We called it! Everything Everywhere All At Once swept the Oscars with a total of seven wins out of the 11 categories they were nominated in. This is just one of the reasons why the 95th Academy Awards were one for the history books!
It was a big moment for India at Oscars with three films nominated for trophies at the ceremony and Deepika Padukone making her Oscars debut as a presenter on the big stage.
From heartwarming speeches, historic wins, to guest appearances by some, er, four-legged celebrities, here are the best moments from this year’s Oscars…
Michelle Yeoh making history with her win
Actress Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman, and second woman of colour after Halle Berry, to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once. The actress’ speech was equally memorable and heartwarming. She said, “Thank you all the little boys and girls look like me watching tonight. This is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you (that) you are ever past your prime.”
The Elephant Whisperers making India proud
Even though the Oscars dropped the ball by not giving Shaunak Sen’s All That Breathes the award for Best Documentary Feature, Guneet Monga and Kartiki Gonsalves’ The Elephant Whisperers scripted history for India by winning the award for Best Documentary (Short Subject). It’s the first Indian production to win in the category.
‘Naatu Naatu’ adding the jolt of energy to the proceedings
Singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava took to the stage to deliver an elictifying performance of the viral hit ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR with dancers around them expertly executing the choreography from the song. It wasn’t surprising that the song got a standing ovation from everyone.
‘Naatu Naatu’ winning the Best Original Song award
It was only fitting that the powerfouse performance was followed by a win for the song. This was the first time a song from an Indian production was nomonated in the category and it certainly made history by winning the trophy too. Composer MM Kreevani quoted the popular Carpenters track by announcing he’s on top of the world at the moment.
Ke Huy Quan’s speech
Actor Ke Huy Quan took the stage after winning the award for Best Supporting Actor (Everything Everywhere All At Once) and won everyone’s hearts by his heartfelt speech. The actor, who fled Vietnam with his parents in 1978 and spent a year in refugee camps, recounted how extraordinary his journey has been, “I spent a year in a refugee camp, and somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage. Stories like this only happen in the movies.”
