On Sunday February 24, Hollywood stars and darlings gathered for the biggest night in the movie industry, The Academy Awards.

From jaw-dropping designer fashions that left spectators to admire, mock or meme to the surprises and upsets that unfolded as the statutes were passed out, this year’s show strayed from tradition but still managed to bring viewers something to enjoy before the dreaded start of the week.

One of the most discussed topics leading up to this star-studded night was the discussion of who will host the ceremony.

This year, due to the controversy surrounding previously announced host Kevin Hart, the ceremony went on for the very first time without an emcee. Truthfully, the night did not suffer because of it.

Rather than audiences receiving a comedic monologue or elaborate musical number to start things off, the legendary rock band “Queen,” whose biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” was nominated for several awards, opened the show with “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions.” This was followed by a montage of the most moving moments from 2018’s favorite films.

Throughout the night, various presenters added their own touches in order to fill time.

Some of the most memorable were the exchanges between Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, who assured viewers who may have been unaware that they were in fact not the hosts for the evening.

Melissa McCarthy did not disappoint, strutting onto the stage in a cape ornamented in plush rabbits with Brian Tyree Henry to present the award for Best Costume Design.

Comedian John Mulaney and actress Awkwafina commented on the overwhelming rush that comes over a first time Oscar attendee, and how even some of our favorite stars can be starstruck on Hollywood’s biggest night.

Viewers were also treated to beautiful musical performances from Bette Midler, Jennifer Hudson, Gillian Welch with David Rawlings and a steamy performance from Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, whose “Shallow” took home Best Original Song.

The doling out of awards is consistently the most exciting and argued-about aspect of the show. The nominee list is time and time again a mix of fresh faces and veterans who fans would love to see win it all.

Not to anyone’s surprise, Regina King walked away with Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” while newcomer Rami Malek, who portrayed Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, took home Best Actor.

Mahershala Ali received the Best Supporting Actor award for “Green Book,” which he previously won in 2017 for “Moonlight.”

This made him just the second black actor, along with Denzel Washington, to win multiple Oscars.

Perhaps one of the most controversial wins was that of Olivia Coleman, who took home Best Actress in A Leading Role for “The Favourite.”

Viewers were hoping to see Glenn Close take it home, as it was her seventh nomination and she has yet to win.

Marvel favorite “Black Panther” was one of the most talked about films of the year, and the team behind it came out with awards for Best Original Music Score, Best Costume and Best Production Design.

Alfonso Cuaron, the mind behind the highly praised “Roma,” was given Best Director, beating out the likes of Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”) and Adam McKay (“Vice”).

The winner for best picture had received some backlash upon release, and quite a bit of controversy came upon the announcement that “Green Book” won the last and most substantial award of the night.

Gossip surrounding the Oscars was favoring “Roma” to take it home, but it wasn’t meant to be.

The 91st annual Academy Awards was a thrilling night in all aspects, and despite the absence of a host, it did not miss a beat.

Moving musical performances and amusing exchanges between hosts made one of the most glamorous nights of the year fun for the stars and millions of viewers around the world.