The 91st Academy Awards were one for the books. With the thrills and performance that left audience members alike in awe, the awards show this season was one that no one will forget. However, the build up to this coveted event showcased its highs and lows.

For instance, even before the cameras started rolling, broadcasting the Oscars to about 29.6 million Americans, the absence of a host was one thing that drew attention to many. With Kevin Hart’s impromptu resignation from his previously accepted position due to homophobic allegations, viewers were stunned to hear of the possibility of no host, or who would come forward to take Hart’s place. Among other things, the Academy had hopes of presenting some of the most popular categories (Best Actor and Actress) DURING COMMERCIAL BREAK, which entailed great hate from viewers and Oscar aficionados. Through all this havoc, tradition persisted for this program, with all the aspects of the previous Oscars being kept consistent (besides the absence of a host!).

Besides some of these previous award show letdowns, the night was filled with some great triumphs: some female trailblazers behind Black Panther were able to rack up a hefty number of awards, a witty and emotional acceptance speech by Olivia Colman for Best Actress had people gasping for air form laughter and in tears from her heartfelt tribute, and Period. End of Sentence, which was a short documentary on the female menstrual cycle was able to come away with a win (and left Rayka Zehtabchi, the director of this film) in awe).

However, many people were dissatisfied with some aspects of night. For instance, while I adored Olivia Colman’s heartfelt tribute and was happy for her dedication, I had wished to see Gaga’s triumph as Best Actress, among her other accolades this awards’ season. However, the biggest shocker of the night was the winner of the Best Picture, Green Book, who many speculated would not even result in a win.

For many other fans of the Oscars it was great to see the heartfelt, raw, unedited, and authentic performance of “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, which went on to win an Oscar later in the night. It was phenomenal to see Rami Malek of Bohemian Rhapsody take home Best Actor, with the addition of a Queen and Adam Lambert mix perform some of the band’s hits.

With no host and some drama beforehand, the Oscars came through with a spectacular night of dazzling performances, acceptances, and emotions. As unpredictable as they may have been, the 91st Academy Awards proved substantial to carry on the prestige and legacy of this annual celebration of film.