Oscars 2020: Saoirse Ronan loses, but Parasite makes history

Last night's Oscars may have been bittersweet for Ireland, but were nothing short of historic in other ways.

While Saoirse Ronan did not take home the best actress prize, Bong Joon-ho's Parasite became the first foreign language film to win Best Picture. Last week, I predicted who might take home golden statues in the eight major categories. While right on many counts, I certainly would not have won the Oscar pool this year. Turns out, I'm more cynical than I thought. Take a look at some of the best moments from the 2020 Oscars below.

Brad Pitt slams GOP in acceptance speech

"They told me I only have 45 seconds up here, which is 45 seconds more than the senate gave John Bolton this week", he quipped before thanking Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino, who lost out on an Original Screenplay win to Bong Joon-ho and Parasite. This is Pitt's first Oscar win for acting.

Taika Waititi dedicates his Oscar to Indigenous kids

Okay, okay. If you read my column last week, you'll know I was hardcore rooting for Greta Gerwig to win Best Adapted Screenplay. Truthfully though, Waititi was a pleasant surprise. Waititi is a New Zealander, and the first Maori Oscar winner. "This is for all the indigenous kids of the world who want to do art, dance and tell stories. We are the original storytellers, and we can make it here as well. Thank you". About time, too.

Parasite makes history, Joon-ho becomes the new Disney

Bong Joon-ho took home Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture and Best Foreign Language film last night, making him only the second man to win 4 Oscars in one night. The first was Walt Disney. While the Academy nominated almost no folks of colour in major categories this year, at least they gave Joon-ho is due credit for the masterpiece that is Parasite. When asked what he might do after the awards ceremony, Joon-ho replied, "I'm going to drink until tomorrow at noon".

Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig have the most fun ever, of anyone

I'm just going to leave this here for your to experience yourselves.

Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig are having the most fun humanly possible. https://t.co/8kz7m5vtnF #Oscars pic.twitter.com/B01ZABKPKB

— ABC News (@ABC) February 10, 2020

Laura Dern wins Best Supporting Actress

Dern has taken home almost every award for her performance as Scarlett Johansson's pushy divorce attorney in Marriage Story, the semi-autobiographical story of a couple in the throes of a divorce, from Noah Baumbach. It's unbelievably well-deserved. Holding the statue, Dern thanked Baumbach for his "vision, magic and friendship".

Renée Zellweger wins Best Actress

Although Zellweger was the favourite for this category, I was rooting for Ronan. But Zellweger's gracious win feels poignant, especially considering the woman she played was never awarded the honour during her lifetime. Garland lost to Grace Kelly while she was in the hospital after giving birth to her son. (Hint: if you click on that link, you'll see just how unbelievable Zellweger's performance as the Old Hollywood icon really is). Zellweger thanked Garland in her speech, saying "Ms. Garland, you are certainly among the heroes who unite and define us and this is certainly for you."

Until next year, then.