2023 Oscars recap: Angela Bassett snubbed, Rihanna slays

There was no unexpected slap at the 95th Academy Awards, but the ceremony was not without some eyebrow-raising moments.

Despite the Academy creating a "crisis team" to avoid a repeat of what happened with Will Smith and Chris Rock at last year's Oscars, producers couldn't help making reference to the shocking moment. 

Host Jimmy Kimmel made several jokes about slap-gate. 

"We know this is a special night for you. We want you to have fun. We want you to feel safe. And most importantly, we want me to feel safe. So we have strict policies in place. If anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for Best Actor and permitted to give a 19-minute-long speech," he joked during his opening monologue. 

ALSO READ: Chris Rock set to address infamous Will Smith slap in Netflix special

The year is 2030, the.event is the 2030 Oscars, the joke is the academy is still making reference to that time in 2022 when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. 

2023 Oscars winners and snubs 

With Oscar slap-gate out of the way, the show went on without a hiccup - well, if you don't count the many snubs and weird outfits flashing on the screen. 

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' was the big winner on the night with a total of seven awards. Michelle Yeoh made history when she became the first Asian woman to win in the 'Best Actress' category.

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Yeoh's castmates, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, also won their first Oscars. Jamie's win was met with shock as many expected front-runner Angela Bassett to win. 

The 64-year-old was nominated for her role in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'. Bassett won a Golden Globe in the build-up to the Oscars ceremony, while Curtis bagged the Screen Actors Guild Award. 

Angela was visibly sad after the upset. 

ALSO READ: Connie Chiume hangs out with Rihanna at 'Black Panther' premiere

Rihanna at the 2023 Oscars

A pregnant Rihanna also made an appearance at the 2023 Oscars. She performed 'Lift Me Up' from the 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' soundtrack. 

Rihanna, who is currently pregnant with her second child, was also nominated for 'Best Music (Original Song)' alongside Nigerian superstar Tems. 

'Naatu Naatu' from the movie 'RRR' took home the award. 

ALSO READ: WOWZA! Rihanna slayed and announced her baby during Superbowl Half-Time Show

Speaking of Tems....  the 'Essence' hitmaker turned heads at the ceremony. She wore an elaborate gown by independent fashion designer, Lessja Verlingieri, for Lever Couture.

While the dress got a 10/10 from the fashion police, Tems was labelled disrespectful for wearing a dress that blocked people's view. 

Several videos and pictures show the people sitting behind her during the Oscars struggling to get a good view of the stage. 

ALSO READ: Rebel Wilson on meeting Meghan Markle: 'She wasn’t as naturally warm'

'The Little Mermaid' trailer debuts at the Oscars

The trailer for Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid' debuted at the Oscars. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, and Melissa McCarthy, who plays Ursula, introduced the trailer to the audience. 

Check it out below. 

ALSO READ: Halle Bailey reveals she cried after watching herself as Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid'

2023 Oscars red carpet 

Here's a look at what stars, including Cara Delevingne and Halle Berry, wore to the Oscars. 

Check out the full winner's list on the Academy's website. 

Main image credit: Instagram/im.angelabassett

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