At The Los Angeles Times, Kenneth Turan describes it:
The poised but emotional Lupita Nyong’o [of Twelve Years a Slave], the supporting actress winner with her first major role, was clearly transported by her victory but not so much that she didn’t acknowledge the irony that “so much joy comes from so much pain,” the pain of telling such an agonizing story. “The dead are standing and watching,” she said, and at that moment it seemed true.