A Peek Inside the Oscars

Helena Carroll, Staff writer
March 23, 2023

This year’s Oscars brought many outstanding and heartwarming moments. This award show, formally known as the Academy Awards, took place this year on March 12. Prominent films such as “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “The Whale,” and many others had the privilege of taking home awards, being honored and recognized for their outstanding talent.

Accomplishments were made all across the board and history was made. Michelle Yoh, leading actress in the highly acclaimed film “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” won Best Actress, becoming the first Asian American to win that award and the second person of color. She accepted this award with a very heartfelt speech full of gratitude towards the people who have always been beside her through her acting journey. She also shared an impactful message to fellow women and children of similar ethnicity, reminding them to dream big and not give up on those dreams.

Also within the cast of “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” winning awards for Best Supporting Actor/Actress were Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis. These two spectacular actors and personalities were a true inspiration that night. Quan, formally most famous for his breakout roles in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “Goonies,” received a huge affirmation from the night. Prior to “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “Goonies” was Quan’s last big role, released around 40 years ago when he was just 13 years old. He had previously “quit” acting for a bit to focus on completing school as well as picking up smaller acting jobs here and there. As for Jamie Lee Curtis, she thanked the hundreds of people who just won with her as part of her tearful acceptance speech. She also included her movie star parents within the speech, both of whom never got the privilege to earn the prestigious award. She paid respect to winning the award with them instead of for them. This comment was interesting but impactful among the recent controversy about nepotism within Hollywood.

This year’s edition was hosted by late night star Jimmy Kimmel, who entertained audience members throughout the night, talking about the stars sitting among the crowd and engaging in friendly conversation and banter. The host provided a light, friendly atmosphere, which contrasted greatly from last year’s Oscars where the infamous Chris Rock-Will Smith controversy took place. The audience was also able to enjoy many performances including songs from Rihanna, the cast of “RRR,” Lenny Kravitz, and many more talents from this year’s distinguished films.