Everything Everywhere All at Once Takes Home Best Picture at the 95th Academy Awards.

The 95th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday marked the end of an improbable awards season run for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The film, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, revolves around a Chinese-American laundromat owner who grapples with an IRS audit and inter-dimensional attackers. It earned seven statues, including original screenplay and directing honors. A24, the indie studio that pushed the zany film to an impressive $100 million at the box office, managed the rare feat of nabbing all four acting honors, three of which were won by “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and one by “The Whale.”

Michelle Yeoh Makes History as the First Asian Woman to Win Best Actress

Michelle Yeoh, who played one of the characters in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” became the first Asian woman to be recognized as best actress at the Oscars. The honor came after a long career in martial arts and action movies like “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and “Yes, Madam.” Yeoh’s heartfelt speech dedicated her award to all the little boys and girls who look like her, saying that the honor is a beacon of hope and possibility for them.

Brendan Fraser’s Comeback in “The Whale”

Brendan Fraser also made a remarkable comeback in the industry, taking home the best actor award for his role in “The Whale.” The former child star, known for his work in popcorn flicks such as “George of the Jungle” and “The Mummy,” had spent the last decade and change away from the spotlight dealing with health and personal struggles. His win continues his remarkable resurgence.

Ke Huy Quan’s Emotional Acceptance Speech for Best Supporting Actor

Everything Everywhere All at Once” also earned Ke Huy Quan the best supporting actor award for his performance as Yeoh’s frazzled husband. Quan, a former child star who appeared in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies,” had given up on acting recently, frustrated by the lack of opportunities. Accepting his award, he fought back the tears while sharing his personal history, saying that his journey started on a boat and he spent a year in a refugee camp. He ended his speech by encouraging everyone to keep their dreams alive.

Jamie Lee Curtis’ Emotional Win for Best Supporting Actress

The film also garnered Jamie Lee Curtis, a veteran headliner of horror hits such as “Halloween,” the best supporting actress award for her turn as an IRS inspector in the movie. Curtis dedicated her statue to all of the people who have supported the genre movies she has made for all these years and acknowledged her family history in entertainment.

The Oscars Signal a Shift in the Industry’s Recognition of Diversity and Inclusivity

With its multiverse storyline and off-beat touches, such as a character with hot dog hands and weaponized dildos, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” represents a radical departure from the traditional prestige fare that historically dominated the Oscars. Nonetheless, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has undergone significant changes in recent years to diversify the pool of voters and include more people of color and women. As a result, the awards signaled a significant shift in the Oscars’ history, marking the industry’s recognition of diversity and inclusivity in storytelling.

Tension in Hollywood and the Changing Entertainment Landscape

The ceremony occurred amid a tense time in Hollywood, with major studios and their corporate parents struggling to compete with subscription streaming services. As consumers have shifted away from cable and towards subscription streaming services, studios have launched their own in-house Netflix challengers. The entertainment industry has also consolidated, with Discovery merging with WarnerMedia, Disney buying much of 21st Century Fox, and Amazon acquiring MGM, leaving the purchaser with a lot of debt on their balance sheet. Investors have become increasingly concerned that major media companies are over-leveraged and that the new ways they are making money with streaming have failed to replace the old ways they once profited from, such as cable subscriptions and movie ticket sales.

The Oscars’ Celebratory Air Amidst Dark Clouds

With a recession looming and studios facing labor negotiations with unions representing writers, directors, and actors, dark clouds could have overshadowed the Oscars’ celebratory air. Nonetheless, the awards were a triumph for the independent studio A24 and the unconventional movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Jimmy Kimmel Keeps the Mood Light and Breezy

Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the Oscars for the third time, kept the mood light and breezy throughout the event. The program saw other notable winners, such as “Navalny,” which won best documentary, and “Women Talking,” which earned the best-adapted screenplay award for Sarah Polley.

Cosmetic Changes at the Oscars

The Oscars also made some cosmetic changes, such as using a champagne-colored carpet instead of the usual red one. However, the choice led to some last-minute scrambling after a rainy weekend, leaving organizers cutting up carpet sections ruined by the bad weather and dirty shoe soles. Nonetheless, some near disasters were averted, such as power outages at the shopping center and entertainment complex that hosted the Academy Awards.

The Oscars’ Ratings Nosedive

Overall, the 95th Academy Awards signaled a significant shift in the Oscars’ history, marking the industry’s recognition of diversity and inclusivity in storytelling. Nonetheless, the awards ceremony has been on a rating nosedive, with last year’s telecast drawing 16.6 million viewers, the second-lowest ratings in history. In contrast, in 2014, the Oscars drew 43 million viewers, a sign of the telecast’s decline in popularity. It remains unclear how much including smaller films and popular favorites like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” in this year’s crop of best picture nominees will help boost the show’s ratings.

A Dazzling Array of Oscar Winners

This year’s Oscar winners list is out, bursting with perplexity and excitement! With an incredible lineup of cinematic gems sure to astound and captivate audiences, this year’s awards ceremony was a sight to behold.

Best Picture – A Diverse and Eclectic Mix

The Best Picture category was a highlight of the evening, featuring a vibrant and diverse mix of films that spanned a broad spectrum of genres and themes. From the mind-bending sci-fi epic “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to the gritty war drama “All Quiet on the Western Front,” this category had something for everyone. And who could forget the much-anticipated “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which promised to take us on a spellbinding journey through a fantastical underwater world?

Best Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor – A Showcase of Talent

The Best Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor categories showcased some of the industry’s most talented and charismatic performers. From Michelle Yeoh’s stunning performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to Cate Blanchett’s enthralling turn in “Tár,” the competition was intense. Other standout performances included Brendan Fraser’s powerful portrayal in “The Whale” and Paul Mescal’s nuanced performance in “Aftersun.”

Heading 3: Best Director – A Roster of Visionary Filmmakers

The Best Director category was equally impressive, featuring a roster of visionary filmmakers who had brought their unique visions to life on the big screen. From the dynamic duo of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who co-directed “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” to the legendary Steven Spielberg, who helmed “The Fabelmans,” these directors had raised the bar for cinematic excellence.

Other Categories – A Celebration of Creativity

The other categories, including Best Film Editing, Best Original Song, Best Sound, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Animated Short Film, Best Documentary Short Film, Best International Feature Film, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Cinematography, Best Live Action Short, Best Documentary Feature Film, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Animated Feature Film, were a celebration of creativity and talent. Each category was packed with outstanding nominees, making the competition incredibly tough.

Conclusion – A Night of Glitz and Glamour

With such a wealth of talent and creativity on display, it’s no wonder that the Oscars are one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. From the dazzling red carpet looks to the emotional acceptance speeches, the night truly celebrated the magic of cinema.