After 95 years, the annual Academy Awards ceremony continues to prove that the best things (and films) in life are the most authentic ones.

Held on Saturday, March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ceremony was broadcast live on ABC network where Jimmy Kimmel opened the stage with a heartfelt monologue. He began by congratulating all the nominees—along with serving some mandatory roasts, of course. He even mentioned Will Smith’s notorious slap that shocked attendees and viewers alike just last year. This year, in lieu of a fateful “slap”, were two surprise appearances: one of a real donkey and another of a fake bear, just to keep the audience on their toes.

The 95th anniversary of this iconic ceremony delivered a mixture between tradition and modernity that has epitomized the last decade. 

As always, a nostalgic piece was performed in commemoration of recently deceased artists whose contributions to film and song will not be forgotten. John Travolta introduced the “In Memoria” performer, Lenny Kravitz, while acknowledging his former Grease co-star Olivia Newton-John, who also passed away recently. Kravitz performed this year’s “In Memoria” on the piano while a montage of the honored members’ faces appeared on the screen. He sang his 2004 single “Calling All Angels.”

Rihanna, the face of the 2000s, performed her song “Lift Me Up”, a heartfelt number featured in the movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. Fitting for the theme of remembrance, the song was recorded as a tribute to late actor Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa in the original “Black Panther.” After her Super Bowl debut, the singer continued her return to the stage with this powerful ode, sparkling in a sequin-covered custom Alaïa gown. 

Other artists also came dressed to impress, like “Blonde” actress Ana De Armas, who paid tribute to Marylin Monroe, the icon she portrayed in the powerful Oscar-nominated film. Additionally, Emily Blunt’s white Valentino dress delivered a perfect simplicity along with chic elegance. Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani female education activist and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, also bedazzled the champagne-hued “red” carpet with a silver gown. 

Out of every attendee’s fashion choices, Lady Gaga’s performance outfit gained the most attention, and not for its dazzling gemstones or decadence, but rather for its simplicity. After strolling down the carpet in a sheer Versace gown, the singer, songwriter, and actress changed into a basic outfit for her performance. 

Belting an emotional rendition of her song “Hold My Hand”, which was featured in “Top Gun: Maverick,” the film that claimed victory for “Best Sound,” Gaga delivered the performance wearing ripped jeans, a black T-shirt, and sneakers, along with a makeup-free face. The “rawness” of her appearance paralleled the unobstructed acoustics complimented in the depth of the song, which Gaga called “deeply personal for me” in her introduction. The simplicity of the performance coupled with the sentimental lyrics, “Hold my hand, everything will be okay”, made for a show-stopping act: a glimpse of authenticity and humanity amidst an otherwise opulent and superficial culture. Ricky Kirshner, executive producer of the ceremony, explained Gaga’s vision: “She wanted it to be raw and people to see the real Gaga.” 

As far as movies go, there was one that stole the show. “Everything Everywhere All At Once” dominated the night, winning a grand total of seven golden statuettes including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay. The movie is a dystopian film centered around a Chinese laundromat owner (portrayed by Michele Yeoh) who must embark on a world-saving quest through the multiverse and through her own mind. 

Among the film’s winners was Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, who made history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress honor for the film. Holding the trophy, she tearfully remarked that it was a “Beacon of hope and the possibilities.” She then implored the audience: “Dream big. Dreams do come true.” Yeoh’s co-star Ke Huy Quan (who starred as “Data” in 1985’s “The Goonies”) also claimed victory for Best Actor in a supporting role. Quan also issued a profound speech, declaring: “This is the American dream!” Then, he told his mother through the screen that he’d won an Oscar. 

Though perhaps not the obvious choice for Best Film, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” boasts a talented cast and was certainly a formidable contender against even classic sequels like “Top Gun: Maverick”. 

Furthermore, Brendan Fraser won Best Actor for his role as a professor in “The Whale” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” won Best Visual Effects. Also, “Top Gun: Maverick” brought home the title of “Best Sound,” an award well-deserved for its impeccable editing. Find the full list of nominees and winners here. 

With a night of fun, tears, and laughter, surprisingly, there was no controversy. This year’s Academy Awards didn’t pack quite the punch (pun intended) as last year—and in a good way! The lack of surprises (aside from live animals) signified a return to what the awards ceremony used to be: a celebration of the brilliant artists—and their art—from the past year rather than the viral debates of last year, which threatened to undermine the accomplishments and hard work of the nominees. 

The annual Oscars ceremony serves as both a testament to the traditions kept over the last century as well as an optimistic glimpse of the bright future ahead: one certainly full of breathtaking art and film.