This year's Oscars was a platform for some political speeches. Patricia Arquette used her Oscars acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress to speak up for equal rights and pay for women:

"To every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights. It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America."

Earlier best actress nominee Reese Witherspoon had spoken on the red carpet about her #AskHerMore campaign, which encourages reporters to ask women about their creative work and not what dress they are wearing.

The star said: "There are so many amazing, talented nominees this year! Let's hear their stories! Spread the word."

Questions she said she would like to hear included: "What's the biggest risk you've taken that you feel has paid off?" and "What accomplishment are you most proud of?"