The Oscars have become a source of controversy in recent years. From #OscarsSoWhite to Will Smith’s slap heard around the world, the acclaimed award ceremony has had many viewers calling out what they feel are snubs. 2023’s Oscars were immediately proven different, with historic wins for diverse representation in the supporting categories.
For her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Jamie Lee Curtis took home her first Oscar in her decades long acting career. Curtis’ breakout role was in Halloween in 1978. The actress went on to succeed in a number of roles in different genres, from horror and drama to comedy. Despite box office success, Curtis was not recognized by the Academy until tonight. Her parents, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, were both previous nominees in the supporting categories.
Ke Huy Quan also took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Waymond Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once. In an emotional speech, Quan spoke to his mother who was watching the show from home, and mentioned his long journey to reaching this new pinnacle of success. Quan was a child actor, who had roles in The Goonies and The Indiana Jones franchise. He spoke about his time in a refugee camp as a young boy, and emphasized the importance of Asian representation in film and television.
The two wins mark the first Asian actor to win Best Supporting Actor, and one of few children of Oscar nominees to win Best Supporting Actress. The pair are receiving praise for their emotional performances and powerful acceptance speeches across social media.
There is NOBODY more happy to be in this room than Ke Huy Quan. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/Y6YweycfW1
— Phil Yu (@angryasianman) March 13, 2023
Everything Everywhere All At Once is up for 11 awards this evening, and could still take home Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Michelle Yeoh.
