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Oscars 2021 recap: Winners, speeches and top moments

This year brought barrier-breaking wins.

Oscars 2021 recap: Winners, speeches and top moments
ABC News
ByEmily Shapiro
Video byBrittany Berkowitz
Last Updated: April 25, 2021, 11:31 PM EDT

Hollywood's biggest night -- the Academy Awards -- has come to a close.

"Nomadland" took home the coveted best picture award while Anthony Hopkins and Frances McDormand won best actor and actress in a leading role.

Hopkins' victory was an upset over Chadwick Boseman, who died in August after a private four-year battle with colon cancer. Boseman was nominated for best actor for his role in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

This year brought barrier-breaking wins, including the first woman of color to win best director and the first Black women to win best makeup and hairstyling.

Latest headlines:

Here is how the night unfolded.
Apr 25, 2021, 8:10 PM EDT

Regina King opens show by mentioning the Derek Chauvin verdict

Regina King, director of "One Night in Miami," opened the show by touching on the Derek Chauvin verdict.

Regina King at the 93rd Oscars at Union Station Los Angeles, April 25, 2021.
Ampas/ABC

“If things had gone differently this past week in Minneapolis," King said, she would’ve "traded in her heals for marching boots."

"As a mother of a Black son I know the fear that so many live with -- and no amount of fame or fortune chases that," King said.

Regina King arrives at the Oscars, April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzell/Pool via AP

Chauvin was convicted Tuesday on all three counts in the death of George Floyd: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Apr 25, 2021, 7:45 PM EDT

An award to watch

One big award to watch this year is best actor.

Chadwick Boseman, who died in August after a private four-year battle with colon cancer, is nominated for his role in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

Oscars presenter Angela Bassett told ABC before the show that she misses her "Black Panther" co-star's "great, big spirit."

Angela Bassett arrives to the 93rd Academy Awards, at Union Station, in Los Angeles, April 25, 2021.
Chris Pizzello/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

"He cared so much for people," she said. "He had the most amazing laugh. Amazing and easy.”

Boseman is the seventh actor to receive a posthumous Oscar nomination.

He’s also the first Black actor of any sex to receive a posthumous nomination.

If Boseman wins, he’ll become the fifth Black man to win best actor.

-ABC News' Carson Blackwelder

Apr 25, 2021, 6:08 PM EDT

Nominees, presenters get ready

Oscar nominees and presenters are preparing for their big night.

Glenn Close, nominated for "Hillbilly Elegy,” enjoyed a pre-show drink.

Presenter Reese Witherspoon looked energized and ready to go in an Oscars hoodie.

Presenter Laura Dern is staying COVID-19 safe, posing with a mask and cotton swab.

Presenter Marlee Matlin gave a sneak peek at her dress.

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