DU Clarion Volume 125 Issue 09

MAR. 07, 2018

VOLUME 125, ISSUE 09

“THE SHAPE OF WATER” LEADS THE 2018 ACADEMY AWARDS

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DENVER MAYOR EMBROILED IN SCANDAL

DU HOCKEY DEFEATS MIAMI UNIVERSITY 6-3

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CARSON’S LAVISH 3 SPENDING HURTS HUD pa g e

TIPS AND TRICKS TO GET THROUGH FINALS WEEK

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DU CLARION

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MAR. 07, 2018

| NEWS

Mayor Hancock sent suggestive texts to detective in 2012

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enver Police Detective Leslie Branch-Wise admitted to the public in an interview with Denver7 on Feb. 27 that Mayor Michael Hancock in 2012 had sent her multiple suggestive texts in her time as part of his security detail, making her feel uncomfortable and calling his texts an act of sexual harassment.

“I just want people to know that I’m a woman, I have children and I’m victim of sexual harassment,” Branch-Wise said.

“It made me physically sick. It was extremely scary. And I dealt with it at the time the best way that I could.”

The texts in question include Hancock commenting on her haircut. “You make it hard on a brotha to keep it correct every day,” the texts said.

“Enjoy! You better bring them some good luck! You look sexy in black,” Hancock texted after seeing her in the crowd of a nuggets game.

A longer text has Hancock asking Branch-Wise about pole

dancing and him following up after not receiving a response with, “Be careful! I’m curious!”

Branch-Wise told Denver7 about the difficulty in coming out with her story. “If you are down here and your boss is up here and he’s showering you with these inappropriate texts and saying and making you feel uncomfortable, who do you tell if he’s at the top? It’s crushing.”

She did feel support/inspiration from the #MeToo movement. “It made me feel really sad for the women. But I felt like they had something that I didn’t: They had courage. In spite of what people would say about them, or whether people would believe them or not, they had courage,” Branch-Wise said. “And I have daughters and if something like this were to happen to them, I would want them to have courage.”

Since the story broke, Hancock has apologized for the messages. “Detective Branch-Wise served with me probably eight or nine months. We became

ABOUT US

friends, and I blurred the lines between our friendship and being a boss, and these text messages are inappropriate. They’re too familiar, too casual. For that, I accept responsibility, and I apologize,” he said to Denver7.

In the same interview it’s reported that he did not see his behavior as sexual harassment but acknowledges their inappropriate state.

To his family and his public, Hancock hopes to be forgiven for his past actions. “I hope my wife and my children accept my apology. And this city, who I love very much, and the people that I wake up every day to serve and to give everything I have, know that this is not the man, that is not the character of the man who I am. I made a mistake. I’m human. I never purport to be perfect,” he said.

Hancock is not the only person to have sexually harassed Branch-Wise in her time as aide to the mayor. Allegations were made towards another one of the mayor’s aides Wayne McDonald

who was fired after she shared that information to Hancock.

McDonald later sued for wrongful termination and settled for $200,000 in 2016; Branch-Wise settled for $75,000 in 2013 where she agreed to not fire claims against anyone else in the city.

Currently, Branch-Wise is an employee of the Denver Police Department but has expressed fear of losing her job after this admission. In response, Hancock has reassured that there is no intent to do so.

Daniela Santos | News Editor

DU Clarion EDITORIAL STAFF

JOHN POE, Editor-in-Chief RYAN NINESLING, Executive Editor DANIELA SANTOS, News Editor NIKKY JOHNSON, Sports Editor ELIZABETH LOCHHEAD, Opinions Editor The Clarion is the official student newspaper of the University of Denver, serving as the “Voice of the Pioneers.”

Founded in 1899, it covers campus and local stories with the highest level of journalistic integrity possible. 1000 copies are distributed each Wednesday afternoon (throughout the academic year) across the DU campus, and every article is also published at duclarion.com. The Clarion does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff and/or administration of DU, and the opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion.

Reproduction of The Clarion in whole or part in any form written, broadcast or electronic without written permission of The Clarion is prohibited. The opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of The Clarion. Weather forecasts are of courtesy of the National Weather Service. The Clarion reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation.

The Clarion welcomes letters to the editor. Those who submit letters must limit them to 500 words. Some letters may not be published because of space limitations, overly-libelous content or similarity to past submissions. Please submit letters to duclarioneditor@gmail.com.

