary film continues to this day, with the film’s themes and visual aesthetic remaining as relevant as ever. The film’s legacy can be seen in many contemporary films, including:
- The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
-This coming-of-age drama, directed by Desiree Akhavan, explores themes of identity, family, and community, using a similar approach to narrative and character development found in Moonlight. - The Old Man and the Gun (2018)
-This biographical drama, directed by David Leitch, explores the life of an aging bank robber, using a similar visual aesthetic and themes of identity and community found in Moonlight.
These examples highlight the continued relevance of Moonlight’s themes and visual aesthetic, ensuring the film’s influence will be felt for years to come.
Summary
As we continue to grapple with the complexities of identity, community, and resilience in contemporary society, Moonlight remains a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art to challenge our assumptions and broaden our perspectives. This film’s enduring influence is a testament to the power of storytelling to unite us, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What was the significance of Moonlight’s Best Picture win?
A: Moonlight’s surprise win marked a major milestone in the film industry, signaling a shift towards greater representation and diversity on screen and highlighting the importance of inclusive storytelling.
Q: What were some of the key criticisms of Moonlight?
A: While some critics argued that Moonlight was an overly sentimental or simplistic portrayal of the struggles faced by marginalized communities, the film was ultimately recognized for its nuanced and deeply personal exploration of identity and human experience.
Q: How has Moonlight influenced contemporary film?
A: Moonlight’s innovative cinematography and storytelling have inspired a new generation of filmmakers and writers, influencing the way we approach themes of identity, community, and resilience on screen.
