The 91st Academy Awards, held on February 24, 2019, departed from tradition when the Academy ultimately decided to proceed without a host. Initially, Kevin Hart was announced as the host but stepped down after past homophobic tweets resurfaced, leading to public backlash.

The ceremony featured various political statements and speeches, particularly on issues such as immigration and social justice. Some attendees and viewers felt that the Oscars should focus solely on film rather than political commentary, while others appreciated the platform for addressing important societal issues.

Olivia Colman's unexpected win for "Best Actress" for her role in "The Favourite" was met with mixed reactions, with some celebrating her performance. In contrast, others believed that Glenn Close was more deserving of her role in "The Wife."

The selection of "Green Book" as "Best Picture" sparked debate, with many believing that "Roma" or "A Star Is Born" were more deserving. Critics argued that the film oversimplified complex racial issues, leading to discussions about the film's portrayal of race relations.

Despite the success of films like "Black Panther," which was nominated for "Best Picture," the overall lack of diversity among nominees and winners remained a significant point of contention. Many felt that the Academy had not done enough to recognize the contributions of filmmakers and actors from underrepresented backgrounds since the #OscarsSoWhite movement highlighted in the 2016 ceremony.