HOW TO JOIN

The Clarion is open to contributors of all years and majors at DU, including both undergraduate and graduate students. There’s no application necessary; all you have to do is show up to one of our weekly meetings, which are held every Monday at 6 p.m. (during the academic year) in the Driscoll Underground. Can’t make it to a meeting? Send an email to duclarioneditor@gmail.com and we’ll do everything we can to get you published.

ANNMARIE MARLOW, Arts & Life Editor KENDALL MORRIS, Arts & Life Editor CAITLAN GANNAM, Photo/Video Editor GRACE HOUSER, Photo/Video Editor MONICA MCFADDEN, Podcast Editor JUSTIN CYGAN, Copy Editor MAYA PINON, Copy Editor ANDREW MATRANGA, Faculty Adviser Cover photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight

CONTRIBUTING STAFF HANNAH BRANIT NINA PETROVIC

MAR. 07, 2018

DU CLARION

SPORTS | 3

No. 5 Denver defeats Miami University 6-3 N o. 5 ranked Denver defeated Miami University RedHawks 6-3 on March 2 at Magness Arena. Junior Troy Terry (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) had four assists, and the team had two power play goals in the first period.

“There are a lot of pieces of our game where we want it to be,” Denver Head Coach Jim Montgomery said following the game. “Being hard offensively is something we have to strive for if we hope to have success ultimately.”

Junior Dylan Gambrell (Bonney Lake, Wash.) opened scoring for the Pioneers in the second minute of the first period off an assist from Terry,

slipping a backhand shot past the RedHawks goalie. Gambrell had an assist at 14:14, shooting a shot that bounced off of junior Jarid Lukosevicius (Squamish, B.C.). At the end of the first period, the Pioneers finished with two goals, both of which came during power plays.

In the second period, the Pioneers scored early when senior Rudy Junda (Denver, Colo.) scored a minute in, off an assist from freshman Kohen Olishefsk (Abbotsford, B.C.) and freshman Ryan Barrow (Banff, Alta.). Although Miami scored once to bring the game to 3-1, a pass from junior Logan O’Connor (Calgary, Alberta) bounced off the skate of sophomore Henrik Borgstrom (Helskini, Finland) to bring

the score to 4-1. Although Miami would score twice, those were the last two goals of the game for Miami.

Senior Adam Plant (Penticton, B.C.) scored off an assist from Terry in the 17th minute, followed by an empty net goal from junior Colin Staub (Colorado Springs, Colo.), leaving the final score at 6-3, Denver.

Saturday night, Denver tied Miami 3-3, but Miami gained the extra point in overtime.

Seniors Plant, Tanner Jaillet (Red Deer, Alberta), Junda and Tariq Hammond (Calgary, Alberta) were honored before the game on March 3 in their senior night game. All four have contributed to the Pioneers throughout their years, and were a part of the national championship

team last year. Jaillet set a school record in all-time games played by a goalie on Feb. 23 after playing in his 125th game, as well as 77 career wins, five away from tying the school record. Plant has become a staple in the defensive end and was named the Bauer NCHC Defenseman of the Week in November. Junda has been named to the Academic All-Conference Team for the NCHC for the last four years. Hammond was a staple in the defensive end last year, appearing in all 44 games during the championship campaign.

Denver will host Colorado College for the first round of the NCHC playoffs beginning March 9, at Magness Arena.

Hannah Branit | Contributing Writer

Erika Sobelmann | Clarion

Erika Sobelmann | Clarion

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| SPORTS

MAR. 07, 2018

DU Men’s Lacrosse takes down Furman, 13-8

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U Men’s Lacrosse defeated Furman 13-8 March 3 in Paladin Stadium, improving to a 3-1 record on the season. Sophomore Ethan Walker (Peterborough, Ontario) contributed seven points off four goals and three assists.

Walker now has 21 points in Denver’s last three contests. Junior Colton Jackson (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) had four goals of his own in the match, and junior Austin French (Danville, Calif.) finished with four points and two assists.

Following his 22-for-22 performance, senior Trevor Baptiste (Denville, N.J.) went 23-of-24 in the game, finishing with 17 ground

balls. Baptiste now has 20+ faceoff wins in 19 of his 56 career games.

On the defensive end, junior Dylan Gaines (Baltimore, Md.) led the Pioneers with two forced turnovers and three ground balls.

