I thought this was the best Oscars ever...serious flub notwithstanding. And I think the awards were based on merit but that it was in deeply  thoughtful way that was driven by what's happening in the U.S. right now. It mattered that they got it right this time and they did. 
I interpreted Viola Davis' comment differently and it's about context.  She said, "the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life" after she asked,  "what kind of stories do you want to tell, Viola?' And I say, exhume those bodies. Exhume those stories. The stories of the people who dreamed big and never saw those dreams to fruition. People who fell in love and lost.”
She talking about acting being the only profession that has the  honour of  bringing other lives to life.