What happened at the 2023 Oscars? - Los Angeles Times
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‘Everything Everywhere’ dominates, Lady Gaga strips down and everything else at the Oscars

A woman accepts an award
Michelle Yeoh accepts the award for actress in a leading role at the 95th Academy Awards.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
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The loopy, frenetic family drama “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has swept through the awards season, winning nearly everything … everywhere, including top honors at the Producers Guild, the Directors Guild, the Screen Actors Guild and the Independent Spirit awards. Will its dominance continue at the 95th Academy Awards?

Keep it here from the start of the ceremony to the end of the night as Times columnists Mary McNamara and Glenn Whipp and staff writers Michael Ordoña and Tracy Brown break down the best speeches, biggest upsets and other top stories of Sunday’s awards. Fingers crossed for a dramatic evening, hopefully one that doesn’t include anyone striding onstage — unless their name is called.

Final predictions | How to watch | Who should win

The best red carpet looks | Can the Oscars be saved?

A woman sings onstage
Rihanna performs at the 95th Academy Awards.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
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8:45 p.m. I worry you have become too cynical, Glenn! Overall, I thought it was (to use the term du jour) as authentic a celebration as I’ve seen in a while, though I’m not sure that will do it any good in the ratings. Which is also quite cynical, but probably true. At least everyone emerged with their academy membership intact so that’s something anyway. Goodnight all, and thanks for watching with us! — M.M.

As host, Jimmy Kimmel was tasked with shepherding along an innocuous show, free of physical controversy, and he largely succeeded.

March 12, 2023

8:42 p.m. Like all previous editions of the Oscars ... it could have been better. And it could have been a lot worse! Odd choices. Cringey jokes. Beautiful, heartfelt moments. You take the good with the bad and hope next year that there might be more good than bad … knowing full well that’s probably not going to happen because … it’s the Oscars! — G.W.

8:38 p.m. Seven Oscars for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — let the backlash begin! Just kidding. No matter the film, sweeps are always a mixed bag — a bit hard on the live audience (so many films left behind), a bit boring for the television audience (so many speeches by the same people), but it’s always amazing when a movie that is so beloved by the audience finds that echoed at the Oscars.

Also, interesting to know how long the telecast would be with all the categories awarded and few speeches curtailed: 3 hours and 35 minutes. So that’s settled anyway. — M.M.

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” claimed best picture at the Academy Awards as the Oscars rebound from ‘The Slap’ with a celebratory show.

March 12, 2023

8:32 p.m. History made: Michelle Yeoh is the first Asian woman to win as an actress in a leading role. Also, thanks for the words of encouragement to women over 50! — M.M.

Superstar Michelle Yeoh of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” scored an Oscar on her first nomination, becoming the first Asian lead actress to win.

March 12, 2023

8:29 p.m. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is now just the third movie to win three acting Oscars. The others: “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Network.” — G.W.

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8:28 p.m. There it is, three acting Oscars for “Everything Everywhere.” That doesn’t happen every day. — M.O.

8:26 p.m. “Naatu Naatu’s” M.M. Keeravaani and Chandrabose were speaking onstage in the press room when there was a gasp and an “oh my God” in one corner when Brendan Fraser was announced as the lead actor winner. — T.B.

Brendan Fraser completes his comeback with a 2023 Oscar for his transformative, but controversial, lead performance in ‘The Whale.’

March 12, 2023

8:25 p.m. A24 at the Oscars thus far: Director, lead actor, supporting actress, supporting actor. Coming soon: Lead actress and best picture. — G.W.

8:24 p.m. Well there you have it, it really is the “Encino Man” Oscars. — M.O.

8:21 p.m. To answer your question from a few moments ago, Mary … that’s the third time co-directors have won the Oscar. The Coens did it for “No Country for Old Men” and Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise for “West Side Story.” — G.W.

8:19 p.m. Adapted screenplay winner Sarah Polley, has finally made it into the press room. “I am just thrilled that this is a recognition that our whole film is getting,” said Polley about the collective experience of making “Women Talking.” “Even adapting the screenplay itself was the result of so many conversations with so many people who weren’t named as nominees tonight. So this [award] feels like it’s for this amazing collective group of people who really brought a lot of their own lived experience to this film.” — T.B.

