“Everything Everything All at Ekes” won Oscar gold for best picture in a night that featured no slapstick-worthy drama, but was full of significant triumphs and raw moments.
The film won seven awards, including Best Actress, which went to Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian woman to win the category.
Host Jimmy Kimmel promised an evening of “no bullshit” after comedian Chris Rock’s onstage slap of Will Smith at last year’s ceremony, but he took a jab at Smith during his opening monologue and then the rest. Stayed in Jab all night. .
“Five Irish actors are nominated tonight – which means the potential for another battle on stage just got bigger,” Kimmel said.
He then went on to explain how Smith won the best actor award in the film “King Richard” even after the incident.
“So, we have strict policies, if anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any time during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for Best Actor and allowed to give a 19-minute long speech.” Kimmel joked.
Brendan Fraser won best actor for “The Whale,” his first Academy Award win in his 30-year career, and David Kwan and Daniel Scheinert won best director for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
“Everything Everywhere All At Own” stars Kay Huey Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis were also first-time winners on Sunday, taking home trophies for best supporting actor and actress, respectively. Quan, who is only the second Asian actor to win in the supporting actor category, fought back tears as he gave a standing ovation.
“My mom is 84 and she’s looking at the house,” Quan said.
“Mom, I just won an Oscar!”
Curtis, a self-described “Nepo baby,” also gave a shout-out to his late parents, actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, who were both Oscar nominees.
“Both my mother and father were nominated for Oscars in different categories – I just won an Oscar!” An emotional Curtis said.
While the Dolby Theater erupted with applause for Curtis, actress Angela Bassett, who was nominated for the same award for her role in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” appeared seated and did not applaud on ABC’s broadcast.
An Oscar moment that wasn’t planned, but definitely touching, was when “An Irish Goodbye” star James Martin was sung “Happy Birthday” on stage and by many in the audience after his film won Best Picture. Live Action Short Film won. Martin, who has Down syndrome and rose to fame after working as a Starbucks barista, turned 31 on Sunday.
With wire services
