Best Picture Mix-Up: An Oscars Moment That Won’t Be Forgotten

The ceremony will be remembered not only for its performances but also for the shocking moment when the Best Picture Oscar was mistakenly announced for the wrong film. That error produced a dramatic and awkward scene on stage as presenters and nominees processed the confusion. For viewers, it became one of the most talked-about moments of the 2017 Oscars.

Click to watch the Best Picture mix-up.

Musical Highlights — Best Song Performances

The telecast featured several live performances from the Best Song nominees, each offering a different musical tone and emotional core. Below are standout moments from the evening, with performances that ranged from upbeat pop to tender, reflective tributes.

Justin Timberlake — “Can’t Stop the Feeling” from Trolls

Justin Timberlake opened the show with a high-energy, celebratory performance of “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” the upbeat single from the animated film Trolls. His lively staging and the song’s infectious pop groove helped set an optimistic tone for the broadcast, despite a ceremony that ultimately ran more than four hours.

Lin-Manuel Miranda & Auli’i Cravalho — “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana

Lin-Manuel Miranda introduced the number with a rhythmic spoken intro before handing the spotlight to Auli’i Cravalho, the young vocalist who sang “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s Moana. Cravalho’s performance showcased vocal poise well beyond her years, and the moment captured both the pressure and exhilaration of performing on one of entertainment’s biggest stages.

John Legend — “City of Stars” from La La Land

John Legend delivered a smooth, heartfelt rendition of “City of Stars” from La La Land. The song’s music was composed by Justin Hurwitz with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and it ultimately won the Oscar for Best Song. Legend’s interpretation brought warmth and intimacy to the stage, offering a highlight of the night’s musical lineup.

The Best Song victory for “City of Stars” was a high point for La La Land’s awards run; for artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also had hopes of individual awards that night, the outcome served as a reminder of how competitive and unpredictable Oscar voting can be.

In Memoriam — Sara Bareilles Performs “Both Sides Now”

The ceremony included a moving In Memoriam segment, featuring Sara Bareilles performing a simple, graceful version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” Bareilles’ restrained and emotional vocal delivery underscored the tribute, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere as the audience remembered colleagues and icons lost over the past year.

Earlier in the segment, Jennifer Aniston offered a brief tribute to actor Bill Paxton, who had passed away shortly before the ceremony. That personal moment added a raw note of sadness to the evening’s commemorations.

Overall, the 89th Academy Awards combined powerful live music, emotional tributes, and an unprecedented award-night error that ensured the broadcast will be talked about for years. Between standout performances and the surprise Best Picture announcement, the evening delivered moments that ranged from joyful and dazzling to genuinely moving and unexpectedly chaotic.