Jackson led the Pioneers, opening the scoring off Walker’s first of three assists in the opening 30 minutes. Walker netted his 11th and 12th goals of the campaign to stretch the Crimson and Gold first quarter lead to 3-1. Furman rallied back, earning a 3-2 score to end the first quarter.

Denver outscored Furman 5-1 in the second quarter, led by French. Jackson opened the second quarter how he did the first with a

step down off a feed from Walker to make it 4-2. Junior Nate Marano (Tustin, Calif.) scored from the right alley for his third point of the year. French and senior midfielder Connor Donahue (Groton, Mass.) contributed the next three goals, Donahue’s third of the season to give Denver an 8-3 lead at the break.

Furman opened the second half strong, with a three goal run in the first 10 minutes, but the Pioneers responded with a three-goal run as well. Jackson and Walker each completed hat tricks in the final 1:42 of the third quarter, and senior Colton McCaffrey (Parker, Colo.) found the back of the net to

make it 11-6 on the first possession of the final quarter.

Denver and Furman both scored twice in the last 5:15 of the contest. Jackson and Walker grabbed their fourth goals of the game in the quarter, with Walker’s coming off a feed from French.

Denver will continue the threegame road string on March 5 as the Pioneers head to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina, then head to Notre Dame on March 10.

Nikky Johnson | Sports Editor

Caitlin Gannam | Clarion

Jamie Stanton to represent USA in Paralympics

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ormer Willy Schaeffer Scholarship winner Jamie Stanton (Rochester Hills, Mich.) was named to the 2018 U.S. Paralympic Team earlier this week. This will mark the second time in Stanton’s career that he will represent the USA in the Paralympic Games.

Stanton, whose right leg was amputated below the knee when he was six months old due to a growth deficiency of his fibula, first earned a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Alpine skiing development team his sophomore year at DU. He quickly turned some heads claiming a pair of gold medals in his first two competitions.

“As I head into PyeongChang I am incredibly excited to represent Team USA for a second time,” said Stanton. “I believe I am expecting

more of myself this time around, especially in the giant slalom and slalom events. Over the last year and a half I have won three World Cup Slalom races, including World Cup Finals in PyeongChang last year. I believe that I have the talent, mindset and ability to win a medal in South Korea if I bring my A game on race day.”

In 2017, Stanton earned one of 10 Pioneer Awards from DU. The Pioneer Award is open to DU students competing in their senior year as well as faculty or staff members who have been at the university for five years or more. This is one of DU’s most prestigious awards and is given annually to the individual who best exemplifies the Pioneer spirit in their efforts on campus and in the local commu-

nity. It is the highest honor given to undergraduate students.

“The Schaeffler Scholarship was essential in helping me reach my second Games,” said Stanton. “The Schaeffler Scholarship is specifically designed for a student/athlete to go to school in the fall and spring quarters and take off the winter quarter in order to travel, train and race with the U.S. Paralympic National Team. Having the opportunity to get an outstanding education, as well as race full time on the World Cup circuit, is something only the Schaeffler Scholarship can provide. Without the Schaeffler Scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to take my skiing to the next level and represent my country on one of the world’s largest stages. I will be forever grateful for what the Schaeffler Scholarship has

allowed me to accomplish.”

Stanton competed at the Sochi Games in 2014, where he took sixth in the Super-G, 13th in the Super Combined and 22nd in the Slalom.

Last year, Stanton competed in his first World Championships, where he earned fourth in the Slalom.

Stanton also placed 13th in the Giant Slalom and 20th in the Super-G. During the winter of 2016, Stanton was named the Adaptive Athlete of the Year by the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. In January of 2016, he was named Male Athlete of the Month by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Nikky Johnson | Sports Editor

MAR. 07, 2018

DU CLARION

OPINIONS | 5

Ben Carson’s symbolic dining room set

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Photo courtesy of Flickr

n a seemingly trivial but truly troubling turn of events, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson has placed and then tried to cancel an order for a $31,000 dining room set for his office.

One of the reasons this is troubling is that the purchase came out of the HUD budget, a budget which is lined up to be slashed in Trump’s 2019 fiscal year budget request. Another reason is that this isn’t the first time that HUD has not been taken seriously by an administration. Ever since Reagan wiped out HUD’s budget for new affordable housing construction in the early 1980s, the crucial department has not been

today. Current predictions from the National Low Income Housing Coalition reveal affordable housing shortages in every state.

