Oscars 2017 Nominations And Winners: Looking Back At A Memorable Night

By Willy RodriguezJul 14, 2025

The 89th Academy Awards, held on Sunday, February 26, 2017, truly gave us a night to remember, and in some respects, it was quite a spectacle. This particular ceremony, celebrating the finest films from the previous year, unfolded with all the usual glitz and anticipation, yet it also delivered a moment that, you know, still gets talked about today. It was a big deal for movie fans and, honestly, a rather significant event in Hollywood history, too.

Leading up to the big evening, the excitement had been building for weeks, as a matter of fact. The nominees for these prestigious awards were made public on January 24, 2017, through a worldwide live stream straight from the Academy itself. This announcement set the stage for what many thought would be a showdown, particularly between two highly praised films, “La La Land” and “Moonlight,” both of which had captured a lot of attention.

As the night progressed, it seemed like a fairly typical Academy Awards show, with awards being handed out and speeches being made. However, the very end brought a twist that, well, nobody saw coming. It was a moment that, you know, virtually overshadowed everything else and ensured the 89th Academy Awards would be etched into everyone's memory for a very long time.

The Road to the 89th Academy Awards: Nominations Unveiled
The Grand Night: Hosting and Setting the Scene
Major Wins and Standout Performances
The Unforgettable Best Picture Moment: A Shocking Reversal
A Glimpse at the Full List of Winners
People Also Ask: Your Questions About the 2017 Oscars

The Road to the 89th Academy Awards: Nominations Unveiled

The journey to the 89th Academy Awards truly began on January 24, 2017, when the nominees were, in fact, revealed to the world. This yearly announcement is always a big deal, but this time, it felt especially charged with excitement. The Academy made sure everyone could watch, broadcasting the nominations live globally, so, you know, fans everywhere could feel a part of it.

Key Nominees: "La La Land," "Arrival," "Moonlight"

Heading into that night, one film, “La La Land,” really stood out, as a matter of fact. It tied for the most nominations of all time, pulling in an astonishing 14 nods. This placed it right alongside classics like 1950’s “All About Eve” and 1997’s “Titanic.” It was, you know, a pretty clear sign of how much the film had resonated with critics and industry folks alike.

Close behind, “Arrival” and “Moonlight” also made quite an impression, each gathering eight nominations. These films, while very different in their storytelling and style, showed a remarkable breadth of cinematic achievement for the year. “Arrival,” a science fiction drama, really captivated audiences with its thoughtful narrative, while “Moonlight,” a deeply personal story, was praised for its emotional depth and honest portrayal of life, so, you know, there was a lot of buzz around these contenders.

Other films like “Fences,” “Hacksaw Ridge,” and “Manchester by the Sea” also received significant recognition, securing multiple nominations across various categories. The list of nominees for the 89th Academy Awards really painted a picture of a strong year for movies, with a wide array of stories and performances being celebrated. It was, arguably, a very competitive field, making the upcoming awards ceremony even more anticipated, naturally.

The Grand Night: Hosting and Setting the Scene

The 89th Academy Awards ceremony itself unfolded on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the well-known Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. This venue, honestly, has become synonymous with the Oscars, offering a grand and somewhat iconic backdrop for the event. The atmosphere there is always charged with anticipation, and this year was no different, you know, as stars arrived looking their best.

Jimmy Kimmel as Host

For this particular evening, the task of guiding the show fell to Jimmy Kimmel, who took on the role of host. Kimmel, known for his late-night talk show and his sharp, often humorous wit, brought his distinct style to the stage. His presence usually means a blend of lighthearted jokes and, sometimes, a bit of playful ribbing directed at the famous faces in the audience. It was, in fact, his first time hosting the Oscars, so there was a little bit of extra curiosity about how he would handle the pressure of such a big live event, really.

The host plays a fairly big part in setting the tone for the entire ceremony, trying to keep things moving and, you know, entertaining viewers through the long night. Kimmel’s approach was, by and large, well-received, as he managed to navigate the various segments and presentations with a generally relaxed and engaging manner. He certainly kept the audience engaged, which is, honestly, a pretty tough job given how many hours the show runs, you know.

The Dolby Theatre, with its grand architecture and seating for thousands, provided the perfect setting for the event. It’s a place where, basically, cinematic history is made each year, and the 2017 ceremony was, in a way, no exception. The stage designs and lighting are always pretty impressive, adding to the overall spectacle that millions watch around the globe. So, too, the setting itself is almost as much a star as the people on stage, if you think about it.

Major Wins and Standout Performances

As the 89th Academy Awards night progressed, several films and individuals began to rack up significant wins, really solidifying their positions in the year's cinematic landscape. There were, you know, many moments of genuine excitement and heartfelt speeches that made the evening truly special for many. It was, in some respects, a very strong year for talent.

"La La Land"'s Big Haul (Director, Score, Song)

“La La Land,” which had gone into the night with a record-tying 14 nominations, certainly lived up to some of its hype, taking home a total of six Oscars. This included some of the night’s most important awards, like Best Director for Damien Chazelle. His win was, you know, pretty widely expected given the film's artistic ambition and critical acclaim. The movie also secured awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, with "City of Stars" earning the latter, which, honestly, felt like a very fitting win for such a musical film.

The film's success in these categories really highlighted its musical elements and Chazelle's vision. It was, basically, a testament to the movie's unique charm and its ability to blend classic Hollywood musical traditions with a modern story. Many people felt that these wins were, you know, quite deserved, given the sheer effort and creativity that went into the film's music and direction.

