Dear Editor,

Despite the flub on Oscar night recently, when the final and most coveted award for Best Picture was announced incorrectly, nothing could take away from the significance of

Moonlight, the film which eventually won.

Not only was this a phenomenal movie with outstanding acting, script, directing, soundtrack, and excellent cinematography,

Moonlight became the first film featuring an all-black cast and director (Barry Jenkins) to be voted Best Picture by the Academy. The film received a total of eight nominations, winning three categories. This was an independent, low-budget film, reportedly the lowest budget for a Best Picture film — costing less than a 30-second commercial aired during the Oscars’ live telecast.

Of equal significance in the Best Picture category this year were two other films with black themes and casts, also outstanding

Hidden Figures andFences.

Moonlight, written by Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney, was based on McCraney’s previously unpublished play, tells the story of race, culture and sexuality as it follows a young black boy into adulthood, growing up in a volatile part of Miami. There are parallels with Jamaica and its culture of homophobia. Perhaps folks might think the Academy was ‘shoving gay down their throats’ this year, although this was the only film nominated in all the categories combined which touched the subject. Films can teach us a lot as we get to see things from a different angle. I hope many get to see this outstanding film.

Pete Delisser

pdelisser1988@yahoo.com