The 95th Academy Awards, honoring the best films of 2022, took place on March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the ceremony celebrated cinematic achievements across a wide range of categories. This year's awards were particularly exciting, with several frontrunners and a few surprising upsets, making it a night to remember for film enthusiasts everywhere. Guys, let's dive into the complete list of winners and relive some of the highlights!

Best Picture

• Everything Everywhere All at Once

Everything Everywhere All at Once emerged as the big winner of the night, taking home the coveted award for Best Picture. This win was particularly significant because the film is an original, genre-bending story that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The movie, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (known collectively as the Daniels), tells the story of Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American woman who discovers she can access parallel universes and must connect with the lives she could have led to save the world. Its innovative storytelling, heartfelt performances, and exploration of themes like family, identity, and existentialism struck a chord with many, making it a critical and commercial success. The film's victory is a testament to the Academy's evolving tastes and willingness to embrace unconventional narratives. Its success is especially meaningful for independent cinema, proving that original and creative visions can achieve mainstream recognition. The cast and crew's emotional acceptance speeches highlighted the hard work and dedication that went into creating such a unique film, making it a truly memorable moment of the night. Everything Everywhere All at Once not only won Best Picture but also secured several other key awards, solidifying its place as a modern classic. It's a film that encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices, adding to its profound impact. The Daniels' direction, combined with the stellar performances of the cast, created a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. This win represents a shift in the industry towards more diverse and inclusive storytelling, paving the way for future filmmakers to push boundaries and explore new creative territories. For a movie that started as a small, independent project, Everything Everywhere All at Once's journey to becoming a Best Picture winner is nothing short of extraordinary.

Best Director

• Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

The Best Director award went to Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the dynamic duo behind Everything Everywhere All at Once. Their visionary direction brought a unique and innovative style to the film, blending genres and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. The Daniels' ability to seamlessly weave together elements of action, comedy, drama, and science fiction is a testament to their creative genius. Their directing style is characterized by a collaborative approach, empowering the actors to fully embody their characters and contribute to the overall vision of the film. Their win in this category underscores the importance of originality and creativity in filmmaking, setting a new standard for directors in the industry. The Daniels' acceptance speech was both heartfelt and humorous, reflecting their down-to-earth personalities and passion for their craft. They emphasized the importance of taking risks and embracing unconventional ideas, inspiring aspiring filmmakers to pursue their own unique visions. Their journey to the Oscars began with music videos and short films, showcasing their talent for visual storytelling and innovative techniques. Everything Everywhere All at Once is a culmination of their years of experience, demonstrating their ability to create a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The Daniels' win is a victory for independent filmmaking, proving that small-budget projects can achieve mainstream success with the right blend of creativity and dedication. Their direction not only elevated the film but also created a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations about identity, family, and the meaning of life. It’s clear that the Daniels are just getting started, and their future projects are eagerly anticipated by fans and industry insiders alike. Their work serves as an inspiration to filmmakers around the world, encouraging them to challenge conventions and explore new possibilities in storytelling. The Daniels' unique vision and collaborative spirit have made them one of the most exciting directing teams in Hollywood today.

Best Actress

• Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Michelle Yeoh made history by winning the Best Actress award for her outstanding performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. This marked the first time a Malaysian actress has won in this category, and it was a momentous occasion for Asian representation in Hollywood. Yeoh's portrayal of Evelyn Wang was both powerful and vulnerable, capturing the complexities of a woman grappling with her identity, family, and the weight of infinite possibilities. Her performance was praised for its emotional depth, physical agility, and comedic timing, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Yeoh's win is a culmination of her decades-long career, which has spanned across genres and continents. From her early days in Hong Kong action films to her more recent roles in Hollywood blockbusters, she has consistently delivered memorable performances. Her acceptance speech was deeply moving, as she dedicated the award to her mother and women everywhere, inspiring them to never give up on their dreams. Yeoh's victory is a testament to her talent, hard work, and perseverance, proving that age and cultural background are no barriers to success in the entertainment industry. Everything Everywhere All at Once provided her with the perfect platform to showcase her range as an actress, allowing her to explore themes of identity, family, and the multiverse. Her performance not only resonated with audiences but also sparked important conversations about representation and diversity in Hollywood. Yeoh's win is a significant step forward for Asian actors and filmmakers, paving the way for more opportunities and recognition in the future. She has become a role model for aspiring performers around the world, demonstrating that with dedication and passion, anything is possible. Her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once will be remembered as one of the most iconic and impactful in recent cinematic history, solidifying her status as a true legend of the screen. Michelle Yeoh's journey to the Oscars is an inspiring story of talent, perseverance, and breaking barriers, making her win a truly unforgettable moment.