Best Actor and Actress Wins (Casey Affleck, Emma Stone)

The acting categories also saw some very strong competition. Casey Affleck took home the Best Actor award for his compelling performance in “Manchester by the Sea.” His portrayal in the film was, honestly, quite powerful and resonated deeply with many viewers and critics alike. It was a role that, you know, really showcased his range and intensity as a performer.

Meanwhile, Emma Stone won the Best Actress award for her role in “La La Land.” Her performance, full of charm, vulnerability, and musical talent, had been a favorite throughout the awards season. She delivered a memorable speech, full of genuine emotion, which, you know, often happens at these events. Her win was, in fact, a highlight for fans of the film and her work.

These individual acting wins, along with “La La Land’s” technical and musical triumphs, created a night that, for a while, seemed to be following a somewhat predictable path. However, the biggest moment of the evening was, arguably, still to come, and it would, literally, change the narrative of the 89th Academy Awards forever. It was, in a way, a night that kept us on our toes, even before the big surprise, naturally.

The Unforgettable Best Picture Moment: A Shocking Reversal

The 89th Academy Awards had already delivered plenty of memorable moments, but the very last award of the night, Best Picture, created a conclusion so shocking it, honestly, rivaled any in the year’s nominated films. It was, you know, a moment that quickly became the most talked-about event of the entire ceremony, and, as a matter of fact, one of the most famous gaffes in Oscar history.

The Erroneous Announcement

As the time came to announce the Best Picture winner, the legendary Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty stepped onto the stage. Beatty, after opening the envelope, paused, looking a bit confused, and then handed it to Dunaway. She, perhaps assuming he was joking or just being dramatic, then announced "La La Land" as the winner. The cast and crew of “La La Land” immediately erupted in cheers, making their way to the stage, and, you know, the excitement was palpable.

They began their acceptance speeches, with the producers expressing their gratitude and celebrating their film’s success. For a few moments, it seemed like the expected outcome had, in fact, come true, as “La La Land” had been the frontrunner for much of the awards season. The energy on stage was, basically, one of pure joy and triumph, as you might expect, really.

The Reversal and "Moonlight"'s Victory

However, as the speeches continued, a growing sense of confusion started to spread on stage. People backstage, including the show’s staff, realized that something was very wrong. It was quickly discovered that the presenters had, erroneously, been given the card for Best Actress, which listed Emma Stone for “La La Land.” This meant that, you know, the wrong film had been announced as the winner.

In a truly stunning turn of events, the correction was made live on stage. It was, honestly, a moment of incredible awkwardness and, at the same time, profound drama. Jordan Horowitz, one of the producers of “La La Land,” very gracefully announced that “Moonlight” was, in fact, the true Best Picture winner. This sudden reversal left everyone in the Dolby Theatre, and viewers around the world, completely stunned, naturally.

The cast and crew of “Moonlight” then made their way to the stage, amidst a mix of shock and jubilation. It was, you know, a truly unprecedented moment in the long history of the Academy Awards. “Moonlight” had, after all, been awarded the Best Picture Oscar after it was, quite literally, erroneously given to another film. This dramatic conclusion ensured that the 89th Academy Awards would be remembered not just for its winners, but for its unforgettable, and frankly, very surprising, ending, you know.

A Glimpse at the Full List of Winners

Beyond the Best Picture mix-up, the 89th Academy Awards celebrated a wide array of cinematic achievements, honoring films and individuals across numerous categories. While “La La Land” and “Moonlight” certainly dominated the headlines, many other deserving talents and projects also received their moment in the spotlight. It was, basically, a night that showcased the breadth of filmmaking in 2016, you know.

Key Categories and Their Victors

Here’s a look at some of the other significant winners from the evening, really highlighting the diverse range of films recognized. For instance, Best Supporting Actor went to Mahershala Ali for his moving performance in “Moonlight,” which was, honestly, a very powerful win for the film. Viola Davis also won Best Supporting Actress for her incredible work in “Fences,” a role that many felt was, you know, absolutely deserving of the honor.

The award for Best Original Screenplay was given to “Manchester by the Sea,” recognizing its compelling and poignant story. Best Adapted Screenplay went to “Moonlight,” further solidifying its critical acclaim and strong narrative. These wins for screenwriting underscore the importance of well-crafted stories in cinema, as a matter of fact.

In the technical categories, “Hacksaw Ridge” took home awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing, acknowledging its strong technical achievements. “Arrival” was recognized for Best Sound Editing, highlighting its intricate sound design, which, you know, really added to the film's atmosphere. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” won for Best Costume Design, showcasing its imaginative visual flair.

“Zootopia” won Best Animated Feature Film, a popular choice that resonated with both children and adults. Best Documentary Feature was awarded to “O.J.: Made in America,” a sprawling and insightful look at a significant cultural event. These wins illustrate the Academy’s recognition of excellence across different genres and forms of storytelling, naturally.

For a complete rundown of all the winners and nominees from the 89th Academy Awards, you can, of course, find comprehensive lists on various film and news sites. It’s always fascinating to look back at these lists and remember the films that captivated audiences and critics in a given year. To learn more about the history of the awards, you can always check out the official Academy Awards site, which, you know, has a wealth of information. This night, in particular, was one for the history books, as it had, arguably, one of the most talked-about endings ever. It was, in a way, a night that truly kept us guessing until the very last second.

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