The 88th annual Academy Awards aired live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California last Sunday night, Feb. 28.

Also widely known as the Oscars, this televised red carpet affair marks the one night a year when the hottest stars, the greatest directors, the best producers, writers, editors, costume designers, music composers and cinematographers gather amid glitz and glamour to recognize and celebrate outstanding film achievements over the past year.

To the delight of many and disappointment of some, comedian and actor Chris Rock — best known for his sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” and the movie “Grown Ups” — hosted the award show this year.

And just as everyone expected it would, Rock’s opening monologue addressed and poked fun at the controversy surrounding racism in Hollywood and the lack of diversity at the Oscars.

“Jada [Smith] got mad. She’s not coming,” he said as the set-up of one of many similar jokes. “I’m like, isn’t she on a TV show? Jada’s going to boycott the Oscars. Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited!”

Several other celebrities took center stage throughout the night to present awards, making their own corny jokes here and there in the process.

The star-studded presenters included Pharrell Williams, Quincy Jones, Byung-hun Lee, Sofia Vergara, Louis C.K., Reece Witherspoon and even Woody and Buzz Lightyear, who appeared to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Toy Story.”

Sam Smith, The Weekend and Lady Gaga also performed their Oscar-nominated songs, “Writing’s on the Wall,” “Earned It” and “Til It Happens to You” respectively. As for the actual Oscar winners, “Mad Max: Fury Road” swept all the lesser awards this year — such as Hairstyling, Costume Design and Sound Editing — but the gold went to more emotional, dramatic films.

Leonardo DiCaprio accepts his first Oscar after a total of six nominations. (Contributed)

Leonardo DiCaprio accepts his first Oscar after a total of six nominations. (Contributed)

Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar for Actor in a Leading Role for “The Revenant” after being nominated five other times in past years.

The award for Actress in a Leading Role went to Brie Larson for “Room.” Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role went to Mark Rylance for “Bridge of Spies” and Alicia Vikander for “The Danish Girl.”

And last but definitely not least, the Oscar for Best Picture went to “Spotlight,” a movie following a team of journalists who launch an investigation against priest John Geoghan, who is accused of molesting over 80 boys.

“Spotlight” beat out other nominees “The Big Short,” “Bridge of Spies,” “Brooklyn,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “The Martian,” “The Revenant” and “Room.”

For a full list of 2016 Oscar winners, visit oscar.go.com/winners.