Carson is not alone in causing HUD scandals either.

Reagan famously did not recognize his own HUD secretary at a White House event, a corruption scandal plagued the same department and George W. Bush’s HUD secretary stepped down amid corruption allegations. Spending tons of money on a hardwood hutch may not be as severe as past problems, but it represents the same failure to given the attention it deserves, actually serve the purpose of the and this has been to the detriment department. Affordable housing of affordable housing and urban shortages, homelessness and development across the country. long wait lists for public housing Like Trump’s proposed are major concerns in U.S. cities, cuts, Reagan’s decrease in HUD and the federal government has affordable housing construction a role in addressing these. came during overall budget cuts Access to affordable housing in 1983, but set a precedent is essential for cities to grow for future administrations to successfully and for their resconsistently place HUD low on idents to thrive. We have felt the list of priorities. The three the need for affordable housing presidents that followed Reagan in a major way in Denver, and all continued to decrease HUD’s HUD takes part in providing funding, and by 2000, it had assistance—one of the largest been cut almost 60 percent. This impacts is through the money marked a significant decline in HUD gives annually to Colorado the number of affordable hous- organizations focused on housing units constructed per year, ing for people who are homeless and that shortage continues or at risk of homelessness. For

PIONEER FUNNIES

those struggling with housing insecurity, for larger communities and for cities overall, HUD is an influential federal department. The role it plays in improving lives of people living in urban areas should not be discounted or overlooked, and its leader should certainly not be continuing the trend of allowing silly scandals to overshadow its real responsibilities.

The entertaining dining room set controversy will pass, but even after we stop hearing about the office makeover, the threat of a slashed HUD budget will still be real. The budget proposal aims to take about $8 billion from HUD this fiscal year and would also eliminate several key grant and community development programs.

These actions go in the exact opposite direction from what American cities and their residents need. HUD budget cuts and administrative scandals are eerily familiar by now, and they must end. Strong leadership, adequate funding and understanding of the potential of HUD are what will allow the Trump administration to better meet the pressing needs of people in cities across the nation.

Elizabeth Lochhead | Opinions Editor

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| ARTS

MAR. 07, 2018

& LIFE

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DU CLARION

ARTS & LIFE | 7

The Breeders release yet another breakthrough album “All Nerve”

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he Breeders’ newest album “All Nerve” is like Sleater Kinney with its teeth filed down. A little softer, a little colder, the alt-rock trio has placed a heavier and more emotional addition atop their previous punk albums.

The Breeders have been around the block. First formed in 1989 by Kim Deal of the Pixies, the band has a history of calling it off, making amends and releasing a “breakthrough” album. The result is a long line of albums that may feel like different sides of the same object.

But “All Nerve” goes into the deeper and darker, with riffs that heavily recall the early nineties and wispy vocal stylings in the vein of The Cranberries or Nirvana. Tracks like “Wait in the Car” could serve a workout playlist or a stroll, while songs like “Spacewomen” are more intimate and poignant.

The Breeders are more than a comparison to what was or what they’ve done. They’re using modern angst and holding it up to a low-burning flame. They’re angry, and they know what they’re angry about, and that’s what’s

genius about them.

“All Nerve” is heady and echoing. Most of the tracks are simple constructions easily felt.

They draw in serpentine, with circling bass lines and heavy hitting drums. The tracks work because they’re well-weighted with the tension between opposites: hot and cold, fast and slow, amorous and depressive.

“All Nerve” comes on like strange, placeless anxiety and leaves just as quickly. “Nervous Mary” is perhaps more emblematic than the title track. It hits hard and fast but leaves enough space to sustain the right amount of tension necessary to support itself. The lyricism shines through here, making up for the places it thins out later: “My tread in my lows/ Black lung in my hand/ West, by God/ Virginia in my head.”

The Breeders have tried to take on pop and indie tonalities in recent years, but “All Nerve” seems to be proof that they’re more comfortable at home, playing punk-rock in Kim and Kelley Deal’s metaphorical garage.

Tracks that brought the band into the popular scene are songs

Photo courtesy of The New York Times

like “Cannonball” and “Do You Love Me Now?” off of the album Last Splash. The Breeders, in many ways, are mothers of the femme-punk movement.

Their history has kept a place for them on the stage, despite the fact that “All Nerve” may not be

as on-the-mark as their younger albums. But it is close enough to warrant a 7.1 from Pitchfork, and it’s worth checking out if you like to keep up with today’s newest releases.

