The 90th Academy Awards celebrated the best in film from 2017, highlighting bold storytelling and technical excellence across global cinema. This overview captures the major winners and nominees that shaped one of Hollywood's most memorable ceremonies.
Below is a structured snapshot of the key categories, highlighting how top contenders compared across major competitive fields that year.
| Category | Winner | Notable Nominees | Winning Film |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | The Shape of Water | Dunkirk, The Post, Three Billboards, Darkest Hour | The Shape of Water |
| Best Director | Guillermo del Toro | Christopher Nolan, Jordan Peele, Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg | Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water |
| Best Actor | Gary Oldman | James Franco, Daniel Day-Lewis, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks | Darkest Hour |
| Best Actress | Frances McDormand | Sally Hawkins, Saoirse Ronan, Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan | Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sam Rockwell | William Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Michael Stuhlbarg, Dev Patel | Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri |
| Best Supporting Actress | Allison Janney | Mary J. Blige, Holly Hunter, Laurie Metcalf, Octavia Spencer | I, Tonya |
Best Picture Nominees and Their Impact
Each Best Picture nominee at the 90th Academy Awards represented a distinct creative vision, ranging from intimate dramas to sprawling historical epics. The diversity of genres and global stories strengthened the year's competition.
The Shape of Water ultimately claimed the top honor, showcasing how fantastical storytelling can resonate with audiences and voters alike. Dunkirk demonstrated the power of immersive cinematography, while The Post emphasized journalistic integrity.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri sparked conversations about grief and justice, and Darkest Hour revitalized interest in wartime leadership. These films defined a competitive year that celebrated risk-taking across multiple fronts.
Historic Oscar Wins at the 90th Academy Awards
A Shift in Industry Representation
Guillermo del Toro became the first Latin American director to win Best Director in nearly two decades, marking a significant step for diverse voices in Hollywood. His victory illuminated the growing influence of inclusive storytelling.
Frances McDormand and Her Radical Acceptance Speech
Frances McDormand used her Best Actress win to coin the term "inclusion rider," urging greater representation both on and off screen. Her speech continues to influence industry conversations around equity.
Memorable Performances and Craft Excellence
Sam Rockwell's transformative turn in Three Billboards showcased his range, earning him the award for Best Supporting Actor. Equally compelling was Allison Janney's fearless portrayal in I, Tonya, which secured her the Supporting Actress Oscar.
On the technical side, Blade Runner 2049 dazzled with its visionary production design, while Gary Oldman's meticulous embodiment of Winston Churchill dominated the acting categories. The night highlighted how craftsmanship elevates storytelling across every department.
Global Recognition and International Impact
The 90th Academy Awards embraced international cinema like never before, with foreign-language contenders gaining unprecedented visibility. This broader perspective enriched the competitive landscape and reflected evolving audience tastes.
By spotlighting voices from multiple continents, the ceremony reinforced the idea that compelling narratives are universal. Such recognition encourages filmmakers worldwide to pursue bold, culturally resonant projects.
Key Takeaways from the 90th Academy Awards
- Embrace diverse storytelling to reach broader audiences and reflect global perspectives.
- Champion inclusivity by supporting initiatives such as inclusion riders in production contracts.
- Recognize technical excellence as a crucial component of impactful filmmaking.
- Encourage risk-taking projects that challenge conventional genre boundaries.
- Highlight underrepresented voices to foster richer, more innovative narratives in cinema.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which film received the most nominations at the 90th Academy Awards?
The Shape of Water led with 13 nominations, closely followed by Dunkirk and The Post with multiple nods across technical and acting categories.
Who became the first Latin American to win Best Director in nearly two decades?
Guillermo del Toro won Best Director for The Shape of Water, marking a historic moment for diverse representation in filmmaking.
What term did Frances McDormand popularize during her acceptance speech?
McDormand introduced the concept of the "inclusion rider," a contractual provision designed to promote greater on-screen and off-screen diversity.
Which underdog film surprised voters with unexpected wins that year?
I, Tonya earned several surprises at the ceremony, particularly with Allison Janney's win for Supporting Actress, defying traditional expectations for biographical sports films.