A small, independent film ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ premiered at the ‘South By Southwest’ film festival in 2022. Since then, the Michelle Yeoh-starrer has emerged as a disruptor and bent different genres with its queer and path-breaking visual effects. The film is a story of the troubles of an immigrant family who navigates through the harsh realities in a different dimension altogether. Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan have written and directed the film.
During the 95th Academy Awards ceremony, ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ swept major awards in major categories. Out of 11, the film took seven awards home including the most important ‘Best Picture’ award. The film also won awards in ‘Best Editing’, ‘Best Direction’, and ‘Best Original Screenplay’ categories among others. When the Daniel duo went on stage to accept the award for the latter category, Scheinert slammed the draconian anti-drag bills springing in the US states.
Related: “This Is The American Dream”: Ke Huy Quan Wins Best Supporting Actor At The 2023 Oscars
“A Threat To Nobody”: Daniel Scheinert Takes A Dig At The Anti-Drag Bills Around The USA
It was a black day for the Tennessee queer community on March 3rd, 2023. The state has passed legislation restricting drag performances in public spheres. Republican Governor Bill Lee signed the bill making it a law applicable in the state. The legislation restricts “adult cabaret performances” in any public sphere.
It prohibits any drag show within 1,000 feet of “public parks, places of worship, or schools.” In other legislation, it prohibited any gender-affirming surgeries for trans minors. Gender expression and identity have become punishable offenses in the state.
During the 95th Academy Awards ceremony, Daniel Scheinert, who won big at the event for his film ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, called out these legislations and bills. Daniels received the Oscar for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ along with other six trophies in major categories.
Scheinert, in his acceptance speech, thanked his parents for “not squashing when I was making really disturbing horror films or really perverted comedy films, or dressing in drag as a kid — which is a threat to nobody.” He took a sly dig at the anti-drag bills and legislations plaguing the country. At least 14 states, including Oklahoma, Arizona, and Kentucky, have introduced the bills.
In Case You Missed: Oscars 2023: Complete List Of Winners
‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ Creates History At The Oscars 2023
It was difficult to envision that a quirky yet heartfelt film like ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ would impress the Oscar voters. Nevertheless, it received praise from the audience and critics alike.
At the Oscars 2023 ceremony, it swept awards in major categories including ‘Best Picture’ and ‘Best Actress’. Michelle Yeoh created history by becoming the second woman of color to receive the statuette in the category.
During her speech, she said, “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight this is a beacon of hope and possibility. Ladies don’t ever let anyone tell you you are past your prime.” One of the heartwarming speeches came from Ke Huy Quan who won the award for ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’.
In his speech, Quan said, “Mom, I just won an Oscar!”. He continued, “They say stories like this only happen in the movies, I cannot believe this is happening to me.”
You Might Also Like To Read: Tesla Sacks The Head Of ‘LGBTQIA+ Diversity And Inclusion Wing’ Days After Elon Musk’s Alleged Homophobic Tweet