25 Feb 2019, Hollywood, United States
Civil rights dramedy “Green Book,” the tale of a celebrated black pianist who befriends his white driver as they tour the segregated American South in the 1960s, overcame controversy to claim Oscars gold.
The critically acclaimed film on Sunday snatched the coveted best picture Oscar to wrap up the Academy Awards — a bit of an upset over Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma,” which had been the heavy favorite.
The top prize was the third statuette of the night for “Green Book,” which earned a total of five nominations. Mahershala Ali won the best supporting actor Oscar for his portrayal of pianist Don Shirley, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with driver Tony “Lip” Vallelonga (best actor nominee Viggo Mortensen).
The film also won for best original screenplay. “The whole story is about love. It’s about loving each other, despite our differences, and finding out the truth about who we are — we’re the same people,” said director Peter Farrelly.
“Green Book” bested seven other films for top honors: “Roma,” superhero flick “Black Panther,” Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” offbeat royal romp “The Favourite,” musical romance “A Star Is Born,” and Dick Cheney biopic “Vice.”
The film — co-written by Vallelonga’s son, Nick — explores race relations and identity as Shirley embarks on the tour and is forced to rely on his initially racist, ill-mannered Italian-American driver.
Mortensen put on 45 pounds (20 kilograms) to play Vallelonga, a family man whose opinions evolve as the film unfolds. The two men learn from each other as they confront stereotypes about themselves and others.
Shirley and Lip remained friends — they both died in 2013. The feel-good movie is named after The Negro Motorist Green Book, an annual guidebook that provided African-Americans advice on safe places to eat and sleep while travelling during segregation.
An audience favorite, it racked up a number of accolades in the run-up to the Oscars, including a best musical/comedy film award at the Golden Globes and the top prize from the Producers Guild of America.
Ali received numerous statuettes as well as his Oscar, including a Golden Globe, a Bafta and a Screen Actors Guild award.