Best Actor

• Brendan Fraser (The Whale)

Brendan Fraser took home the Best Actor award for his transformative performance in The Whale. This win marked a significant comeback for Fraser, who had taken a step back from the spotlight in recent years. His portrayal of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher struggling with obesity and trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter, was both heartbreaking and deeply human. Fraser's commitment to the role was evident, as he underwent a physical transformation and immersed himself in the emotional complexities of the character. His performance was praised for its vulnerability, authenticity, and the empathy he brought to a challenging role. Fraser's acceptance speech was emotional and heartfelt, as he thanked the director, Darren Aronofsky, and the cast and crew for their support. He also spoke about the importance of second chances, inspiring others to never give up on themselves. Fraser's win is a testament to his talent and resilience, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. The Whale provided him with the opportunity to showcase his range as an actor, allowing him to explore themes of grief, redemption, and the human condition. His performance not only resonated with audiences but also sparked important conversations about body image, mental health, and the need for compassion. Fraser's victory is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the ability of actors to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. He has become an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve success. His performance in The Whale will be remembered as one of the most powerful and moving in recent cinematic history, solidifying his status as a true talent. Brendan Fraser's journey to the Oscars is an inspiring story of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of acting.

Best Supporting Actress

• Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Jamie Lee Curtis won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. This marked her first Academy Award win, solidifying her status as a beloved and versatile actress. Curtis's portrayal of Deirdre Beaubeirdre, a stern and uncompromising IRS inspector, was both hilarious and surprisingly poignant. Her performance added a unique layer to the film, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend comedy and drama. Curtis's acceptance speech was energetic and heartfelt, as she thanked her family, collaborators, and fans for their support throughout her career. She also spoke about the importance of perseverance and never giving up on one's dreams. Curtis's win is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the impact she has had on the entertainment industry. Everything Everywhere All at Once provided her with the perfect opportunity to showcase her range as an actress, allowing her to explore themes of identity, family, and the multiverse. Her performance not only resonated with audiences but also sparked important conversations about representation and diversity in Hollywood. Curtis's victory is a celebration of her long and successful career, proving that age is no barrier to success in the entertainment industry. She has become a role model for aspiring performers around the world, demonstrating that with passion and dedication, anything is possible. Her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once will be remembered as one of the most memorable and impactful in recent cinematic history, solidifying her status as a true icon. Jamie Lee Curtis's journey to the Oscars is an inspiring story of talent, perseverance, and the power of collaboration.

Best Supporting Actor

• Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once)

Ke Huy Quan took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his exceptional performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. This win marked a significant comeback for Quan, who had taken a long hiatus from acting. His portrayal of Waymond Wang, Evelyn's kind and supportive husband, was both heartwarming and inspiring. Quan's performance was praised for its emotional depth, comedic timing, and the way he brought humanity to a complex character. His acceptance speech was one of the most emotional moments of the night, as he spoke about his journey from child actor to Oscar winner, inspiring others to never give up on their dreams. Quan's win is a testament to his talent, resilience, and the power of second chances. Everything Everywhere All at Once provided him with the perfect opportunity to showcase his range as an actor, allowing him to explore themes of identity, family, and the multiverse. His performance not only resonated with audiences but also sparked important conversations about representation and diversity in Hollywood. Quan's victory is a significant step forward for Asian actors and filmmakers, paving the way for more opportunities and recognition in the future. He has become a role model for aspiring performers around the world, demonstrating that with dedication and passion, anything is possible. His performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once will be remembered as one of the most iconic and impactful in recent cinematic history, solidifying his status as a true legend of the screen. Ke Huy Quan's journey to the Oscars is an inspiring story of perseverance, dedication, and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams.

Other Key Winners

• Best Original Screenplay: Everything Everywhere All at Once (Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert)
• Best Adapted Screenplay: Women Talking (Sarah Polley)
• Best Animated Feature Film: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
• Best International Feature Film: All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany)
• Best Documentary Feature: Navalny

The 95th Academy Awards were a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration. From the big wins for Everything Everywhere All at Once to the individual achievements of actors like Brendan Fraser and Michelle Yeoh, the ceremony highlighted the incredible talent and diversity within the film industry. The winners' speeches were filled with heartfelt moments and words of encouragement, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the importance of pursuing our dreams. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we look forward to what the future holds for cinema and the artists who bring these stories to life. Guys, it was truly a night to remember!