The Oscars couldn’t stray far from politically tense themes; in fact, the ceremony strained to fit in almost all of them.

The first overt reference to actual policy came early. “Dreams are the foundation of Hollywood and dreams are the foundation of America,” said actress Lupita Nyong’o, announcing best production design (which went to The Shape of Water) alongside actor Kumail Nanjiani. “For all the Dreamers out there,” they said. “We stand by you.”