This past week on Sunday, March 12th marked the 95th anniversary of the Oscars. Among the winners include Brendan Fraser for Best Actor in “The Whale”, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” for Costume Design, and “Women Talking” for Adapted Screenplay. However, one film stood out above all the others and the internet has been buzzing. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” became the most awarded film of all time. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Here is a complete list of the awards won, and why this is so monumental. 

1. Best Picture 

1. Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh) 

1. Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan) 

1. Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis) 

1. Best Director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) 

1. Best Original Screenplay (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) 

1. Best Film Editing (Paul Rodgers) 

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” created by A24 and premiered in March of last year and grossed $107 million worldwide. It became A24’s first film to cross the $100 million mark and has risen to become A24’s most profitable movie. follows the story of Evelyn Wang (played by Michelle Yeoh), a middled aged Chinese American immigrant who discovers that she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself and lives she could have led to prevent a powerful being from destroying the multiverse. This unconventional film brings into question the meaning of life, intergenerational trauma, and the Asian American identity as an immigrant, as well as genre bending themes including science fiction and family. 

A24 is very popular for its unorthodox take on film and the immersive experience of the work it produces. Originally a small independent movie distributor, it has quickly transformed into one of the most respected and successful names in cinema production with numerous Oscar nominated productions, including “Ex Machina”, “Moonlight”, and “Lady Bird”. “Whale” which won several awards on Sunday was also produced by A24 and this company continues to rise to fame, gaining support for its unique and emotional stories. 

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian to win Best Actress at the Oscars for her role in this film. In her acceptance speech she said, ““Thank you, thank you. For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. 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. Never give up.” This was Yeoh’s first Oscar nomination but not the first time one of her films have captured worldwide interest. She has been included in the cast of “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has earned Yeoh many other awards, including a Golden Globe, an Independent Spirit Award, several local Film Critics Awards, a SAG Award, and nominations for a Critics’ Choice Award and a BAFTA Award. She held her Oscar victoriously, and rightfully so. Yeoh is only the second Asian actress to be nominated for Best Actress and Sunday night, she changed history. 

Another amazing win for this film went to Vietnamese actor Ke Huy Quan for Best Supporting Actor. Quan is, like Michelle Yeoh, the second Asian actor to be nominated for the category he won. Ariana DeBose broke down while announcing his big win, clearly overjoyed at his victory. In a tearful speech Quan said, “My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp. And somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage. This is the American dream.” 51-year-old Quan has been working as an actor since he was a child, with iconic roles such as Short Round in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and Data in “The Goonies.” His co-star in “Indiana Jones”, Harrison Ford, was the one who presented Quan with his Oscar, and images of this moment have gone viral. Quan’s speech has definitely inspired others with stories like his to pursue their own American dream. 

Asian voices are on the rise in Hollywood and it’s a beautiful thing that films are breaking away from harmful Asian stereotypes and transitioning to embrace more relatable and thought provoking stories. Yeoh and Quan both thanked their parents in their acceptance speeches, and this struck a chord with many, who feel that they owe everything to their parents for traveling to the United States for better opportunities. The Oscars this year have been truly iconic and hopefully there will be wins like this in the years to come.