How Many Oscars Did La La Land Win
La La Land won six Academy Awards at the 89th Oscars, leading all films in nominations (14) and wins. It is frequently described as a historic night because it was incorrectly announced as the Best Picture winner before the correction was made. This profile breaks down the exact wins, losses, and context behind its performance.
Major Wins and Key Losses
While La La Land dominated early predictions and press, its night ended with a mix of triumph and controversy. Below are the verified Oscar categories in which it prevailed, compared with the film(s) that won the awards it was strongly tipped to take but missed.
| Category | La La Land Result | Notable Losses (Winning Film) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Director | Won (Damien Chazelle) | Moonlight — did not apply (won later in a historic correction) |
| Best Actress | Won (Emma Stone) | Jackie — Natalie Portman |
| Best Cinematography | Won (Linus Sandgren) | Arrival — Ed Lachman |
| Best Original Score | Won (Justin Hurwitz) | Lion — Dustin O’Halloran |
| Best Original Song | Won (City of Stars — Hurwitz/Mandel) | Nocturnal Animals — Rihanna |
| Best Production Design | Won (David Wasco and set decorators) | Rogue One — Grant Major |
| Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Did not win | Moonlight — Mahershala Ali |
| Best Picture | Did not win (Moonlight corrected) | Moonlight — historic correction |
Historic Best Picture Announcement and Its Impact
During the 89th Academy Awards, La La Land was prematurely declared Best Picture due to a miscommunication. Presenters Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty announced the film as the winner based on the correctly filled envelope for Best Actress, but the actual Best Picture winner was Moonlight. This rare error made headlines worldwide and remains a defining narrative of the ceremony. The corrected result stood, and both films shared the spotlight in subsequent coverage.
Narrative and Technical Achievements
La La Land earned acclaim for its direction, performances, and craftsmanship. Damien Chazelle’s direction was recognized with the Oscar for Best Director, highlighting his work in balancing old-fashioned musical storytelling with modern filmmaking. Emma Stone’s performance was consistently cited as career-best by critics, earning her the Best Actress Oscar. The film’s technical merits were also rewarded, with Linus Sandgren’s cinematography and Justin Hurwitz’s score and songs cited as essential to its immersive style.
Comparison With Other Major Films at the 89th Oscars
Despite its six wins, La La Land operated in a competitive field. Moonlight ultimately secured the top prize after the correction, while other nominees like Arrival, Jackie, and Rogue One each captured awards in technical and craft categories. The table below summarizes how La La Land’s wins align with its competitive landscape.
| Film | Oscars Won | Primary Context |
|---|---|---|
| La La Land | 6 | Director, Actress, Cinematography, Score, Song, Production Design |
| Moonlight | 3 | Picture (corrected), Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay |
| Arrival | 1 | Sound Editing |
| Jackie | 1 | Costume Design |
| Rogue One | 2 | Visual Effects, Sound Mixing |
Legacy and Continuing Influence
The 2017 Oscars correction cast a long shadow over the ceremony, yet La La Land remains a landmark film in modern musical cinema. Its commercial performance, streaming longevity, and cultural footprint have sustained interest well beyond awards season. Discussions about the night often emphasize how the error affected the perception of the win count and the narrative of competition, but the film’s artistic achievements remain intact and continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Key Takeaways on La La Land Oscar Wins
- Six competitive Oscars: Director, Actress, Cinematography, Original Score, Original Song, Production Design.
- 14 total nominations, leading all films at the 89th Academy Awards.
- Best Picture was initially and incorrectly announced as La La Land; the official winner was Moonlight.
- High-profile wins for Damien Chazelle and Emma Stone remain career milestones.
- Technical wins (cinematography, score, sound songs) reinforced its reputation as a meticulously crafted musical.