The first genuine shock of the night was that Ex Machina triumphed over Mad Max, The Martian, The Revenant and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, to scoop the Best Visual Effects Oscar, all the more impressive considering that the movie cost just $15 million, a whole $93 million less than the next-lowest-budgeted nominee, The Martian. There's likely to be plenty of debate about whether or not the film truly deserved it, but it's hard to argue with its impressive effects, especially on such a budget. Plus, who doesn't love a surprise win?
18. C-3PO, R2-D2 & BB-8 Invade The Stage
In a tangential but amusing skit, C-3PO, R2-D2 and BB-8 arrive on stage while looking for their seats. As 3PO stresses about it, he comments that the Oscar statuette looks a lot like him, before going on to single out Star Wars composer John Williams for his contributions to the industry, resulting in an insane 50 nominations for the legend. R2 and BB-8 eventually get fed up of listening to 3PO and leave the stage, after which he follows, and a Star Wars-esque title crawl runs down what's coming up after the commercial break.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
