“Everything Everywhere All at Once” cemented its place among Asian-American stories in Hollywood, joining “The Joy Luck Club,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Shang-Chi” and “Turning Red.” The multiversal, philosophical fantasy film received a field-leading 11 nominations, ultimately winning in seven categories. It was the first time multiple Asian actors won Oscars in the same year. 

The film weaves together the Asian-American experience and concepts of East Asian philosophies, existentialism and nihilism. The plot follows Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant who owns a laundromat with her husband and daughter. When a being ruptures the multiverse, Wang must use her newfound powers to fight interdimensional dangers in order to save the multiverse. 

Directors Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, known as the Daniels, won Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. Their concept for the film started in 2010, and they wrote the script in 2016. Originally, they wrote the film with Jackie Chan as the lead, but ultimately decided to switch genders, with actress Michelle Yeoh in mind. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was only their second full-length film. 

“There is greatness in every single person, it doesn’t matter who they are. If you have a genius that is waiting to erupt, you just need to find the right people to unlock that,” Kwan said in his acceptance speech. “Thank you so much everyone who has unlocked my genius.”

Actor Ke Huay Quan made his career comeback with his win as Best Supporting Actor. Previously, Quan had roles as a child actor in movies including “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies.” In his acceptance speech, Quan thanked his mother, and referenced his immigrant background. 

“Somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage,” Quan said in his acceptance speech. “I cannot believe this is happening to me. This is the American dream.”

Actress Michelle Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win Best Actress. The Malaysian native made her mark on films such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and a Bond girl on “Tomorrow Never Dies.” As Yeoh walked up on stage, she received a standing ovation. 

“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility,” Yeoh said in her acceptance speech. “And ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you you are past your prime.”

The 95th Academy Awards concluded with “Everything Everywhere All at Once” winning Best Picture. 

“So this award is ours. It’s intimidating speaking up here, let me just tell you that. I never thought I would get to say this, so I say it with one voice, with all these people, thank you to the Academy,” producer Jonathan Wang said in the acceptance speech for Best Picture. “A24, thank you so much. You saw our weirdness and supported us for a year theatrically.”