8:17 p.m. Daniel Scheinert listening to his friend and colleague Dan Kwan’s awesome, free-flowing speech for winning best director for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” — the facial expressions have not been matched since Winona Ryder took in David Harbour’s “Stranger Things” remarks at the 2017 SAG Awards. — G.W.

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8:15 p.m. Hey Glenn, how often have co-directors won the Oscar? (And been allowed to talk this long?) — M.M.

8:09 p.m. Screenplay, two acting nods and editing … Glenn, is best picture now assured for “Everything Everywhere”? — M.O.

8:08 p.m. I am not loving the QR code at the end of the In Memoriam tribute, if I’m honest. — M.M.

8:06 p.m. We’re nearing the end, right? Which hopefully is going to sideline Kimmel. Remember that face Andrew Garfield made when Kimmel said, “You’re gonna have to tangle with Spider-Man”? That’s the same grimace I’m making now every time Kimmel opens his mouth or tries a bit. All the goodwill from his monologue has vanished. — G.W.

8:04 p.m. Oh my God, the “Top of the World” acceptance speech by M.M. Keeravani was the best. There is something touching about winners’ ability to stay in the spirit of their work this year. And, having watched so many of these telecasts, it is, alas, pretty unusual. — M.M.

8:00 p.m. Original song winner M.M. Keeravani singing the Carpenters’ “Top of the World” is perfect. I presented him with an award in January and he performed the theme from “Jaws.” What a great moment for “RRR.” — G.W.

7:55 p.m. A quick aside from the press room: In case you need proof that the Oscars are a global affair, so far the winners have fielded questions in English, Spanish, French and German and every speaker is accompanied by a sign-language interpreter onstage. — T.B.

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7:49 p.m. Rooney Mara lead, Judith Ivey and/or Jessie Buckley supporting. There. — M.M.

7:47 p.m. Charitably, Mary, I want to say that voters, faced with so many choices among its acting ensemble, couldn’t land on one — or three. So glad that it won at least this Oscar. — G.W.

7:46 p.m. So happy Sarah Polley won adapted screenplay for “Women Talking.” An extraordinary film that was infuriatingly under-represented in this year’s nominations. — M.M.

7:45 p.m. Yay Sarah Polley! She’s the real deal. Her adaptation of “Away From Her” when she was in her 20s showed she’s capable of this. — M.O.

7:44 p.m. “Women Talking” wins for adapted screenplay. Order continues to be restored. — G.W.

7:41 p.m. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” backers can relax now. That original screenplay win puts the Daniels onstage for the first time tonight. They’ll be back. — G.W.

7:34 p.m. Rihanna, queen of live television, performing at both the Super Bowl and the Oscars. I don’t think anyone has ever done that before, never mind while pregnant. — M.M.

7:32 p.m. Rihanna here to save us and make us forget that that Malala-Land joke ever existed. — G.W.

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7:24 p.m. Big reveal: Inside the bear suit is … Anthony Hopkins? John Williams? IDK. — M.O.

7:21 p.m. To answer your question from a few minutes back, Mary … that should be it for “All Quiet on the Western Front” — unless it wins for adapted screenplay. But even then, I don’t think that would mean much for best picture, which I think is still quite secure for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” — G.W.

7:16 p.m. They are literally not playing anyone off, which will mean either this show will be four hours long or the folks who win in the last half hour will not have any time to make a speech. — M.M.

7:15 p.m. If “All Quiet” takes adapted screenplay, that whirring sound will either be Erich Maria Remarque spinning in his grave or me sharpening my gardening implements for the riot. — M.O.

7:13 p.m. Well, I was about to tell you to relax but … now it has won score. Over John Williams. This is kind of insane. Glenn? Where are you, Great Predictor? — M.M.

7:12 p.m. Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell reunited! My favorite moment of this year’s Oscars may be when Grant compared the festivities to “Vanity Fair” the novel and the red-carpet host thought he meant “Vanity Fair” the party. He is always so grumpy. But … did we see “All Quiet” winning production design? — M.M.

