1. #OscarsSoWhite: The lack of diversity among the nominees sparked the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, which highlighted the Academy's history of overlooking actors and filmmakers of color. This criticism prompted changes in the Academy's voting process and membership in an effort to increase diversity and inclusion in the future.
2. Chris Rock's Monologue: Host Chris Rock delivered a monologue that addressed the #OscarsSoWhite controversy and other social issues. His pointed jokes about race, gender, and Hollywood drew mixed reactions from the audience and viewers.
3. Best Actor Mix-up: During the announcement of the Best Actor award, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly read out the wrong winner. They initially announced "La La Land" as the winner, only to later correct themselves and reveal "Moonlight" as the actual victor. This error created significant confusion and drama during the ceremony.
4. Diversity Efforts: The Academy attempted to address the diversity issue by presenting a more inclusive list of nominees and introducing new initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the industry. However, some critics argued that these efforts were insufficient and that more structural changes were needed.
5. Civil Rights Activism: The ceremony featured several speeches and statements emphasizing the importance of social justice and activism, particularly in light of the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements. Celebrities used the platform to advocate for various social causes and call for change.
Overall, the 88th Academy Awards was marked by significant controversy and criticism related to diversity, social activism, and the overall representation in Hollywood. These controversies led to discussions about systemic issues within the film industry and prompted efforts to improve inclusion and combat social injustice.