History was made at the Oscars.

“Parasite” became the first foreign-language movie to win best motion picture, and three other awards throughout the night. Zach Gottsagen became the first presenter with Down syndrome, as he helped to announce the best live-action short film award. Musician Eimear Noone was the first female to conduct the orchestra for the medley of songs nominated for best original score.

The night opened with a lively musical number from Janelle Monáe, featuring Billy Porter. Monáe began by singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbour?” made famous by “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.” Surrounding her were dancers dressed as different characters from nominated movies, such as “Joker,” “Little Women,” and “Jojo Rabbit.” As she finished her performance, she said, “I’m proud to be standing here as a black, queer artist telling stories. Happy Black History Month.” It was the first of many statements about entertainment diversity.

Throughout the show, celebrities used the stage as a platform to make political and social justice statements. Steve Martin and Chris Rock introduced the awards with topics such as police brutality against African Americans and a lack of diversity in the media; Brad Pitt spoke about the lack of witnesses at Trump’s Senate impeachment trial; Joaquin Phoenix talked about racism, gender inequality, global warming, and animal rights; Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver talked about the need for more representation; Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva and more, talked about women’s rights, especially for young girls.

Despite the politics, the show was as entertaining as expected. Musical performances included Utkarsh Ambudkar, Elton John, Eminem, Randy Newman, Diane Warren, and Cynthia Erivo. Billie Eilish and Finneas sang for the annual tribute of passed stars, and Indina Menzel sang a number from “Frozen 2,” accompanied by 10 other women who voiced Elsa in different languages.

It was a ceremony that sparked conversation about modern issues, and the recent success and talent of those in the film industry.

Winners:

Motion Picture
“Parasite” (accepted by Kwak Sin Ae and Bong Joon Ho)

Animated Feature Film
“Toy Story 4” (accepted by Josh Cooley, Mark Nielson, and Jonas Rivera)

Animated Short Film
“ Hair Love” (accepted by Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver)

Leading Actor
Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”

Leading Actress
Renée Zellweger, “Judy”

Original Screenplay
“Parasite” (Bong Joon Ho)

Adapted Screenplay
“Jojo Rabbit” (accepted by Taika Waititi)

Supporting Actress
Laura Dern, “A Marriage Story”

Live Action Short Film
“The Neighbor’s Window” (accepted by Marshall Curry)

Production Design
Barbara Ling and Nancy Haigh, “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood”

Costume Design
Jacqueline Durran, “Little Women”

Film Editing
Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland, “Ford v. Ferrari”

International Feature Film
“Parasite” (South Korea)

Original Song
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman” (Elton John and Bernie Taupin)

Original Score
“Joker” (accepted by Hildur Gudnadótter)

Directing
Bong Joon Ho, “Parasite”

Sound Mixing
“1917” (accepted by Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson)

Visual Effects
“1917” (accepted by Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy)

Cinematography
“1917” (accepted by Roger Deakins)

Documentary (Feature)
“American Factory” (accepted by Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert, Jeff Reichert)

Documentary (Short Subject)
“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)” (accepted by Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“Jojo Rabbit” (accepted by Taika Waititi)

Writing (Original Screenplay)
“Parasite” (accepted by Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won)

Makeup and Hairstyling
“Bombshell” (accepted by Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan, and Vivian Baker)