Everything Everywhere All at Once directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert dominated the Oscars, and at the 95th Academy Awards seven awards went to Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, including Best Actress. The night highlighted a blend of triumphs across categories, with Brendan Fraser taking Best Actor for The Whale as a notable comeback moment in the industry. This ceremony underscored how diverse storytelling can captivate a global audience, especially in North America.
Kwan and Scheinert paid tribute to mothers around the world when accepting Best Director, framing the film as a celebration of parental courage and the ability to journey through parallel universes in search of meaning. This memorable moment echoed the film’s core premise and reinforced the film as a beacon of imaginative cinema. The directors spoke of family strength and resilience as central themes that resonated with voters and viewers alike. [citation: Academy Awards proceedings]
Yeoh, the first Asian performer to receive the honor in that category, acknowledged the milestone with a response that mixed gratitude and encouragement for aspiring artists. She credited her mother as a true protector and hero, reiterating the message that perseverance can turn dreams into reality. The evening also highlighted Fraser’s exuberant arrival on stage, accompanied by lighthearted jokes and a nod to the multiverse concept that tied the night together. [citation: Awards coverage]
All the winners of Oscar 2023
One of the surprises is Quiet Front
German production Total Silence Front, delivered by Edward Berger, earned multiple wins including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. The film also represented a strong entry from Latin America with Argentina, 1985 securing Best International Feature. The ceremony favored a slate that balanced indie voices with streaming premieres over traditional blockbuster domination. Even so, major technical nods went to Avatar: The Way of Water and Top Gun: Maverick in various categories.
Documentary Navalny, the political key to repression
The Ukrainian conflict influenced the awards with a compelling documentary on the Russian opposition that secured the Best Documentary Feature. Yulia Navalnaya, wife of the imprisoned opposition leader, used the spotlight to send a message of hope and resilience. Her words emphasized the dream of a free future for her country, a sentiment that resonated with global audiences. [citation: Documentary category notes]
Naatu Naatu shines, a song that crossed borders
Naatu Naatu, the signature theme from the film RRR, marked a historic win as the first Indian composition to claim Best Original Song. Composer M. M. Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose accepted the award amid performances that celebrated the song’s infectious energy. The track drew on familiar motifs while underscoring a new era of global musical collaboration. A range of performances throughout the gala showcased the song in varied styling, from intimate to extravagant, with Lady Gaga adding her own showmanship to the night. [citation: Awards summaries]
Keeravaani referenced a well-known tune to convey the sense of achievement. The moment underscored a broader musical narrative that featured multiple nominated songs performed at different points during the ceremony, highlighting the teamwork of artists across genres and borders.