Remembering the 2023 Oscars: The bear, the donkey and Hugh Grant

The 2023 Oscars, as every year, were a spectacle. Of course, we didn't see anyone slapping anyone this year, but there were certainly a few surprises. We remember the best, funniest and most random moments from the 2023 Oscars.

The Academy was keeping it safe with Jimmy Kimmel in light of the previous years' controversies. Yet there were a few eyebrow-raising moments, like the inclusion of the fluffy guest in the photo. Less controversy, more entertainment. More... animals?

All kinds of surprises have happened on the Oscars stage but parading a live donkey has to be up there with the ridiculous. Jenny the donkey made an appearance - the beloved donkey from 'The Banshees of Inisherin'.

There was certainly more love in the room than at the previous Oscars event in 2022. “If you’re feeling upset or if you win or if you’re feeling anxious or if you just love mules, come up and give her a hug,” said host Jimmy Kimmel. Jenny the donkey became a true Hollywood star.

Chris Rock was replaced with the less controversial Jimmy Kimmel, cracking jokes with a couple of political jibes, one or two aimed at Fox and the far right.

Jimmy failed to get a rise from Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai when he asked her opinion on what was the latest internet scandal involving Harry Styles. Her response, “I only talk about peace.” Cue tumbleweed.

The event was more than mules, bears and Harry Styles and the ceremony had kicked off with an impressive show from two U.S. fighter jets, paying homage to Tiny Tom Cruise and his Mega hit ‘Maverick’. Kimmel did manage to put his piece in, however, and highlighted Tom Cruise's absence at the ceremony.

Staying on the theme, we had to pay very close attention to Lady Gaga. Arriving in a stunning gown, with hair and make-up at the most glamorous level, the superstar singer and actress changed to sing ‘Hold My Hand’ from the film ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. A true masterclass in morphing into another person entirely .

A couple of mentions about 2022's Smith scandal were brought up, but nothing more than passing comments. Kimmel mentioned that there were plenty of Superheroes in the audience if anyone got offended.

Who would protect him? Spiderman? Cut to Andrew Garfield’s brilliant reaction which swiftly made it in memes worldwide.

Photo: ABC

After a Vanity Fair confusing moment - Grant talking about the book, the interviewer thinking of the magazine - Hugh Grant quickly lost interest and gave an uncomfortable and unhelpful interview, giving off a very awkward vibe.

“Just my suit?” Grant responded.

“Who made your suit?” asked the interviewer, Ashley Graham, “You didn’t make it?”.

“I can’t remember – my tailor,” Grant replied.

He then went on with surprisingly short and unhelpful responses to the rest of the red-carpet chat.

Photo: ABC

He did, however, make amends for his grumpy interview by appearing alongside his 'Four Weddings' star, Andie MacDowell, He was joking about how great she looked and compared his own face to his nether regions! At the time, some social media users commented that it was the best comment at any awards show - ever.

This year celebrated two particular actors who had seemingly disappeared into Hollywood oblivion for years. They showed us that Hollywood can kick you but if you get up again, anything is possible: Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan.

We all love an underdog story, and this year's award for Best Actor was just that. Having been one of Hollywood’s biggest box office stars in the past, Fraser dropped out of the elite, amid a steady flow of personal issues. But last night he showed Hollywood he was back.

He was known in the 80s thanks to roles in ‘The Goonies’ and ‘Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom’, but quit acting due to so few roles for Asian Americans. We’re glad you're back, Shortround.

Although the film that swept the awards had a mainly Asian cast, the Oscars was still controversial in 2023, with very few female nominations and the exclusion of black actresses Danielle Deadwyler for ‘Till’ and Viola Davis for ‘The Woman King’.

One actress however was nominated - Angela Bassett for her role in ‘Wakanda Forever’. She lost out to Jamie Lee Curtis and her reaction was less than amused. Penned for favorite to take the awards home, Bassett seemed to take it rather hard.

On social media, responses had been mixed: on the one hand, Angela Bassett was allowed to show her emotions like any other human being, people said, and on the other, the show of happiness and generosity had to go on, critics claimed.

After Angela Bassett missed out on the coveted award, Jonathan Majors and Michael B. Jordan were up for their presentation of the award for Best Cinematography to 'All Quiet on the Western Front's James Friend (center of the photo). But before they did that, they gave a shoutout to the defeated actress: "We love you auntie!"

On an evening like this, disappointment and ecstasy always go together. Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis, won the best supporting actress for her role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. The award for this timeless Hollywood star was the memorable, surprise big win of the evening and she was incredibly pleased to receive it.