The directing duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, popularly known as the Daniels. Thus, were awarded the Best Director Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony for their work on the Best Picture nominee “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. The ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The Academy recognised the duo’s outstanding contribution to the film industry. Hence, by selecting them from a pool of other acclaimed filmmakers. Including, Todd Field for his comeback film “Tár”, Irish director Martin McDonagh for “The Banshees of Inisherin.” Also, two-time Palme d’Or honoree Ruben Östlund for “Triangle of Sadness”, and two-time Best Director winner Steven Spielberg for his semi-autobiographical feature “The Fabelmans”.
MARKS A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT IN INDUSTRY:
Kwan and Scheinert’s win marks a significant achievement. Obviously, as they have become only the third directing duo in Oscar history. That is, to receive the Best Director prize. The first duo to receive this honour was Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise for “West Side Story” in 1962. Also, the second was Joel and Ethan Coen for “No Country for Old Men” in 2008. Additionally, Kwan has made history as the fourth Asian filmmaker to win the Best Director Oscar. Hence, following in the footsteps of Ang Lee who won two times for “Brokeback Mountain” and “Life of Pi” in 2006. Also, 2013, Bong Joon-ho who won for “Parasite” in 2020, and Chloé Zhao who won for “Nomadland” in 2021.
The Academy’s recognition of Kwan and Scheinert’s talent highlights the directors’ exceptional skills. Obviously, in creating a groundbreaking film that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The duo’s win also serves as an inspiration to other filmmakers. Ironically, to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the film industry.
A TEAM WORK INDEED:
The recent win at the Academy Awards is just one of many accolades that the directing team. That is, the Daniels, have earned for their work on “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” The duo has been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the film industry at various award ceremonies during the awards season. They have won directing prizes, as well as best feature and screenplay awards at the Hollywood Critics Association. Furthermore, Independent Spirit & Critics Choice Movie Awards. Additionally, the Directors Guild of America honoured them with the Outstanding Direction award. Apart from this, they also received trophies at the Writers Guild of America and Producers Guild of America Awards. The British Academy Film Awards and the Golden Globes recognised the Daniels’ work. Hence, nominating them for direction and their screenplay. As well as, their roles as producers of the film under the Best Picture category.
A SCI-FI ACTION COMEDY DRAMA:
Their critically acclaimed film “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” a sci-fi action comedy drama starring Michelle Yeoh. Hence, entered this year’s ceremony as a front-runner in multiple categories. It received 11 nominations, the most of any film. Including, Best Picture, Best Actress for Yeoh, Best Supporting Actor for Ke Huy Quan. Also, two Best Supporting Actress nods for Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu. The Best Original Screenplay for the Daniels & Best Original Score. Furthermore, the Best Original Song, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing.
The Daniels’ recognition is a result of their impressive rise to prominence since their 2016 feature debut with “Swiss Army Man,”. A film which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The movie, which starred Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano. People, who gained significant attention for its unusual concept about a man stranded on a deserted island. Thus, who befriends a farting corpse and received relatively positive reviews. The duo’s talent has propelled them from directing music videos. Such as Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What,” to creating thought-provoking films that captivate audiences and critics alike.
PREMIERED AT THE SOUTHWEST FILM FESTIVAL:
The highly anticipated film “Everything Everywhere All At Once” premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 11. Hence, receiving critical acclaim for its cast performances and the directing prowess of the Daniels. The movie follows the journey of Evelyn, played by Michelle Yeoh. Someone, who embarks on a multi-universal mission to save reality. David Ehrlich, IndieWire’s Chief Film Critic, praised the film. Thus, describing it as “an orgiastic work of slaphappy genius.”
During an interview with IndieWire at the festival, Kwan and Scheinert revealed that the idea for “Everything Everywhere” was originally inspired by the 1999 action film. The film is known as “The Matrix.” They sought to make their own version of the classic film. Obviously, which they considered a response to “The Matrix.” Kwan acknowledged the influence of the Wachowskis, saying, “We took so long that the Wachowskis beat us to it.”
THE WIN ADDS TO THE IMPRESSIVE COLLECTIONS OF THE DANIELS:
The Daniels’ latest win at the Academy Awards for Best Director adds to their impressive collection of accolades this awards season. With the most nominations of any film at 11, “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Thus, was a front-runner in multiple categories at the Oscars. The film also won directing prizes at the Hollywood Critics Association. The Independent Spirit, and Critics Choice Movie Awards. Hence, as well as Outstanding Direction at the Directors Guild of America Awards. Finally, trophies at the Writers Guild of America and Producers Guild of America Awards.