Everything Everywhere All at Once dominates the Oscar night
The Vietnamese translator Ke Huy Quan and American actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared the spotlight at the 95th Academy Awards, taking home top honors for supporting actor and supporting actress, respectively. Their wins highlighted a night of emotional triumph and surprise as performers from different generations reflected on their journeys to the Dolby Theatre stage.
Quan, overcome with tears, looked toward the audience and said, without a script, that his mother was watching at home and that this Oscar moment felt like a dream he never imagined. He received the statuette from last year’s winner, Troy Kotsur, and his words captured a sense of wonder that resonated with viewers around the world. The moment signified not only personal achievement but a reminder of the persistence required to pursue dreams in the film industry.
In competition for the best supporting actor category were Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan for The Banshees of Inisherin against Brian Tyree Henry for Causeway and Judd Hirsch for The Fabelmans. Quan’s victory added another layer to a night that celebrated a blend of veteran talent and rising stars, underscoring a diverse range of performances that captivated audiences throughout the year.
Quan’s early career featured memorable roles in classic adventures such as The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, projects associated with Steven Spielberg. His return to recognition as a performer who seamlessly bridges eras of cinema became a focal point of the ceremony, highlighting the enduring appeal of his acting talents.
Watching Quan celebrate from the audience, the filmmakers behind The Fabelmans, including the director team led by Steven Spielberg, responded with evident happiness. The moment underscored the interconnected nature of filmmaking where mentors and former collaborators often celebrate each other’s milestones across different projects.
Quan’s trajectory also tells a story of perseverance. After a bustling early period in the industry, he faced a decade away from the spotlight, stepping away from the screen from 2002 until his resurgence in recent years. His return demonstrated how resilience and talent can culminate in a landmark achievement that resonates with aspiring actors who navigate similar ups and downs in their careers.
During her remarks on stage, Curtis acknowledged a broad circle of collaborators and specifically thanked the directing duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the minds behind Everything Everywhere All at Once, for their creative partnership. Her gratitude reflected a communal sense of achievement that often accompanies Oscar celebrations, where teamwork matters as much as individual brilliance.
From the Dolby Theatre, the ceremony carried a vibrant energy that underscored a year of standout performances and transformative storytelling. Curtis proclaimed that the win belonged to a wider community and emphasized that the award symbolized a collective victory rather than a singular triumph. The moment was punctuated with cheers and a shared sense of exhilaration among the audience and viewers at home.
All the winners of Oscar 2023
The night honored performances across categories, including Angela Bassett for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Hong Chau for The Whale, Kerry Condon for The Banshees of Inisherin, and Stephanie Hsu for Everything Everywhere All at Once. These finalists showcased a broad spectrum of talent that complemented the evening’s overarching theme of cinematic excellence. The ceremony celebrated both seasoned veterans and fresh voices making significant impressions on contemporary cinema.
Quan’s nomination and Curtis’s breakthrough in winning marked a milestone in a season that also recognized the enduring popularity of genre storytelling, including horror that has enjoyed renewed critical and audience interest. The awards season had, in many ways, become a thermometer of the industry’s evolving tastes and the ongoing celebration of performers who push boundaries in their craft. The recognition for Curtis, in particular, echoed a broader appreciation for versatile performers who can carry complex, multi-layered roles with charisma and depth.
As the curtain fell on the night, the Academy Awards continued to reflect the dynamic landscape of modern cinema, where storytelling, character work, and dedicated collaboration are celebrated with equal fervor. The shared victories among the night’s winners underscored the collaborative spirit that drives movie-making forward and keeps audiences eager for the next chapter in the art form. [Attribution: Academy Awards coverage, 2023]