The red carpet is rolled out. Dressed in glamorous gowns and tuxedos, the most renowned stars emerge from limos to greet flashing cameras and paparazzi. It is a night dedicated to viewing, awarding, and celebrating movies around the world.

On March 2 the 86^th Academy Awards was broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Ellen DeGeneres returned as host of the Oscars for the second time. Unlike last year’s host Seth MacFarlane, who received notable criticism, DeGeneres garnered praise from viewers watching everywhere.

“Ellen was more fun and casual than previous hosts,” sophomore India Blake said. “She made a lot more jokes and had a better personality than the hosts before.”

Of the nine total films nominated, viewers and the media narrowed down the choices to box-office hits Gravity and 12 Years A Slave as the two candidates most likely to win Best Picture. Although Gravity, along with fellow Best Picture nominee American Hustle, had at 10 nominations the most out of any other movie, 12 Years A Slave was the ultimate winner with Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture.

“I was hoping 12 Years A Slave would win,” sophomore Lizzie Spangler said. “I didn’t like Gravity. It just showed Sandra Bullock floating around in space the entire movie. It was good, but it wasn’t amazing.”

The Academy Awards is an event watched all over the world, making it impossible to go without receiving some criticism somewhere. Although the host was praised and a few winners were good, the overall show was a let-down for some viewers.

“I thought that the whole show was just okay,” sophomore Xavier Weaver said.  “Whenever the winners were announced it wasn’t thrilling. I mean, I already knew who would win. I hope they do better next year and make it more exciting.”

Another nomination that received prominent attention was Best Animated Feature. Disney’s box-office hit Frozen was nominated after receiving accolades from filmgoers and critics alike. The film’s song “Let It Go”, the first from a Disney animated musical to make the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 since 1995, beat out the other candidates for Best Original Song. It came as no surprise that Frozen also took Best Animated Feature. The victory was met with approval and praise from critics and filmgoers alike.

“I loved Frozen because it was relatable,” junior Jocelyn Berg said. “It showed the importance of movies promoting being able to express oneself. By doing that, it shows the importance of movies and how they are not only entertainment, but they’re about life. We watch movies and we understand what the characters are going through. I definitely think the Academy was right to award it Best Picture. It was a groundbreaking film.”