The internet was buzzing before the show even began as stars turned instantly iconic looks on the beige carpet. Sheer back gowns were clearly on trend, as Lady Gaga and Rihanna both stunned in dark see-through dresses.
Speaking of Rihanna, she had her own viral moment even before she hit the carpet. The superstar, nominated for Best Original Song, arrived in a bucket hat and vans before changing into her gown.
Host Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the show with a flurry of jokes, and of course referenced the infamous Oscars slap at last year’s ceremony. He joked that action movie stars like Michelle Yeoh and Michael B. Jordan would be stopping anyone from pulling anything similar.
One of the most exhilarating performances of the night came when scores of dancers took over the stage to perform the high-energy dance song “Naatu Naatu” from RRR. Sadly, film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan didn’t dance, but the performance still slayed and the song later won Best Original Song.
Lady Gaga instigated the vibe shift of the night when she took to the stage in a T-shirt and jeans to sing “Hold My Hand.” The stripped-down performance totally stood apart from the usual high-glam of the Oscars, and felt incredibly intimate.
Rihanna was the true performance surprise of the night. She delivered her first-ever live performance of “Lift Me Up” in front of a moody backdrop surrounded by a chorus of background singers.