The 95th Academy Awards were last night and it is definitely one to remember. Not only did it signify another great year for cinema, but it also gave recognition to those in the industry who deserve it. Here are some of the films that took home a gold statue from this year’s ceremony:
1) Everything Everywhere All at Once dir. Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan
This film brought home seven awards last night, not only making their mark in the world of cinema but also making history in multiple ways. Everything Everywhere all at Once is a sci-fi/comedy/adventure story about a Chinese immigrant, Evelyn, who, despite living her relatively ordinary life, is enlisted in helping to save the entire universe. And, last night Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win Best Actress in a Leading Role. The other Oscars that this film won are the following:
Best Picture – Everything Eveywhere All At Once
Actress in a Supporting Role – Jamie Lee Curtis
Actor in a Supporting Role – Ke Huy Quan
Original Screenplay – Everything Eveywhere All At Once
Director – Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Film Editing – Everything Everywhere All at Once
Actress in a Leading Role – Michelle Yeoh
2) All Quiet on the Western Front dir. Edward Berger
This film also won multiple awards at the Oscars, ending the night with a total of four. This movie, based in 1914, centers around a young German man’s experience as a soldier in World War I. The film was adapted for the screen and originally written as a book with the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. The film won in the following categories:
International Film Feature – All Quiet on the Western Front
Production – All Quiet on the Western Front
Cinematography – All Quiet on the Western Front
Original Score – All Quiet on the Western Front
3) The Whale dir. Darren Aronofsky
After a memorable return to the land of cinema, Brendan Fraser has won his first Oscar. The film is centered around an unhealthy, reclusive, and life-threateningly obese English teacher who wants to be able to reconnect with his teenage daughter before it is too late. The film won the following Academy Awards:
Makeup and Hairstyling – The Whale
Actor in a Leading Role – Brendan Fraser
4) Black Panther: Wakanda Forever dir. Ryan Coogler
Another film that made Oscars history last night was Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The film is a sequel to Black Panther (2018 Ryan Coogler) following the death of their leader King T’Challa as they fight to protect Wakanda in a battle against otherworldly powers. The Oscar win goes to Ruth E Carter for Costume Design, being the first black woman to win two Oscars.
5) Top Gun: Maverick dir. Joseph Kosinski
The movie that Spielberg himself said may have “saved the movies” also took home an award at the show. The film is a sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun (dir. Tony Scott) based around Maverick as he trains the new TOP GUN graduates for a high-stakes mission. The film won for achievement in Sound.
6) RRR dir. S. S. Rajamouli
Continuing in the theme of audio with the film RRR, which is a story about two revolutionaries who share a deep past as they journey together to fight for their, and their country’s, freedom. This movie won Best Original Song with “Naatu Naatu” written and composed by M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose.
While there might not have been many jaw-dropping moments at the Acadamy Awards like last year, there were still so many other historical moments at the Oscars last night. It is important to remember the people in the industry who worked hard to get to where they are, and to give them the recognition they deserve.
To get a full list of the winners and nominees, follow the link to the Oscars page here.
I am a third-year student at the University of Pittsburgh where I study Film and Media and I am currently one of the interns at Raindance. I have always enjoyed writing and film and hope to continue being involved in the industry after I graduate. I hope to specifically work in film production or commentary one day in the future.
