“Now in 1939, moviegoers first fell in love with a girl named Dorothy who longed for a life different from her own and in one of the most beloved cinematic magic journeys of all time, and with the help of some very memorable friends—a tin man, a lion, and a scarecrow—Dorothy got her wish.”
Those were Whoopi Goldberg’s words as she introduced singing sensation P!nk’s magical tribute to The Wizard of Oz at Sunday night’s Academy Awards® show. Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of this 1939 Oscar®-winning film, P!nk, dazzled the audience in a shimmering ruby red gown, bringing the crowd to their feet with a soaring rendition of Judy Garland’s timeless classic, “Over the Rainbow.”
It was no regular crowd either, with Garland’s three children—Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft, and Joey Luft—in attendance and on their feet to show their appreciation.
Did you catch P!nk’s tribute performance of “Over the Rainbow” on the Oscars®? to watch it!
The Wizard of Oz is no stranger to the Oscars®. In 1939 it was nominated for Best Picture (losing to Gone with the Wind), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Special Effects. The film won for Best Original Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score.
Yes, Oscar® and Oz go back a long way. What a great tradition, and what a fantastic tribute.
Oscar® is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.