In the landscape of the 2023 Academy Awards, the night showcased a sweeping collection of triumphs rather than a universal sweep of glory. The ceremony highlighted a mixture of beloved veterans and bold new voices, with Everything Everywhere All at Once emerging as a standout winner across major categories. The film took home the coveted Best Picture prize and featured a string of accolades that underscored its imaginative scope and emotional resonance. The night also celebrated a memorable musical score by Volker Bertelmann, whose work helped frame the film’s audacious blend of genres and emotions. This edition of the Oscars recognized excellence in both the technical crafts and the storytelling that resonates with audiences in Canada, the United States, and beyond. (Source: Academy Awards Archive)
The event also honored significant achievements in a variety of crafts, including Best Cinematography awarded to James Friend for his evocative framing, and Best Production Design awarded to Christian M. Goldbeck and Ernestine Hipper for their immersive environments. The International Feature Film prize went to All Quiet on the Western Front, reflecting a global perspective that underscores the ceremony’s increasing emphasis on diverse cinematic voices. (Source: Academy Awards Archive)
All the winners of Oscar 2023
In this year’s celebrations, the song Naatu Naatu from the musical blockbuster RRR earned the Oscar for Best Original Song, marking a historic moment as the first Indian composition to achieve that honor. The music was composed by MM Keeravaani, with lyrics by Chandrabose, and the performance of the track during the ceremony showcased the film’s exuberant energy and international appeal. The moment symbolized a broader acceptance of cross-cultural influences within mainstream cinema. (Source: Academy Awards Archive)
Keeravani drew on a familiar melody from a well-known Western tune to convey a sense of shared triumph, conveying the sentiment that a well-earned moment can arrive for audiences everywhere. The evening featured a range of musical performances, from intimate solo pieces to grand musical numbers, each contributing to a sense of spectacle and celebration. From Lady Gaga performing a touching rendition to the stage choreography that accompanied the concert-style presentation, the night offered a spectrum of vocal performances that resonated with viewers across North America. (Source: Academy Awards Archive)
Rihanna’s anticipated appearance added star power as she performed Lift Me Up, the central theme from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, approaching the stage with a poised, radiant presence that drew applause. The singer, who had recently appeared at a major sports event, brought a personal warmth to the ceremony as she shared the spotlight with the evening’s performers. (Source: Academy Awards Archive)
Another highlight occurred when the ensemble performed This Is a Life, a collaboration by David Byrne and Mitski from the film Everything Everywhere All at Once, accompanied by a striking visual moment that reflected the film’s exuberant energy. The performance carried an emotional weight that connected with the audience, underscoring the film’s influence on contemporary cinema. Sofia Carson joined Diane Warren onstage to deliver Applause, a track written for the movie Ella habla, adding to the evening’s sense of cross-genre celebration. (Source: Academy Awards Archive)