Eight years on, I'm glad Moonlight secured the Oscars win over La La Land, here's why.
In the world of cinema, nothing quite compares to the shock factor of the infamous 2017 Best Picture fiasco. You know, the one where Faye Dunaway announced that La La Land had won, only for producer Jordan Horowitz to correct her moments later, announcing that the actual winner was Moonlight.
Hell, even eight years later, I still can't wipe the smirk off my face when I think about it. It felt like a dream that just wouldn't end—except this time, it ended up being a real-life hell-yes-moment.
As a film enthusiast, I've seen it all—from the highs of Chicago sensationally winning Best Picture all the way back in 2003, to the lows of lackluster choices like Crash outshining masterpieces like Brokeback Mountain back in 2006. But Moonlight? Oh, Moonlight is a different breed of cat.
I'll admit it—I was skeptical. Sure, we'd progressed leaps and bounds when it came to LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, but could Moonlight—a delicate, heart-wrenching tale of a young Black boy navigating his sexuality—really take down La La Land, the beloved sung-and-danced musical juggernaut?
Apparently, the answer was a resounding yes. Here's why I think Moonlight deserved every bit of the spotlight:
A Hauntingly Beautiful Tale that Put the Academy on the Right Side of History
Before I dive in, let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, Brokeback Mountain deserved to win, period. The film was a groundbreaking exploration of queer love, and it shouldn't have lost to a film as mediocre as Crash. But with Moonlight finally owning the summit (sorry, La La Land), I think there's a silver lining.
It's no secret that the Black community has struggled to fully accept LGBTQ+ individuals. I've heard it all before—"It's a sin," they say. As a former teacher with mostly Black students, I've even had parents object to assignments that mentioned Pride. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that I want to see more LGBTQ+ movies and shows that speak to these communities and their struggles.
And that's exactly what Moonlight is—a film that weaves together Black and queer identities, offering an emotional and raw portrayal of life within these communities. Yes, it's a story about a young Black boy finding himself, but it's also a story about self-acceptance, perseverance, and community—themes that resonate with all of us, no matter our backgrounds.
A Love Letter to the Underserved Black and LGBTQ+ Communities
If there's one thing Hollywood needs more of, it's stories that focus on the experiences of LGBTQ+ and Black communities. And who better to tell these stories than Black queer filmmakers themselves?
I'm not asking for overtly political films—just offerings that are a little more realistic, a little more grounded, and a little more human. Moonlight is the blueprint for this kind of storytelling, and I hope it paves the way for more films that explore the intersections of race and sexuality.
In the grand scheme of things, the Academy's recognition of Moonlight as Best Picture in 2017 marked a significant turning point for LGBTQ+ and minority representation in Hollywood. It challenged the industry to do better and opened the doors for more diverse storytelling. I, for one, am grateful for the impact Moonlight has had on our industry.
Movies-and-tv and entertainment are platforms that have the power to shift pop-culture narratives, as the Academy Awards-winning film 'Moonlight' did by putting the spotlight on the underserved Black and LGBTQ+ communities. In a world where representational stories are often overlooked, 'Moonlight' serves as a vital love letter to these communities, offering a narrative that provides emotional depth and resonance to a wide audience.
As a step forward in pop-culture, Hollywood's recognition of 'Moonlight' signals an appreciation for the importance of representation in movies-and-tv, prompting the industry to tackle new and diverse topics, and fostering an environment where stories dealing with race and sexuality can take center stage. For entertainment enthusiasts like me, this shift in pop-culture is a significant and exciting development.
