Oscar 2023: The 8 Most Emotional Moments From The 95th Academy Awards

Many argue that the 2023 Academy hijinks were generally superb. The 95th Academy Awards was a huge success, completely incident-free, and one of the most unexpected years ever for the famous event owing to outstanding talent winning awards all night long!
The Oscars lost some of its usual stuffiness in favor of, dare I say, genuine emotion, from a darkly humorous address by presenter Jimmy Kimmel to the tears of first-time winners and amazing original song performances (Rihanna; "Naatu Naatu"!). It helped that a new class, led by "The Daniels"—Kwan and Scheinert, the creative team behind best-picture winner Everything Everywhere All at Once—succeeded rather than consistently seeing the same Old Guard faces.
Find out more about how the evening played out, including the unexpected victors, the entertaining Best Picture award speeches, a cameo by Cocaine Bear, and more. The night had stunning presenters, excellent speeches, and several jokes about the Will Smith slap.
Scroll down to see the moments that everyone found to be the most moving.

#1 It’s totally okay not to hide sadness.

Source: VALERIE MACON/AFP/East News

One of the best candidates for an Oscar in this category was Angela Bassett, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in Black Panther. Bassett appeared shocked when Jamie Lee Curtis' name was announced instead of her own, and it's entirely understandable why she couldn't bring herself to clap or grin. She recovered her pleasant attitude later in the evening, but for a little while, we were able to see an authentic, unadulterated emotional response, which seems to be extremely unusual.
That's presumably why many admirers commended Bassett for expressing her true emotions. As he entered the Oscars stage and said, "Hey Auntie, we love you," Michael B. Jordan, her Black Panther co-star, expressed his concern for Angela.

#2 Long overdue recognition finally arrives.

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Brendan Fraser's performance in The Whale captured everyone's attention, and Hollywood agreed. Fans are overjoyed to see Fraser back on the big screen after a protracted layoff. Even more fulfilling is being able to observe his happiness when his effort finally receives the credit it deserves. One of the 95th Academy Awards' most moving moments was Fraser's heartbreaking acceptance speech.

#3 Ke Huy Quan sheds tears of joy as he accepts his very first Oscar.

Source: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP/East News, PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP/East News

At the event, Brendan Fraser wasn't the only person who had tears in his eyes. The way Ke Huy Quan responded to winning his first Oscar touched viewers all across the world. He talked about his amazing trip from a camp for refugees to the red carpet. The actor emphasized in his inspiring speech that "Dreams are something you have to believe in," offering a poignant message to all of those who are still trying to realize their ambitions despite all of life's challenges.

#4 John Travolta’s loving tribute to Olivia Newton-John had our hearts trembling.

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Travolta made an appearance on stage to pay respect to all the celebrities who passed away in the previous year, including Olivia Newton-John, a close friend and colleague of his. Invoking the well-known words from the song Newton-John performs in Grease, Travolta remarked in a trembling voice, "They've touched our hearts, they made us smile, and became great friends who we will always be hopelessly dedicated to. Lenny Kravitz approached the stage after his moving introduction to play a very unique piece in honor of stars who have passed away, such Kirstie Alley and Ray Liotta.

#5 Jamie Lee Curtis wins her first Oscar.

Source: Chris Pizzello/Invision/East News, ANGELA WEISS/AFP/East News

Jamie Lee Curtis was certainly looking forward to this moment for a very long time, much like her fans, but when she was named Best Actress, her emotions overcame her. As Curtis is a fan favorite and this was her first Oscar nomination, we assume that millions of people experienced the same level of joy as she did when she finally received the nomination. Curtis honored her late parents in her poignant acceptance speech by dedicating her success to them. The whole Everything Everywhere All at Once cast, including her co-stars, was beaming with glee the entire evening.

#6 A very proud moment

Source: Chris Pizzello/Invision/East News, Vincent Thian/Associated Press/East News

Michelle Yeoh's mother wept with happiness as her daughter became the first Asian actress to take home the renowned golden statue. As Yeoh was called to the stage to receive the prize, the whole Yeoh family, who were watching the live broadcast in Kuala Lumpur, exploded in joy and excitement.

#7 Rihanna left the crowd in awe.

Source: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP/East News

Standing ovations were given to Rihanna after her stirring rendition of "Lift Me Up" from Black Panther enthralled the audience. In a black glittering dress, the soon-to-be mother of two looked as lovely as ever as her partner supported her from the audience. The song's dedication to the late Chadwick Boseman, the hero of Black Panther, gave her performance depth.

#8 The sweetest surprise

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Nobody could help but smile as late-night presenter Jimmy Kimmel introduced an endearing surprise guest, a donkey named Jenny. But, one spectator stood out as being very ecstatic. Colin Farrell gave Jenny a joyous kiss as he was very happy to see Jenny, who played his sidekick in The Banshees of Inisherin, on stage.ee