The 2016 Oscars telecast featured performances of three of the five songs nominated for Best Song. It was a controversial decision on the part of the Oscar folks to leave out performances of “Manta Ray” from Racing Extinction. and “Simple Song #3” from Youth. One of the nominees boycotted the Oscars altogether.
The “commercially viable” artists who sang at the ceremony were Lady Gaga, Sam Smith and The Weeknd–hitmakers all.
Lady Gaga wrote “‘Til it Happens to You” with Diane Warren and was drawn from her own experiences as a sexual assault survivor. It comes from the movie The Hunting Ground, a documentary that explores the troubling issue of campus rape. A group of fellow survivors appeared at the end of the song, bearing “It happened to me” and “Survivor” across their forearms.
Lady Gaga – ‘Til it Happens To You
“Earned It” was a HUGE radio hit, and who even knew it was from the movie Fifty Shades of Grey? Best Song was the only attention THAT movie was going to get at Oscar time.
The Weeknd – Earned It
Recording the latest Bond theme is a big damn deal, and pop singer Sam Smith got to do it. Not only did he perform it, but the song WON the category.
Sam Smith – Writings on the Wall
Here is Sam delivering his acceptance speech. He thought he might be the first openly gay man to win an Oscar. But there are tons who already have, including John Gielgud for Arthur back in 1981, Elton John in 1994 in Sam’s category for “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from The Lion King and Dustin Lance Black for the Milk screenplay in 2009. There are several others too. OOPS. He dedicated the award to the LGBT community all around the world. “I stand here tonight as a proud gay man and I hope we can all stand together as equals one day,” he said.
Back in the press room, he still seemed confused. When a reporter informed him that he wasn’t the first openly gay winner, he said, “Sh*t. F*ck that.” and then “Two is my lucky number.” Which of course, was also wrong. Sam asked who else won, and a reporter mentioned Howard Ashman who won Best Song in for “The Little Mermaid” in 1990 and other posthumously for “Beauty and the Beast” in 1992. Sam quipped “We should date.” Ashman died in 1991 due to AIDS complications. YIKES.
ETA: Dustin Lance Black had a response. SNAP!
Hey @SamSmithWorld, if you have no idea who I am, it may be time to stop texting my fiancé. Here’s a start: https://t.co/8hGTRtIaMK
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) February 29, 2016
THE POINT: knowing our LGBTQ history is important. We stand on the shoulders of countless brave men and women who paved the way for us.
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) February 29, 2016
Sir Ian McKellan clarified
I’d said no openly gay actor had received #Oscars-that doesn’t detract from @samsmithworld achievement. Congratulations to him & all others!
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) February 29, 2016
Sam Smith reacts
Second openly gay man to win an oscar or third or fourth or 100th, It wasn’t my point.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) February 29, 2016
My point was to shine some light on the LGBT community who i love so dearly.
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) February 29, 2016
Apologies for the mix up @DLanceBlack I’ll be sure to check out your films now x Belated Congrats on the Oscar x
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) February 29, 2016
Sam Smith’s Acceptance Speech
