This year’s Oscars, the Academy Awards ceremony broadcast last week from Hollywood, was the most Asian-centric in history, with AAPI winners in several varied and important categories. The acting awards, screenplay and best picture are the marquee prizes that really stand out, and the wealth of Asian recognition is undeniable. According to the Washington Post,
Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian artist to win best actress at the 95th Academy Awards, leading a spate of milestone victories for Asians and Asian Americans at this year’s ceremonies.
“For all the little boys and girls who look like me, watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities,” the actress, who won the award for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” said during her acceptance speech Sunday night. Yeoh, a native of Malaysia, started her career in the Hong Kong film industry in the 1980s.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” won seven Oscars, including for best picture and best screenplay. Daniel Kwan, who is Chinese American, and Daniel Scheinert shared the prize for best director. The film is about an immigrant family in the United States.
Washington Post, March 13, 2023
And the Supporting Actor award marked a long-awaited personal comeback for former child actor Ke Huy Quan:
Even the best original song was a first for Asian cinema when ‘Naatu Naatu’ marked a milestone for Indian films, long known for incorporating fantastic music. And an Indian documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ was singled out in the Documentary short category. According to BBC News:
The song Naatu Naatu from the hit Telugu-language film RRR has made history by becoming the first Indian film song to win an Oscar.
The blockbuster track won Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards, beating heavyweights like Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
Its catchy tempo and choreography has captivated audiences around the world.
India won a second Oscar for The Elephant Whisperers which won in the Best Documentary Short film category.
The documentary, which tells the story of a couple who care for an injured baby elephant after it gets separated from its herd, is the first Indian production to win in this category.
BBC News, March 13, 2023
Congratulations to the winners in all categories, but especially to the Asian winners who made these giant steps into visibility and recognition.
