The 87th annual Oscars may not have been loaded with surprises in terms of winners, but there were still some really amazing moments among some of the already anticipated results. Birdman was thought to have a leading edge on this night when smaller and more artistic and creative films seemed to be preferred. It took home four awards in all, including the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture. Birdman's director, Alejandro González Iñárritu, also won and the film snagged Best Screenplay. Other big winners at the 2015 event were Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore.
Ironically, Michael Keaton had garnered rave reviews in his role of an actor trying to bring a short story to Broadway, but he did not take home the award for best actor. Instead, that went to Eddie Redmayne for his impeccable portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. Even if you were not rooting for Redmayne, his authentic acceptance speech seemed to endear him to just about everyone present.
Julianne Moore has referred to herself as a bit of a "late bloomer," and the fifth time proved to be the charm for her in terms of finally bringing home an Oscar. You could feel the love in the room when her name was called and she hit that stage to graciously accept her award for her portrayal of a woman in the prime of her life who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Some of Moore's best work in Simply Alice came in those in between moments when the expression on her face said everything necessary. It is no coincidence that Moore has scooped up every award out there for best actress this season, and she seemed like a sure bet for last night's Feb. 22 festivities.
Readers: What are your thoughts on the big winners for the 2015 Oscars? Do you think the best films of this past year were represented and rewarded? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
