Oscars 2023 Reactions - Laura

I'm Laura and I love movies. Here at the library, I send out a monthly newsletter with recent DVD releases, recommendations, and even a monthly review. You can sign up for that on our website. I'm always happy to talk movies, share what I love, and get new recommendations!

With the Oscars, I go back and forth a bit. I understand it's mostly a popularity contest. It's ultimately about who you know, your career, etc. And obviously there's the recent controversy (which isn't really so recent, but is being discussed more, and rightly so) with lack of diversity. But I still love to see what's nominated and what wins. I love the glitz and glamor and seeing what everyone wears. I don't usually watch the actual telecast anymore (mainly because I don't have TV, I do mostly streaming), but I will keep up with clips and photos posted.

I want to start off by saying that I haven't had the opportunity to see each film nominated this year. Some due to inaccessibility (not everything is out on DVD or streaming yet) or lack of interest (I'll be honest, Top Gun and Elvis just didn't appeal to me). But I do want to give some thoughts on the winners in the bigger categories.

Actress in a Supporting Role : Jamie Lee Curtis

I'll be honest here, this was probably my only real upset of the night. Don't get me wrong; I loved this movie, I love Jamie Lee Curtis, and her role in it was fun. But, she was not the best nominee overall, let alone from her movie. This seems to be another case of the Oscars honoring someone after a career of good performances that went largely ignored by prestigious awards ceremonies. Not my favorite thing at the Oscars. I'm very happy for her, because again, she's a great actor who gives consistently good performances, it just wasn't the way I would've gone.

My pick was Stephanie Hsu, also from Everything Everywhere All at Once (EEAAO). That movie hinges on her and her performance and she was incredible. Equal parts moving and funny. She had so much on her shoulders, and to be able to carry that while essentially being at the start of her career is impressive. She stood toe-to-toe with Michelle Yeoh, and man, that's a tall order. Not to mention being along side other talents such as Jamie, Ke Huy Quan, and James Hong. Plus, who else can sing a line as ridiculous as "sucked into a bagel" and give it so much meaning and emotion? She really deserved that award, and I'll be a little bitter about that for a while.

If not her, I would've gone with Angela Bassett. If you've interacted with me at the library or have read the movie newsletter, you'll probably know I'm a big fan of Marvel. And Wakanda Forever was a great movie, a great emotional send-off to T'Challa and Chadwick Boseman. While I didn't love all of the writing for Queen Ramonda, Angela sold the grief and anger that was there. I'm very happy she is the first person nominated for an acting role within Marvel, because it's well deserved after the performance she put in. And Michael B. Jordan coming out to present another award and addressing her with "hey Auntie" after losing out was a nice moment to recognize her.

Actor in a Supporting Role: Ke Huy Quan

Speaking of Ke Huy Quan. This was the correct choice in this category. I could not take my eyes off of him as Waymond in EEAAO. Every iteration of the character. He pulled off the unassuming husband version, the guide through the multiverse, and even the suave and romantic version. He fought so many stereotypes of Asian men just in this one role, while still embracing the culture.

This man had a fight scene with a fanny pack! And made it every bit as ridiculous but impressive as it was intended to be. Was it silly? Yeah! But did you still watch with awe as he took a bunch of men out? YES! And that suave version of Waymond? Get me a leading role for this man.

I definitely teared up during his speech, especially with "Mom, I just won an Oscar!" I'm so glad he is being given a second chance at his career after stepping away. He deserves every bit of good that should be coming towards him after this.

Actress in a Leading Role - Michelle Yeoh

It's about time Michelle has an Oscar. She is such a treasure. And especially in EEAAO, with every iteration of Evelyn. She perfectly portrayed a mother who is feeling the pressures of expectations and what it means to put those expectations on those she loves. She really showcases talents throughout the film; her martial arts skills, her comedic timing, and her ability to tap into the the range of human emotions in a believable and grounded way (especially in the over-the-top silliness the movie often exhibits). The movie flows through the comedic and the dramatic often and she flows with it with ease. While you feel for Evelyn's daughter, Joy throughout the movie, you can also understand Evelyn and her actions while knowing her actions weren't necessarily the best for her or her family. And Michelle navigates all of that perfectly and naturally.

Like Ke Huy Quan, she plays with and subverts stereotypes and tropes, all while sending a love letter to her culture.

And I need to get "Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime" on a shirt.

Actor in a Leading Role - Brendan Fraser

I have not seen The Whale yet. I've heard fairly mixed reviews. Some praising the movie, and especially Brendan's performance (which from clips seems really great), and some more critical, especially of the use of a fat suit. And since I haven't seen the film yet, I can't say if this is a win based off that performance or a way of honoring him after a long and troubled career.

I'm not here to discuss the controversy of the film, but I do have to say: I'm incredibly happy for Brendan. He's been through so much throughout his career, stalling it for a while, and it's amazing seeing his comeback and to see him fully embraced. To see him get opportunities he might not have earlier in his career. He truly is a talented actor.

My favorite role of his to lead people to is a small one, a 3 episode arc of Scrubs. He is funny and heartwarming and the final episode of his arc is one of the best bits of TV I've ever seen. I am still fully emotional every time I watch it, even though I've had a lot of Scrubs watch-throughs. He fits what I love about the show, funny but with a lot of real emotional depth.

His speech is another I got emotional during. It was obvious how overwhelmed he was to receive the honor. That he almost didn't expect it. It's a truly humble moment that you don't often get.

Directing/Best Picture - Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert/Everything Everywhere All at Once

As you can tell, Everything Everywhere All at Once swept the Oscars this year. And for good reason. It was definitely not just a favorite of the nominees, but a favorite of any movie last year.

With themes of the meaning of life, nihilism, and intergenerational trauma (to not go too deep into all of the themes explored), it tells the story of Evelyn dealing with an IRS audit on her family's business while also dealing with a crumbling marriage and strained relationship with her daughter. The film tells this story through the vehicle of the "multiverse", a series of parallel universes in which every possibility is happening.

It is equal parts silly and heartfelt. Comedic and heart wrenching. There's a fanny pack fight, hotdog fingers, an Everything Bagel blackhole, Raccacoonie, and googly eyes, but I still cried.

Seeing the excitement of the cast and crew on stage winning was great. Seeing the Asian representation on that stage was beautiful. And how about Ke Huy Quan hugging Harrison Ford?

I knew going in that EEAAO was going to do well, and it's very much deserved.

What did you think of the nominations this year? Are you excited about the winners or do you think something or someone else deserved the honors? If you stop into the library, let me know your thoughts!