The 92nd Academy Awards premiered on February 9th, 2020, and all movie buffs got to celebrate the year’s best flicks with their favorite actors, directors, and producers. After a long and entertaining evening of awards, viewers finally know who took home the golden statues for their work.
While most probably had their guesses, who they wanted to win, or maybe who they hoped would sit this one out, the votes are finally in. With many awards during the ceremony, some were definitely more shocking than others. Here are 5 wins that were actually surprising, and 5 that we all saw coming.
No Surprise: Actor In A Leading Role - Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix has been slaying awards season for his role as Arthur Fleck in Joker. Directed by Todd Phillips, this comic book film is unlike any before, and presents a dark and twisted tale about society, mental health, and his rise to becoming one of the most iconic villains of all time.
Phoenix brought this character to life in a way no one has before, and was truly mesmerizing from start to finish. When his name was called for best actor, we’re sure no one was surprised, but fans were all definitely still pleased.
Surprise: Directing - Bong Joon Ho
Bong Joon Ho is no newbie to film, but he certainly had tough competition against legends like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese. Bong Joon Ho’s Korean film, Parasite, stole the hearts of movie buffs internationally.
While it was certainly well deserved, most film lovers were probably surprised that he won the Oscar in such a difficult category. Of course, Bong Joon Ho received his humbly, and he deserved every second of his adorable speech.
No Surprise: International Feature Film - Parasite
Parasite stole the evening, and while some of its wins for surprising, there were definitely some that weren’t. For instance, this Korean movie was up for best internal feature film. While there were some incredible films in the category, Parasite was the only one that received more than one nomination.
Therefore, it was likely a no-brainer that the movie that was also nominated for Best Picture would win in that category. Of course, movie fans should go ahead and expand their horizons and binge every movie in that category.
Surprise: Writing (Adapted Screenplay) - Jojo Rabbit
Taika Waititi blessed the Oscars stage and red carpet with his eccentric and hilarious personality. While this comedy drama received multiple awards, this category was actually a really tough one.
With The Irishman and Little Women as likely front-runners in this category, this hilarious and unique story took home the Oscar. While it was a surprise to most, it was definitely well-deserved for Waititi and his ingenuity.
No Surprise: Actor In A Supporting Role - Brad Pitt
This year, the acting categories were pretty predictable. Throughout awards season, the same four names kept appearing over and over. Brad Pitt was no exception, and his role as stuntman Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood definitely floored all Pitt lovers and every film buff.
While Brad Pitt’s speech was quirky, political, and glorious, his receiving the award was less than shocking to most. Of course, it was definitely still deserved.
Surprise: Film Editing - Ford v Ferrari
This race-car drama starred the brilliant Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Directed by James Mangold, this entertaining film, based on a true story, definitely appeared as an underdog to movie fans and critics. While it was nominated for Best Picture, this movie didn’t manage to obtain any acting nominations.
However, despite being against some tough competition, this film pulled through and took home the Oscar for film editing. It might have been a surprise to viewers, but it also incredibly satisfying for this movie to take home a win.
No Surprise: Cinematography - 1917
1917 was certainly a front-runner for the evening. While it actually didn’t take home as many awards as people probably expected, this category was one that almost seemed like no contest.
Sam Mendes directed this film in a manner that created an immersive and mesmerizing viewing experience. Using the technique of one-shot take, this movie’s cinematography was exceptional, and this win was certainly no surprise.
Surprise: Documentary (Feature) - American Factory
For documentary lovers, this category had some pretty tough competition. With some incredible stories from around the world, there was definitely a ton of diversity, and anyone could have taken home the win in this category.
This documentary, taking place in Ohio, demonstrated the merging of China and the United States in a factory setting. It was definitely a stunning documentary, but this win might not have been what most people thought would take home the Oscar.
No Surprise: Actress In A Supporting Role - Laura Dern
Laura Dern is an absolute icon in Hollywood. In fact, she actually had two roles in the films nominated for Best Picture, including Little Women and Marriage Story. Nominated for the latter, Dern played the sassy and strong divorce lawyer of Scarlett Johansson’s character.
Like the other winning actors and actresses of the night, Laura Dern slayed award season, and had already won multiple awards for this role. As a result, it wasn’t surprising that his incredible woman, and her incredible role, took home the Oscar.
Surprise: Best Picture - Parasite
This movie has been a huge success, and probably more so than anyone expected. While this movie certainly deserved its win for Best Picture, it was probably a surprise to most. Despite being incredibly loved, Parasite winning would make history as being the first foreign language film to do so, which might have seemed unlikely.
Plus, the category involved some pretty tough competition. Still, no one can be mad about this well-deserved win, and our shock is certainly mixed with overwhelming happiness.