Kendall Morris | Arts & Life Editor

Tips and tricks for surviving finals week Winter quarter is finally rolling to a close, and many would argue that this one has been particularly long and challenging. Starting with a half week, everyone has been thrown for a loop as to when each consecutive week actually begins.

Is it week 10, or does week 10 start Wednesday? Either way, finals are on the horizon. While it is tempting to fantasize about your fun spring break plans to Moab, here are some tips on how to make the most of your time and your studies so break can be all the more enjoyable.

Spend an hour a day catching up on work Devoting even just a little bit of time each day to papers and studying is beneficial. Brush up on the confusing chapters, rewrite the awkward paragraphs. It will help to stay on top of the studying so when the due dates roll around, you won’t be as stressed. It will make the last minute cramming into an easier review session.

Go in to office hours Office hours are often underrated. If there is a topic that is unclear to you, go in and ask your professor face-to-face. It is better than email because you can ask follow-up questions and it also helps your professor to put a name to your face. Maybe when they grade your final paper, they will remember you came in to their office to get input and give your grade a little boost.

Take snacks and drinks to the library It is really easy to find excuses to stop being productive, so don’t let yourself have any. If you know you have a whole day’s worth of work to do, pack some snacks to bring to the library. The food at the

cafe is good, but can be expensive if you lack a meal plan. My favorite is a bag of crackers or a protein bar, or a to-go cup of coffee to help keep caffeinated.

Find a study spot off-campus With the stressful atmosphere of finals, it is easy to get bogged down and feel a little suffocated. Maybe invest in an afternoon or evening off-campus at a coffee shop as an alternative to a dorm room or the library. Coffee shops like Stella’s and the Bardo Coffee House offer late night hours, which is perfect for the studying Pio. Make time to study during the day It is definitely most appealing to take a break after class to relax and then get to studying after dinner. This can work out for some people, but it is also an easy way to get behind on sleep quickly. A few nights up past midnight or 1 a.m. with early wakeups can be exhausting, and have a negative impact on your academic performance. As cheesy as it sounds, sleep is incredibly important for success, as it helps you to stay alert and productive.

Head to the gym to relieve stress instead of sitting at your desk If you’re panicking about your paper’s thesis, take a step back. Put on some running shoes and head to the gym. It is an excellent way to burn off some steam and clear the mind. If you’re looking to take a break and be productive, this could be a great option.

Only allow a certain amount of time to Netflix It’s no secret that Americans watch TV as a way to unwind, but be careful not to get too carried away.

Photo courtesy of DU Commons

With Netflix’s feature of automatically playing the next episode, it is sometimes hard not to let one episode of The Office turn into three.

Form a small study group Some people stray from group studying, seeing it as distracting and social and unproductive. But this does not have to be the case. A small group, just three or four people even, can be helpful for bouncing ideas around and filling in each other’s knowledge gaps.

Procrastinate responsibly Sometimes it feels entirely impossible to actually sit down and write an effective few pages of your final paper. Rather than forcing yourself to get words on the paper that just aren’t coming, work on

something else. Working on other small assignments or refreshing yourself on another class’s reading can be a viable way to spend your time if you have a big assignment hanging over your head. Plus, when you finish your other busy work, there is nothing in the way of your finishing that paper.

If this quarter has been a rough one so far —grades or otherwise— there is still a solid week to salvage any damage. Don’t stop now Pios, push through the next few weeks and have a rocking spring break.

Madison Heller | Staff Writer

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| ARTS

& LIFE

MAR. 07, 2018

Pop icon Taylor Swift’s political “reputation”

“Is it cool that I said all that?” coos Taylor Swift in “Delicate,” the fifth track off her latest album “reputation.” It’s ironic she asks this question, as Swift has stated her mind on former flames and new relationships throughout her career. Swift’s songbook is a compilation of love, friendship and forming her own identity as a musician and woman. What she does not state, however, is her political stance.

Social consciousness and activism has been a trend for music in 2018. Justin Timberlake’s recent music video “Supplies” features footage of the “#MeToo” movement and Harvey Weinstein. Contenders for “Album of the Year” at the 2018 Grammys were African-American men and a woman. Katy Perry has promoted her single “Chained to the Rhythm” as a song about “political liberation” after President Trump was elected.

If social awareness is the new message in pop music, where is Taylor Swift’s contribution?

