“Everything Everywhere All at Once” was the clear winner at this year's Oscars, which were dominated by emotional immigration stories.
The film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won seven Oscars
The first seconds of the 95th Academy Awards started in a typically American way: two F-18 jets flew with a loud bang over the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles – probably as a reference to the blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” with Tom Cruise. Host Jimmy Kimmel parachuted onto the stage and delivered family-friendly jokes to kick off a very mediocre show that is reported to have cost $56.8 million in total. First, the elders of the film industry were welcomed: At 91, John Williams is a well-known guest. He has been nominated for the 53rd time. Star director Steven Spielberg has been receiving Oscar nominations for 45 years now. Both ended up empty-handed.
Winner of the evening: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
With eleven nominations and seven Oscars, the directing duo consisting of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert prove that original films like “Everything Everywhere All at Once” strike a chord with the Academy.
Scene from “Everything Everywehre All At Once” with Jamie Lee Curtis and Michelle Yeoh – both winners of an Oscar
Michelle Yeoh had her international breakthrough 23 years ago with “Tiger & Dragon”. Now she has prevailed against greats like Cate Blanchett and was able to accept the well-deserved Oscar as best actress for the leading role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”.
Awards for German production “Nothing new in the West”
Director Edward Berger received the golden statue for the best international film. British cinematographer James Friend won the Oscar for the German anti-war film. Christian M. Goldbeck and Ernestine Hipper were awarded for the production design. Three notes by Volker Bertelmann, born in Kreuztal, for the soundtrack to “Nothing New in the West” were able to compete against legendary composers John Williams, Carter Burwell and Justin Hurwitz claim.
Success for Indian film
Oscar for Best Song: “Naatu Naatu” from India
The energetic Indian song “Naatu Naatu” from the movie “RRR” won the Oscar for “Best Song”. Filmmakers Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga won another Oscar for their native India for their short documentary “The Elephant Whisperers”.
The only really big surprise was Brendan Fraser's 272 kilogram role in “The Whale” as best actor. Visibly moved, he accepted the award.
Ke Huy Quan: “This is the American dream”
This evening could not have been more international. Guillermo del Toro, born in Mexico, received an Oscar for his animated film “Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio”. Ke Huy Quan, who was born in Vietnam and emigrated to America as a child, tearfully accepted an Oscar for his supporting role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. His journey started on a boat and somehow brought him to the biggest stage in Hollywood, he said in his acceptance speech. “I can't believe this is happening to me. This is the American Dream.” Jamie Lee Curtis winning her first Oscar for her supporting role in the same film was nothing short of spectacular in comparison.
Visibly touched: the actor Ke Huy Quan
Things only got really political once in the Dolby Theatre. The Canadian director Daniel Roher, who received the award for “Best Documentary” for his film “Navalny”, was the only one who addressed the war against Ukraine on stage. He called Vladimir Putin crazy.
Music performances: Happy and emotional
Lady Gaga presented “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick”. She showed herself without make-up, vulnerable and weak. The singer has been suffering from multiple sclerosis for five years. It was a more than emotional performance that left an uncomfortable mood in the hall.
The choreography of “Naatu Naatu” by Deepika Padukone seemed almost unusually happy. And the fact that Rihanna was dominating the two biggest stages in show business within a year, and that during her second pregnancy, caused a standing ovation after her performance on “Lift Me Up”.