The 95th Academy Awards graced Hollywood with a glamorous celebration of its brightest stars on March 12.

The Dolby Theater hosted an esteemed group of actors, directors, writers and composers who took center stage to receive recognition for their outstanding contributions to the film industry. As the champagne carpet rolled out, Hollywood’s best basked in the limelight, showcasing the industry’s incredible talent and creativity.

The first Oscar of the night was awarded to director Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” for Best Animated Feature Film. Toro not only expressed his gratitude, but also shed light on the significance of animation in the world of cinema. In his acceptance speech, he stressed the importance of recognizing animation as a form of cinema.

“Animation is ready to be taken to the next step.”, Toro said. “Keep animation in the conversation.”

In the next round of awards, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis shone as they scooped the Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role for their performances in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The emotional pair took to the stage with tear-filled eyes and overflowing gratitude for the recognition..

“My journey started on a boat,” Quan said, sharing his personal journey with the audience. “I spent a year in a refugee camp. And somehow, I’m now standing on Hollywood’s biggest stage.This is the American dream!”

Following them came Daniel Roher’s “Navalny,” which took home Best Documentary Feature Film. Roher first thanked Christo Grozev, whom he referred to as “our Bulgarian nerd,” for his investigative journalism.

“I would like to dedicate this award to Navalny and to all political prisoners around the world,” Roher declared. “We must not be afraid to oppose dictators and authoritarianism.” His words highlighted the need for free speech, as well as the bravery it takes to stand up against oppression anywhere in the world.

Adrien Morot, Judy Chin and Anne Marie Bradley won the award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for their exceptional work on “The Whale’s.” Brendan Fraser, the film’s lead actor.

Fraser won his first Oscar for Best Leading Actor for the same film. He dedicated it to his fellow cast members and family.

“It’s been like a diving expedition on the bottom of the ocean in the air, and the line to the surface is on a launch being watched over by some people in my life, like my sons Holden and Leland and Griffin,” he said.

Best Costume Design went to Ruth Carter for her work in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” She paid homage to her late mother, to the late Chadwick Boseman and to black women everywhere, saying “Thank you to the Academy, again, for recognizing the superhero that is a black woman. She adores, she loves, she overcomes — she is every woman in this film.”

It served as an effective reminder of the power that diverse representation can have on audiences and the need for honoring those who have helped pave the way for change in the film industry.

The 95th Academy Awards was a night truly filled with cinematic masterpieces, but two films clearly stole the show, “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

The former received four awards for Best Cinematography, Best International Feature Film, Best Production Design and Best Original Score. Meanwhile, the latter was recognized in multiple categories, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Picture.

Michelle Yeoh delivered a resounding message during her acceptance speech for Best Actress, making history as the first Asian actress to win the Oscar.

“For the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. And ladies, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re past your prime,” she said, resonating with audiences. Her words were an inspiration to many and serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Other honorable mentions are: “The Elephant Whisperers” for Best Documentary Short Film; “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” for Best Animated Short Film; “Avatar: The Way of Water” for Best Visual Effects; “Women Talking” for Best Adapted Screenplay, “Top Gun: Maverick” for Best Sound and “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR” for Best Original Song.