“The Beacon of Hope and Possibilities”: The 95th Academy Awards is one for the history books

BY LONDON DERNIS

From addressing the infamous slap to the numerous first-time nominee wins, milestones were made during the 95th Academy Awards. The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, premiered on Sunday night, March 12, and was tuned in by movie lovers around the globe.

To kick off the night, the celebrities in attendance walked the newly champagne-colored carpet. There were several standout looks, including Cara Delevingne in an elegant red Elie Saab gown, and presenters Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt in stunning Valentino dresses. But who truly won the “red” carpet was Fan Bingbing in a Tony Ward sparkling silver dress with an extravagant emerald cape that truly embodied Academy Award fashion.

The event was hosted by talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. While his opening monologue wasn’t monumental, it certainly was engaging. He addressed many first-time nominees in the crowd like Ke Huy Quan, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Quan’s excitement to be there brought smiles to everyone’s faces as he pumped his fists and danced in his chair at the mention of his name.

Of course, Kimmel addressed the elephant in the room: Will Smith slapping Chris Rock last year. Prior to the night, viewers speculated about how he would talk about it, or if he would at all. Kimmel managed to talk about “the slap” in a funny light-hearted way by warning those who take offense to his jokes to go through his celebrity “bodyguards” in the audience. The camera then panned to Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal), Spiderman (Andrew Garfield) and Fableman (Steven Spielberg). 

Kimmel’s monologue was cut short as he was danced off the stage by performers from the movie “RRR” while the song “Naatu Naatu” played. The song later went on to win India’s first Oscar for Best Original Song. Kimmel’s comedic exit kicked off the three-hour-long award ceremony, which consisted of 23 categories. 

With wins in prestigious categories like Best Actress and Best Director, it’s finally time to talk about “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Out of their 11 nominations, the movie took home seven Oscars. This sweep was expected by most, as this once-in-a-lifetime movie had a lasting impact on nearly all its viewers.

Even more noteworthy is that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” almost accomplished the “Big 5.” This is the phrase used for receiving Oscars in these categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay. The only reason the movie didn’t get all five is because the film lacked a leading actor, since the lead was the fabulous Michelle Yeon.

Speaking of Yeon, she made history as the first Asian to win an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role. Her performance as the critical, yet loving mother, who saved the multiverse with a googly-eye on her forehead was truly worthy of this Academy Award.

“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is the beacon of hope and possibilities,” Yeon said in her speech “This is proof that dreams do come true.”

Outside of the “Big 5” (minus Best Actor), “Everything Everywhere All at Once” received Oscars for Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and Film Editing. Quan’s win for Actor in a Supporting Role tugged on many heartstrings. His instant tears were seen while taking a victory climb to the stage and kissing his Oscar. 

Even more worthy of tears was Quan’s speech where he said, “Mom I just won an Oscar.” His night was only made better when he accepted the award for Best Picture and reunited with presenter Harrison Ford, whom he worked alongside over three decades ago in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” 

One of the most anticipated categories of the night was for Actor in a Leading Role. Austin Butler was believed to have secured the award after his performance in “Elvis.” But then, “Whale” came out and Brendan Fraser quickly captured attention with his tear-inducing performance. While fellow nominees Colin Farrell, Paul Mescal and Bill Nighy all were worthy of recognition, it truly came down to Butler and Fraser. With a speech full of whale references, Fraser accepted the award. 

The “Everything Everywhere All at Once” sweep came at the expense of losses for some notable productions. “Elvis” was nominated for eight Oscars, and surprisingly, didn’t win any. “The Banshees of Inisherin” received nominations across nine categories, and like “Elvis,” didn’t bring home any awards. 

The 95th Oscars was a night dominated by “Everything Everywhere all at Once,” and that was just the way it should have been. With the exception of some disappointing losses, the night was one to remember, and it is never too late to put some time aside to watch the ceremony.