7:12 p.m. I did not think “All Quiet on the Western Front” would win production design, Mary. But I guess voters couldn’t resist another war movie depicting life in the trenches instead of, say, re-creating an entire Memphis neighborhood in Australia. Not particularly happy with all these “All Quiet” wins. But you probably already knew that. — G.W.

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7:10 p.m. Reaction to Lady Gaga’s stripped-down performance of “Top Gun” power ballad “Hold My Hand” very strong in the room. Her decision to present the song (and herself) without bells and whistles revealed a lot that isn’t evident in the slickly recorded version. — M.O.

Lady Gaga performed ‘Hold My Hand,’ the Oscar-nominated song from ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ on Sunday night at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.

March 12, 2023

Lady Gaga performs at the 95th Academy Awards.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

7:09 p.m. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” costume designer Ruth E. Carter has stopped by in the press room and when discussing her historic win, she shared how her mother, who passed away last week, was her “ride or die.” “She always wanted me to follow my dream,” said Carter. “After I graduated from college and I came back home to do an internship and didn’t quite know where I wanted to step next … my mother said, ‘You don’t want to stay here.’ So I know she’s proud of me. I know that she wanted this for me as much as I wanted it for myself.” — T.B.

Veteran costumer Ruth E. Carter is now the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, and the first person to win in the costume design category for an original film and its sequel

March 12, 2023

7:00 p.m. Charlie Mackesy is in the running for best speech of the night — look out, Ke Huy Quan! — M.O.

6:59 p.m. I’d just like to point out that these very lovely speeches are all running a bit-to-quite long so it will be interesting to see how long this sucker goes. Also, the Gaga intro/close-up is a … choice. — M.M.

6:56 p.m. Seriously, really hoping Kimmel brings out an elephant next! If only to balance the political visual! — M.M.

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6:56 p.m. I’m not sure about bringing an elephant onstage, Mary. That would give everyone unwanted “Babylon” flashbacks. — G.W.

6:55 p.m. That short was a lock to win. Never pick against a movie about orphaned elephants! — G.W.

6:48 p.m. Notably “All Quiet’s” Edward Berger does not thank Erich Maria Remarque. — M.O.

6:47 p.m. If Erich Maria Remarque is watching this from the great beyond — I’m sure he has nothing better to do — I don’t think he’d want his name mentioned, given the changes the filmmakers made to his perfect book. — G.W.

6:38 p.m. I feel like they should perform “Naatu Naatu” at every hour mark to get us through this telecast! — M.M.

6:37 p.m. Cheers continuing in the theater long after the performers have left the stage. — M.O.

The infectious number from action blockbuster ‘RRR’ made it the first Indian film to be nominated in any category outside international film.

March 12, 2023

6:37 p.m. Applause in the press room for “Naatu,” which we luckily got to actually see. For those who don’t know, the press room feed only has sound in between winners arriving to answer questions. — T.B.

6:32 p.m. From the press room: Jamie Lee Curtis, when asked about the number of female nominees at the Oscars this year, touches on the issue of binary gendered categories. “I would like to see a lot more women be nominated so that there’s gender parity in all the areas in all the branches, and I think we’re getting there,” said Curtis. “We’re not anywhere near there. [The gendered categories] is a complicated question but the most important thing is inclusivity and more women being basically just f– anywhere, anytime all at once.” — T.B.

6:31 p.m. “Chadwick: Please take care of mom.” Ruth Carter, another beautiful speech. Her mother was 101! — G.W.

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A woman accepts an award.
Ruth Carter accepts the award for costume design at the 95th Academy Awards.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

6:30 p.m. Glenn, honestly, you need to get a hold of yourself. If the high-emotion speech trend continues, Fraser will definitely win and we can’t print what you will say in this newspaper. — M.M.

6:27 p.m. Jenny the Donkey is in the building! — M.M.

Jimmy Kimmel addressed the Jenny the donkey Oscars ruse on Monday’s episode of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!,’ admitting, ‘We hired an L.A. donkey.’

March 14, 2023

6:27 p.m. I’m going to need that emotional support donkey if Brendan Fraser wins for lead actor. — G.W.

