The 96th Academy Awards In Live-Drawings!

So many great movies this year

Live-drawing the Oscars is a highlight of the year for me because I love movies. We were treated to a lot of really fantastic films this year— nominated and not nominated. I also must admit I find the outfits really fun, and I have my favorite actors who I love seeing all dolled up. The first to draw last night was one of them, Jodie Foster.

I adore Emma Stone as well. What a great dress!

This dress below, worn by Ariana Grande, was a show stopper (I heard one commentator who didn’t like it refer to it as a wadded up piece of chewed bubblebum).

Michelle Yeoh’s gown was the complete opposite.

The host last night was Jimmy Kimmel, who did a great job, really. It’s a tough gig. Benevolent yet sarcastic with affection for all (except Donald Trump, whom he mocked a few times. He knows his demographic).

For each of the big awards for acting, the Academy brought out five previous winners to announce each nominee. At times very moving as they made their remarks about each nominee; but at times a little forced—nonetheless, I loved seeing the previous winners. I drew the first one, best supporting actress.

The winner of that category was Da’Vine Randoph. She was great in The Holdovers, but I did like all the other nominees.

I loved the pairing of Emily Blunt and Ryan Gossling as presenters. They both have considerable comedic chops. She teased him and he tried to get her back but I think she won.

Speaking of comedic chops, Kate McKinnon and America Ferrera were so funny together. America was Kate’s straight-woman. Kate is a genius.

The musical numbers were all good (except one that I forget about now). Jon Batiste has become one of my favorite musicians.

And, well, then there was Ryan Gossling doing “I’m Just Ken.”

And Billie Eilish, who sang “What Am I Good For?” — the only thing that won an Oscar for Barbie. She had earlier been wearing bobbie socks, but took them off for the singing of the song.

Best International Film went to The Zone Of Interest. Powerful movie.

Best Adapted and Original Screenplays for After The Fall and American Fiction

Best Supporting Actor went to the wonderful Robert Downey, Jr. in Oppenheimer. Well-deserved.

Best documentaries! The short doc winner was for a lovely film about a repair shop in Los Angeles that fixes musical instruments for low-income students learning an instrument. Called “The Last Repair Shop.” Porche, below, is one such student and featured in the film. It was sweet they brought her onstage, and the director, Ben Proudfoot, let her hold his Oscar statue.

And best documentary was “20 Days In Mariupol,” which I have not seen yet.

Another great presenter couple, but this time for their dresses.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won for Best Song.

As all expected, Cillian deservedly won Best Actor for his portrayal of Oppenheimer in the movie of the same name. His acceptance speech included the following words: "You know, we made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb and for better or for worse we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world, so I’d really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere. Go raibh míle maith agaibh." (google translate says that his last words in Irish mean “thank you.” Any Irish speakers, please confirm!)

I was mesmerized by Emma Stone’s performance in “Poor Things”—and she won Best Actress for her creative work. It was an upset because everyone thought Lily Gladstone would win for her work in “Killers Of The Flower Moon.”

And of course Christopher Nolan won for his direction of Oppenheimer!

Finally, Al Pacino announced the award for Best Picture, and scared a lot of people when instead of saying “the Oscar goes to,” he seemingly ad-libbed, “I see Oppenheimer!”

And here was my final drawing of the night for the winners of Best Picture.

Thanks for being here, see you tomorrow!