While most of the country is talking about the “Oscar moment” where the wrong winner for best picture was initially announced, South Florida residents are too busy celebrating the victory for a film shot and based right here in Miami.
Cheers came from Oscar watch parties across the area, like one at the African American Cultural Arts Center in Liberty City, after the critically acclaimed ‘Moonlight’ brought home the top honor at Sunday’s ceremony – one of three awards the film received.
The movie’s cast includes two Norland Middle School seventh graders. While a lot of students were asleep last night, they woke up to the news that classmates Alex Hibbert and Jaden Piner. About a dozen students from the school were extras in the film.
“I don't think they slept at all last night,” said Principal Ronald Redman. (Our drama teacher) called me this morning. She is horse from being so excited…I mean, this is just really big for Norrland Middle School.”
Moonlight is based on a true South Florida story about a young man growing up in a tough neighborhood, grappling with his sexuality.
Oscar watchers say they are thrilled for what the win means for young kids who come to various facilities in the area.
“It gives the kids we work with here something to look up to,” said Jazmin Jones from the African American Cultural Arts Center. “I’m like a ball of fire right now because I can’t wait to see my students and share the excitement with them.”
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“To be from Miami and you’re in movies with three Oscars, it's just inspirational,” said student Eddie Blanchard. “It's telling you that no matter what color you are, no matter who you are, you can do what you want as long as you try hard enough.”
Moonlight, which was directed by Miami native Barry Jenkins, cost just $1.5 million to make and brought in just $22 million at the box office – making it one of the lowest grossing films to win the best picture award.
