2019 Oscars' Upsets and Surprises Make for an Entertaining Ceremony

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Photo credit AP

The 91st Academy Awards showcased diversity, firsts for many nominees, standing ovations, laughter, even some political talk, and went off without a hitch -- without a formal host -- Sunday night.

Spike Lee won his first ever competitive Oscar for adapted screenplay for the movie "BlacKkKlansman." 

Best actress nominee Yalitza Aparicio, who broke out in Alfonso Cuarón's "Roma," walked down the red carpet in a green gown, and is the first indigenous Mexican nominated for the award.

Here is the full list of Oscar winners.  

The shocker was when "Green Book" won for Best Picture, beating out favorites "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Roma." "Green Book" also won for original screenplay.

Watch the video of writer Nick Vallelonga speaking backstage during the Oscars addressing the controversy over how Don Shirley was omitted from the thank you speech and the controversy surrounding the story-telling and lens through which the story-telling was told:

Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón, who was favored for best director, won against Lee of "BlacKkKlansman," which would have made Lee the first black filmmaker if he won the award. Earlier in the night Cuarón's movie "Roma" won for "Best Cinematography."

Rami Malek won for Best Actor for "Bohemian Rhapsody," besting Christian Bale playing Vice President Dick Cheney in "Vice," Bradley Cooper in "A Star is Born," and others. 

Watch the video of when the role of Freddie Mercury became a reality for Malek backstage at the Oscars:

Meanwhile Glenn Close, considered a Hollywood icon, did not receive gold after garnering seven nominations. 

The second shocker of the night was Olivia Colman winning Best Actress, beating out Glenn Close, for "The Favourite." Close has been nominated seven times before. Colman, in an adorable acceptance speech, even gave a shout out to Lady Gaga, drawing laughs.

That was a shocker as KNX reporter Margaret Carrero reports on Colman's win:

 

Black Panther won three awards early on for Original Score, Production design and costume design.

 

The show opened with an astounding rendition of "We Are the Champions" by Adam Lambert and Queen with a Freddy Mercury tribute.

Wu was wearing a burst of sunshine yellow and "Game of Thrones" Queen Emilia Clarke was radiant in lavender. Best director nominee Spike Lee walked the red carpet, looking regal in purple.