Oscars

2016 Oscars touches on important issues from diversity to climate change

ByMatt Keller KGO logo

Monday, February 29, 2016

2016 Oscars touches on important issues from diversity to climate change

The 2016 Oscars had a little bit of everything; controversy, Girl Scout cookies and of course, some memorable moments from the world's biggest stars.

LOS ANGELES (KGO) -- The 2016 Oscars had a little bit of everything; controversy, Girl Scout cookies and of course memorable moments from the world's biggest stars.

Chris Rock went right at the diversity issue in Hollywood.

"Hollywood is sorority racist. It's like, 'We like you Ronda, but you're not a Kappa,'" Rock said.

His monologue started with him calling The Oscars the "White People's Choice awards." Rock also talked about some stars boycotting this year's ceremony due to a lack of diversity in the acting categories.

"You know it's not about boycotting or anything. We want opportunity," Rock said.

Once the awards were handed out, Oscar producers wanted heartfelt speeches from the winners and fewer thank yous, so viewers at home saw a scrolling list of names given to them from the winners.

Singer Sam Smith won for Best Original Song and dedicated his award to the LGBT community.

"I stand here tonight as a proud gay man and I hope we can all stand together as equals one day," said Sam Smith.

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Alicia Vikander took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Danish Girl."

Mark Rylance knocked out betting favorite Sylvester Stallone and won for Best Supporting Actor in "Bridge of Spies."

Bay Area-based Pixar won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film for "Inside Out."

"It's a reflection of our kids, so thank you for having us here tonight,"

The best actress Oscar went to "Room's" Brie Larson and actor Leonardo DiCaprio finally captured his first Oscar for his role in "The Revenant."

"And to my parents, none of this would be possible without you. My friends, I love you dearly. You know who you are," DiCaprio said.

Alejandro Inarritu became the first director in 65 years to win back-to-back Best Director Oscars. His film "The Revenant" did not win Best Picture. That honor went to "Spotlight." The most awarded movie was "Mad Max: Fury Road" with six Oscars.

Reporter Matt Keller is in Hollywood, bringing you live coverage for ABC7 News. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook for updates, and click here for full coverage on the Oscars.

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