Yeoh makes history as ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ sweeps Oscars
Los Angeles, US, Mar 12 (EFE).- Michelle Yeoh on Sunday became the first Asian in Oscars history to win the best actress gong as “Everything Everywhere All At Once” swept the 95th Annual Academy Awards, taking home seven awards, including best film.
The plot of the film centers on a mother (Yeoh) who must connect to parallel universe versions of herself to save the multiverse.
“I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes and without them, none of us would be here tonight,” Yeoh said in her best actress acceptance speech. “She’s 84 and I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys, I’m bringing this home to you.”
“This is proof that … dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime,” the 60-year-old added.
Duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert took home the best director award for the film and also dedicated it to mothers everywhere.
“This one is dedicated to the mommies of the world, to our moms, specifically my mom and dad … thank you for not squashing my creativity when I was making really disturbing horror films or really perverted comedy films or dressing in drag as a kid, which is a threat to nobody,” Scheinert said
Brendan Fraser solidified his comeback, winning best lead actor for his role in “The Whale.”
“So this is what the multiverse looks like!” an elated Fraser said as he took the stage, in another nod to the film of the night.
In addition, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” won four other categories: best original screenplay, best editing, best supporting actor for Ke Huy Quan, and best supporting actress for Jamie Lee Curtis, gaining her first Oscar.
The German film “All Quiet on the Western Front” (Netflix), directed by Edward Berger, was the other big winner, taking home four Oscars – best international film, best cinematography, best production design, best original score.
The two big disappointments of the night were “The Fabelmans” and “The Banshees of Inisherin,” which had seven and nine nominations respectively, both leaving empty-handed.
In an edition in which nominations combined successful independent films and those made for streaming platforms, there was not much room for the Hollywood blockbusters “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” which were competing for various technical awards and best film.
Both productions were received with gratitude by the industry for contributing to post-pandemic box office relief, but they only won in the categories of best visual effects, in the case of the James Cameron “Avatar” sequel, and best sound for “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Among other technical sections, the Academy recognized the work on the makeup and hair in “The Whale,” and the costume design of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which established Ruth. E. Carter as the first African-American to win two Oscars.
Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro won the Oscar for best animated feature for “Pinocchio” (Netflix) in the first award of the night.
“Animation is cinema, animation is not a genre… And animation is ready to be taken to the next step. We are all ready for it. Please help us keep animation in the conversation,” said the filmmaker after picking up his third golden statuette after winning best picture and best directing for “The Shape of Water ” (2017).
Political references came with “Navalny” (CNN), a look at Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny after an attempt on his life, which won best documentary feature.
“My husband is in prison just for defending democracy,” Yulia Navalnaya said in a speech. “Alexei, I’m dreaming of the day when you will be free and our country will be free. Stay strong, my love.” EFE
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