6:21 p.m. I don’t like that “Whale” makeup/hairstyling win. One, because I predicted “Elvis.” Two: This doesn’t mean that Brendan Fraser is actually going to win for that hateful movie, does it? — G.W.

6:17 p.m. This is just me reiterating my astonishment that “Women Talking” got no acting nominations. And now back to our original programming. — M.M.

‘Women Talking’ novelist Miriam Toews discusses what Mennonites think of the Oscar-nominated film and what she thinks of Sarah Polley’s use of the Monkees.

March 7, 2023

6:11 p.m. “All Quiet” wins on its first try. Missed a chance for an historic win, however — had “Elvis” shooter Mandy Walker taken it, she would have been the first female cinematography winner. — M.O.

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6:10 p.m. With the exception of that “Little Mermaid” clip — nothing says “Oscars” like free ads for Disney — this show has been filled with a striking number of authentic moments, including James Friend’s kissing his Oscar after winning for his cinematography on “All Quiet on the Western Front.” Every producer longs for speeches that transcend the thanking of agents, producers etc. but this show is actually delivering that. — M.M.

6:10 p.m. It’s like they finally got the message, Mary! Think about what you’re going to say and save the laundry list of thank-yous for after the show. — G.W.

6:04 p.m. For those wondering, here’s what’s happening in the press room: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson are continuing to advocate for animation as an art form and the animators as artists. “The animators are our stars, and they will never get enough credit,” said Gustafson, with del Toro adding, “It’s important that the animation was done by people that have been … treated like artists, not technicians, and [were] credited in the movie as such.” — T.B.

5:58 p.m. An Irish win! For “An Irish Goodbye!” Thank God, I was afraid all the glorious accents in the audience would go unheard (fingers still crossed, Colin Farrell). — M.M.

5:58 p.m. Well, the Irish had to win something tonight. — G.W.

5:54 p.m. And I liked Kimmel, Mary. I thought he delivered a classic Carson/Crystal opening monologue. It was funny and had some edge — but not too much. It wasn’t mean. It’s been a great show so far — big, emotional speeches … and now a middle finger to Putin for this “Navalny” documentary win. — G.W.

5:50 p.m. I’m trying to sort through complicated feelings about that supporting actress win for Jamie Lee Curtis, Mary, and how that category shifted from an “It’s Angela Bassett’s time” narrative to a Jamie Lee Curtis celebration. It just became evident about a month ago that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was incredibly popular with … everyone. And Bassett didn’t stand a chance once that wave started. I hope she finds another great role. — G.W.

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Jamie Lee Curtis — the self-appointed 2023 awards season cheerleader — shares photos of her gleeful reaction to her first Oscar nomination.

Jan. 24, 2023

5:49 p.m. So, Glenn, what do you think so far? I mean besides the “Every Oscar All at Once” trend? I liked the opening behind-the-scenes montage, though I think the late queen had a more dramatic parachute drop. Kimmel had to do a lot of work with that opening, and it was a little workmanlike, but the “just do what you did last year — nothing” dig at last year’s Oscars’ live audience was pretty sharp. — M.M.

5:46 p.m. I was just trying to place the “Applause” singer (Sofia Carson, performing a Diane Warren composition). And only recognized her after someone mentioned “Descendants,” a Disney Channel movie. — T.B.

5:39 p.m. “Oh, shut up”: Jamie Lee Curtis’ initial reaction to winning an Oscar may be my favorite of all time. — M.M.

5:37 p.m. Well, this is going to be a “Everything Everywhere All at Once” steamroller of an evening. — G.W.

5:36 p.m. Biggest reaction in the room for the supporting actresses is definitely for Jamie Lee Curtis — and she wins. — M.O.

An actor accepts an Academy Award.
Jamie Lee Curtis accepts the award for actress in a supporting role at the 95th Academy Awards.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
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5:33 p.m. OK, I was not going to cry no matter what, you guys, but “Mom, I just won an Oscar” got me. — M.M.

Ke Huy Quan won the award for supporting actor, his first, for his role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’

March 12, 2023

5:32 p.m. First standing ovation of the night for Ke Huy Quan — M.O.

5:32 p.m. Not sure how common applause is in the press room — it’s my first time here — but when Ke Huy Quan was announced, even the journalists cheered. — T.B.

