Another glamorous night was celebrated at the 87^th annual Academy Awards while the host Neil Patrick Harris successfully entertained the star studded audience for over three hours. Harris, famous for his role in ‘How I met Your Mother’, began the show with a musical number dedicated to ‘moving pictures’. Harris’ Oscar opening featured Jack Black and Into the Woods’ Anna Kendrick.

“I thought Neil Patrick Harris’ monologue was pretty funny,” said Nick Chin, 20. “He did a really good job entertaining the audience for the whole show.”

The nominees for this year’s Oscars consisted mostly of Boyhood, The Imitation Game, Birdman, Selma, American Sniper and The Grand Budapest Hotel. The Grand Budapest Hotel won the most Oscars, taking home four of the iconic gold statuettes.  The Theory of Everything, a movie attributed to Stephen Hawking, was also a top competitor. Eddie Redmayne, the actor who portrayed Hawking, won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Julianne Moore, nominated for her work in Still Alice won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. J.K. Simmons, famous for his works in various film and television roles, took home the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

This year’s Academy Awards also left the audience with a handful of memorable moments. Patricia Arquette, winner of the Best Actress in a Supporting Role, accepted her Oscar while declaring “It is our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America.” This acceptance speech delivered by the Boyhood actress resulted in cheering from the audience and a standing ovation from Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez.

As the show continued, John Legend and hip hop artist Common performed an original song written for the movie Selma, in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. The song “Glory” was emotional and left audience members teary eyed.  “Glory” was later recognized after winning an Oscar for Best Original Song.

“I thought the song that John Legend and Common sang was really touching and inspiring. John legend is so talented and has a truly amazing voice,” said sophomore Daniela Lopez.

The 87^th Academy Awards was drawn to a close as Lady Gaga made a Sound of Music performance dedicated to the classic movie’s 50^th anniversary. Lady Gaga, who has roots in musical theater, performed the song with grace and immense talent. Gaga’s tribute to the classic film did the movie justice and was the perfect end to a perfect night.

“I was deeply honored by the Academy’s lovely tribute to The Sound of Music and especially touched by Lady Gaga’s wonderful performance,” said Julie Andrews, best known for The Sound of Music. “I have always been a fan, but last night we bonded and now I have a new friend.”

FSA Practice Questions

1. Summarize the article in one sentence.
2. In the story, the word “attributed” means…
3. Use the word “attributed” in a sentence.
4. Who was the host of the 87^th Oscars?
5. Who dedicated a song to The Sound of Music? Why?