The Oscars’ “Favorite” Cheer-Worthy Moments — and What Should Have Really Won

In yet another half-hearted effort to be hip and relevant, this year’s Academy Awards declared the winner to a fan-nominated category: Top “Cheer-Worthy” Moments. The results, which ranged from the Flash’s speed-force scene to “I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” in Dreamgirls, were alarmingly underwhelming. With top selections from Marvel and DC movies, it appeared that fanboys drove the results (with limited understanding of what truly makes a cinematic moment).

As a film connoisseur and highly emotional movie buff, I have studied these moments for years. Cinematic moments are more than feel-good scenes: they must completely encapsulate and transcend the theme of a movie. So while the Academy continues trotting out weak ratings grabs while awarding” No Time to Die” over freakin’ Encanto songs, here are my picks for the ACTUAL top cheer-worthy moments.

The Ship’s Bow, “Titanic”

Jack’s “king of the world” proclamation is an unavoidable source of parody. But let’s face it: it’s an epic scene that captures the joyous opportunity facing Jack and Fabrizio — and so many people who boarded the Titanic. While fate had something else in mind, we can’t help but root for these working-class heroes. The uplifting score, breathtaking view, and adorable dolphins…