LAST NIGHT SAW Hollywood’s biggest and brightest gather at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to honour the year’s stand-out films and performances.

By all accounts, it was the typical glittering event it has been for the best part of a century, however, following months of scrutiny in the aftermath of the Weinstein scandal, the 90th Academy Awards acted as more than just a platform to celebrate the world of film.

Indeed, both the host, Jimmy Kimmel, and numerous attendees took the opportunity to acknowledge various issues at play within the entertainment industry and the wider world.

Here we take a look at just some of the most memorable moments from last night’s Academy Awards.

1. Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue.

After kicking off with a reference to last year’s La La Land /Moonlight gaffe, Jimmy turned his attention to initiatives like the #Time’sUp campaign and stressed the importance of supporting social media movements.

The world is watching us. We need to set an example. And the truth is, if we are successful here, if we can work together to stop sexual harassment in the workplace.

2. Lupita Nyong’o and Kumail Nanijani’s ‘Dreamer’ speech.

While presenting the Oscar for Production Design, Lupita and Kumail used their stage-time to address issues of immigration in the United States.

In response to Donald Trump’s declaration that he would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) program, the two stars expressed their support for fellow ‘Dreamers’.

Like everyone in this room and everyone watching at home, we are dreamers. We grew up dreaming of one day working in the movies, dreams are the foundation of America. So to all the Dreamers out there, we stand with you.

3. Frances McDormand asking female nominees to stand up.

After securing a win in the Best Actress category, Three Billboards star, Frances McDormand, called on every female nominee to stand up.

Speaking on behalf of those standing, Frances gave a rousing speech, telling those present that support for women in the industry is vital.

Look around everybody, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed. Don’t talk to us about it at the parties tonight. Invite us into your office in a couple days – or you can come to ours, whichever suits you best – and we’ll tell you all about them. 

 4. Jordan Peele making history.

Jordan Peele made history last night after becoming the first black nominee to take home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Just the fourth person of colour to be nominated in the category over the course of the award’s history, Jordan’s acceptance speech for Get Out focussed on the people who supported him in his endeavours.

5. The surprise movie trip.

In a move which will likely go down in Oscar history, Jimmy decided to make a surprise trip to the Chinese Theatre nearby.

And he didn’t go alone.

Surprising cinema goers who had gathered to watched A Wrinkle in Time, Gal Gadot, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Hamill, Lupita Nyong’o, Emily Blunt, Ansel Elgort, Armie Hammer, Margot Robbie and Guillermo del Toro left their seats in the Dolby Theatre and paid tribute to the people who make their careers possible.

6. The trailblazers montage.

Ashley Judd, Salma Hayek and Anaabella Sciorra came together to remind the public of the significance of movements like #Time’sUp and #MeToo.

To the sound of rapturous applause, the three women celebrated the people who told their stories before introducing a Trailblazer montage featuring the individuals who blazed a trail within the industry over the last 12 months.

7. Alison Janney’s acceptance speech.

As an incentive to keep speeches short and sweet, Jimmy told nominees the shortest one would win a jet ski worth approximately $180,000.

And it looked like Alison Janney was going to go home with it when she took to the stage to to accept her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in I,Tonya.

While we wish she had left it at ‘I did it all by myself’, good ol’ Alison was much too humble for that…

DailyEdge is on Instagram!