Swift has never been one to voice her political opinions. In a time of increased social and political awareness, Swift has been criticized for her silence on emerging issues. Releasing an album without any lyrics concerning political or social change has garnered criticism

from the public that analyzes a musician’s political background and social awareness.

However, Swift’s fast rise to fame was through personal,

writing that fans found endearing. Swift’s listeners imagined themselves as the one finding new love or moving on from past ones in her songs, believing that

Photo courtesy of Anthony Harvey

not political identity. She was “Fifteen” and finding her way through high school. At “22,” she was “happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time.”

It was her honest storytelling about herself through her song-

Swift personally understood an individual’s path to find who they are. In “reputation,” she utilizes her knack of personal songwriting to pull this off again.

She daydreams of someone

she can not have in “Gorgeous.”

She leaves a relationship for someone else in “Getaway Car.” She finally finds herself and true love in “Call it What You Want.” Swift’s talent of storytelling in her songwriting put not only herself but her listeners through various stages of romance and growing up. One listener may have also related to falling in love with someone they will never be with. Another may relate to finding true love.

Through this form of music, Swift continues to establish her brand as an artist that relates to everyday life and the triumphs and turmoils that come along.

Perhaps one day Swift will state her political views. Perhaps she will continue to stay silent.

However, it seems that Swift will continue to build upon her persona as “the relatable artist” and “everyday musician.” Given the ever-changing political climate, perhaps “reputation” was released as an escape from the political world and an entrance into introspecting one’s own self and relationships.

Taylor Swift will begin touring in May of this year and will be in Denver on May 25, 2018.

Nina Petrovic | Contributing Writer

“The Shape of Water” leads a progressive but unsurprising Oscars

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ith one of the most exciting lineups of nominated films in years, it’s perhaps slightly disappointing that the 2018 Academy Awards was an extremely predictable affair.

While there were a few surprises, the biggest night in movies went largely as expected.

The acting awards were particularly unsurprising, as all the frontrunners going into the show had an Oscar in hand by the time the night was over. Long time industry favorites Sam Rockwell (“Moon”) and Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) took home their first career Oscars for their supporting roles in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and “I, Tonya”, respectively, beating out strong performances from the likes of Willem Dafoe (“The Florida Project”) and Laurie Metcalf (“Lady Bird”). In the leading performance awards, Frances McDormand (“Fargo”) and Gary Oldman (“Dracula”) snagged wins to no one’s surprise. Both of these victories attracted considerable online buzz as McDormand gave a fiery speech championing inclusivity in the industry, while Oldman’s win was shrouded in controversy over not only whether or not he was actually deserving of the award, but also over the resurfacing of domestic violence allegations against him. His win marks the second year in a row an alleged abuser has taken home the Best Actor award, as

Casey Affleck, in light of sexual harassment claims against him, faced heavy scrutiny after his win at the previous awards.

One welcome surprise came with a Best Original Screenplay win for Jordan Peele (“Key & Peele”) for his smash horror hit “Get Out”. With his win, Peele became the first black screenwriter in history to receive the award. While not exactly surprising, another notable win came for much adored cinematographer Roger Deakins (“Skyfall”), who finally nabbed an Oscar for “Blade Runner 2049” after 14 nominations and no wins.

The big wins of the night came for Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”), whose illustrious career of bringing the strange to life paid off with “The Shape of Water,” which earned him a long overdue Oscar for Best Director as well the highly coveted award for Best Picture. The film seemed destined for the award after it earned a near record 13 nominations (also winning for Production Design and Original Score), despite the highly competitive nature of the category this year.

While many were rooting for the originality and impact of “Lady Bird” and “Get Out” or the technical prowess of “Dunkirk,” “The Shape of Water” ultimately won out in light of del Toro’s masterful command of emotion, social awareness and insatiable imagination coming together to create the sort of audience pleasing, uplifting fantasy the Academy

Photo courtesy of AP

adores. While it may feel like a safe choice in some respects, it’s vital to note the importance of a Mexican director working with a diverse cast (the film is the first female-led film to win Best Picture in 13 years) to create a hopeful plea to battle cynicism and allow oneself to love and create

without shame. The Oscars and film in general are an invitation for this unabashed creativity, and “The Shape of Water” represents that holistically. As del Toro himself said in his acceptance speech, “This is a door; kick it open and come in.”

Ryan Ninesling | Executive Editor