The Korean-language dark comedy also won Best Director for Bong Joon Ho, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay, capping a whirlwind year that began back in May when the film won the prestigious Palme D'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
Things had been preceding pretty much as expected last night until the Best Director category late in the show.1917's Sam Mendes was the favorite, having already won the Golden Globe, BAFTA and DGA Award, so when Joon Ho's name was called instead there was a considerable gasp in the audience, one that pretty much translated to "all bets are off" and that Parasite might just have a chance at the top prize.
Granted, should a film competing in the Best International Feature category be allowed to jockey for Best Picture as well? My personal belief is that it should be one or the other. If your film is lucky enough to become one of the ten Best Picture nominees, foreign-language or not, it shouldn't be allowed to also compete in another best feature category. Spread the wealth a bit, give other worthy films a chance to shine and find a broader audience.
That said, Parasite deserves all of its accolades last night. It was my favorite film of last year and should have a place in Oscar's hallowed halls.
Congratulations to first-time acting winners Brad Pitt, Laura Dern and Joaquin Phoenix. I've been watching all three for over 30 years and it's nice to see them get some long-overdue recognition.
And while I enjoyed Eminem's live performance of "Lose Yourself," not sure why we needed to add to an already-too-long broadcast with a song from 2002. Was Lionel Richie not available for "Say You, Say Me?"
Maybe next year they can wheel out host Billy Crystal from 1992.
