Firstly, for its straight-to-the-point delivery (although I did miss the movie sequence vignette’s that usually always open the show) and with no host to have to deliver all the laughs, things certainly moved along quickly.

Secondly, for the no-nonsense pace at which each presenter was brought out and each award given. Though curiously just about every acceptance speech was still cut short.

But thirdly, and for me the single most important reason, the diversity and inclusion that set the tone for the night was a stunning testament to what the movie world has become. Many have been saying that this was the slickest and most “grown up” awards they have ever seen. I agree that it was a very well put together three hours for sure, but I also think that it is the sheer diversity of the nominated movies and their crews and performers that made this night, for me, one of the most important moments in movie history; and here’s why.

From the moment the nominations were announced back in January, the buzz around Hollywood immediately began.

Jimmy Chin, left, and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, winners of the award for best documentary feature for "Free Solo."

With “Black Panther” on the list, along side two foreign language movies – “Roma” and “Cold War,” and the record number of women figuring in the list this year, something special was happening and something that Oscar has never seen before.

A far more inclusive and broad reaching Oscar ceremony was about to take place, not only for the facts of the list itself, but also for the general feeling that has taken over the movie and entertainment world in general. As the cultural divide that is currently driving a social wedge through the middle of this country continues menacingly on its way, Hollywood seems to be doing the opposite — healing and celebrating those very differences and bringing people back together.

As the night began, it became all too apparent that just about every cultural point of view was to be on display and celebrated and, most importantly, each given equal screen time.

The music was to become the highlight of the night as each of the performed songs echoed their individual message with just the right amount of emotion.

The opening performance by Queen, with American Idol alumni, Adam Lambert belting out two of the group’s most famous songs, certainly set the standard high for the night.

Lady Gaga, foreground, Andrew Wyatt, from back left, Anthony Rossomando, and Mark Ronson, winners of the award for best original song for "Shallow" from "A Star Is Born."

With Bette Midler and Jennifer Hudson also performing brilliantly, the musical tone was set, but it was the much anticipated performance by Lady GaGa and Bradley Cooper that really stole the show and, indeed, became the highlight of the entire night.

Singing “Shallow,” from “A Star is Born,” which eventually won the Oscar, the two ended the song with a close, harmonic personal moment that left the house with enough collective goosebumps to go around and might be remembered as one of the best live performances that Oscar has ever seen, and there have been some classics.

Overall, the awards were shared out much more equally than in most years, probably as a result of the newer, younger and more socially varied voters that have come on board recently.

The upswing in female winners, from all across movie disciplines, was a noticeable change — although they have all been around a while and have worked diligently their whole careers, it was certainly great to see due recognition for their incredible work and fully deserved it was too.

The racial divide that became a serious issue just a couple of years ago — remember #oscarsowhite — seems to have mostly been dispelled now. But not completely, as Spike Lee, who won for his screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman,” criticized “Green Book” for winning best picture and claiming, as many people also had done, that the movie perpetuated what some saw as a “white savior” narrative approach to examining race relations.

Many people, on the other hand, said it was actually a very realistic telling of the true story of Jazz pianist, Don Shirley and his driver and bodyguard, Tony Vallelonga, as they toured 1962’s deep south amidst the racial tensions and segregation of the time. However, two of Vallelonga’s nephews called the movie a “symphony of lies” in its telling of the two men’s lives; perhaps this movie will never be settled on this subject but, at the end of the day, a majority of the voting members thought it deserved to win so that is how it turned out.

With the exception of Alfonso Cuaron, with his second directing Oscar, and Mahershala Ali, with his second best supporting actor Oscar, this was a night of first timers, many winning out of their first ever nomination.

Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Olivia Coleman in “The Favourite” and Regina King in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” all shared the incredible feat of winning from their first ever nomination and is most certainly a unique achievement out of the four acting categories.

So many first time nominees in the technical categories also shone through this year and, interestingly enough, gave the best speeches. All seemed so sincere and, despite the obvious nerves such a situation would create, made the show that much better yet. Best of all was the sight of Olivia Coleman blowing a “raspberry” when told to finish up here speech – priceless.

As a close follower of the Oscars for as long as I can remember, I can certainly say, without reservation, that this was one of the best Oscar nights I have ever seen. Although there have been better movies won in previous years (again, my opinion) this was a good collective year with so many brilliantly made and socially spot on portrayals, both fictional and biographical. I think that the right ones won out in the end.

Of course, my only disappointment was that “A Star is Born” did not win more than its one Oscar but that is neither here nor there, the night was the winner, the viewers were the winner, the music was the winner and each and every nominee was the winner… So, the Oscar goes to – everyone.

2019 OSCAR WINNERS

– Best Picture – “Green Book”

– Best Director – Alfonso Cuaron – “Roma”

– Best Actor – Rami Malek – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

– Best Actress – Olivia Coleman – “The Favourite”

– Best Supporting Actor – Mahershala Ali – “Green Book”

– Best Supporting Actress – Regina King – “If Beale Street Could Talk”

– Best Original Screenplay – “Green Book”

– Best Adapted Screenplay – “BlacKkKlansman”

– Best original Score – “Black Panther” – Ludwig Goransson

– Best Song – “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born”

– Best Foreign language Film – “Roma”

– Best Cinematography – “Roma” Alfonso Cuaron

– Best Animated Feature – “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

– Best Film Editing – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

– Best Production Design – “Black Panther”

– Best Sound Editing – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

– Best Sound Mixing – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

– Best Visual Effects – “First Man”

– Best Make-Up/Hairstyling – “Vice”

– Best Documentary Feature – “Free Solo”