5:31 p.m. Oh, man, DeBose started the crying even before Quan hit the stage! — G.W.

5:29 p.m. I think they might all be a year older, Mary, by the time this show ends. — G.W.

5:28 p.m. I’m guessing the “oldest” nominees — John Williams, Judd Hirsch — are not digging the constant age refs. — M.M.

5:27 p.m. Get the tissues ready for Ke Huy Quan’s speech! — G.W.

Two actors onstage at the Academy Awards
Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur present the awards for actress and actor in a supporting role at the 95th Academy Awards.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

5:23 p.m. I wanted “Turning Red” to win — remember all the hysteria over a movie that sort of dealt with menstruation? But ok, the “real boy” can win I guess. — M.M.

5:20 p.m. This was such a good year for stop motion. And Guillermo Del Toro has used every victory speech on the road to this win to reiterate that animation is cinema, it’s not just a children’s medium. — T.B.

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The Oscar-winner stop-motion take on ‘Pinocchio’ for Netflix is a sometimes odd, awkward thing, and at times a naggingly modern thing, but mostly a good thing.

Nov. 8, 2022

5:18 p.m. Did The Rock choose his jacket to match the champagne carpet? — G.W.

5:15 p.m. Kimmel checking off all the boxes — getting digs in at the voters overlooking female directors, James Cameron’s ego, the bloated excess of “Babylon,” taking a jab at Tom Cruise’s no-show, L. Ron Hubba-Hubba … Solid monologue. — G.W.

5:14 p.m. Nice job getting in a slap ref with the Irish actors riff, then the sideways Scientology ref with the “L. Ron Hubba Hubba” quip. Kimmel is being received warmly in the room so far, folks even embracing the “Cameron didn’t get a nom, what do they think he is, a woman?” line with appropriate “whoas.” — M.O.

5:07 p.m. Right out of the gate, going heavy on: Movies! In theaters! And, a year after the academy moved a number of crafts categories off the ceremony, the opening montage emphasized those very disciplines! It takes a village to make movie magic! — G.W.

5:06 p.m. Nicole Kidman/AMC reference a minute into Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue — was really hoping she would be walking down the steps in her sparkly pants suit, but I guess that is too much to ask. — M.M.

5:04 p.m. Hard to tell if the vocal support in the room for “Everything Everywhere” is fondness for the film or coming from the many, many nominees they have in the room. I’ll guess it’s a mix of both. — M.O.

4:56 p.m. Hello from the press room! This is Tracy Brown, staff writer, reporting on location at the Oscars for the first time. For those curious, the press room is in a ballroom with a bunch of tables and chairs packed with journalists waiting to ask their final questions of the winners who will eventually come through. And I am firmly team “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” — Tracy Brown

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4:54 p.m. Hey there, it’s none other than Michael Ordoña, another Envelope stalwart, watching from Row K, Seat 3 in the Dolby Theatre.

Looking at the run of show, the first hotly contested race will be up EARLY — actress in a supporting role. This recently looked like a lock for Angela Bassett to do the thing, but now, not so much. — Michael Ordoña

4:47 p.m. Hey Glenn! Here we are again, hoping for a show that, er, slaps with no actual slapping. Whew, got that out of the way and will not mention again, though it will be interesting to see how, or if, host Jimmy Kimmel references it. Kimmel, of course, has some experience with Oscar drama, having been the host of the 2017 telecast when “La La Land” was mistakenly announced for Best Picture when “Moonlight” had actually won. Brave man to come back. Let’s hear from Michael Ordona who is actually in the room! — Mary McNamara

4:42 p.m. Hello, Oscar watchers! I’m Glenn Whipp, awards columnist for The Times, settling in for what could be a dramatic evening — but for the right reasons this time. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” may have a lock on the best picture prize, but three of the four acting awards are up for grabs. (Ke Huy Quan is the one sure thing … be prepared to get teary-eyed during his supporting actor acceptance speech.) Tom Cruise isn’t here … but, surprise, surprise, Lady Gaga is. And so is my friend and colleague, Times columnist Mary McNamara. Hi Mary! — Glenn Whipp

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