Academy Award for Best Director (Everything Everywhere All At Once)

Lore & Background

The significance of this accolade extends beyond the red carpet; it cemented A24's reputation as a haven for genre-defying art. By honoring the Daniels, the Academy acknowledged a new wave of cinema that dares to be weird, loud, and deeply sentimental all at once. This moment validated the studio's philosophy that the most unique voices deserve the biggest stages, turning a surreal family drama into a historic benchmark for independent filmmaking.

In Their Own Story

The room is silent, save for the soft hum of the projector in a small Los Angeles theater. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert stand at the podium, their faces reflecting the weight of a thousand universes collapsing into this single moment. As they lift the golden statuette, it feels less like a trophy and more like a 'bagel'—a void that threatens to swallow them whole, yet also holds everything together. They look out at the audience, seeing not just critics and peers, but every version of themselves across the multiverse, all nodding in approval.

Reader's Guide

At the 95th Academy Awards held on March 12, 2023, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert were honored for their direction of Everything Everywhere All At Once. This historic win marked the first time since 1968 that two directors shared the Best Director award, breaking a long-standing tradition of single honorees in the category.

Their victory was part of a record-breaking night where A24's film swept multiple major categories. In their acceptance speech, the duo expressed profound gratitude for the support they received from their cast and crew, emphasizing that the film was a collective effort born from shared dreams and relentless hard work. They highlighted how the project began as a small, personal idea that grew into something far larger than they could have imagined.

The significance of this win lies in its validation of unconventional storytelling. By honoring a film that defies traditional genre boundaries, the Academy signaled an openness to more experimental and diverse narratives. The Daniels' triumph inspired a new generation of filmmakers to pursue their unique visions without fear, proving that even the most bizarre concepts can resonate on the grandest stages.

Did You Know?

• The Daniels became the first team of directors to share the Best Director Oscar since George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppo (for The Godfather) were not actually co-directors; the last shared win was for A Clockwork Orange
• Everything Everywhere All At Once became only the second film to win Best Picture and Best Director in the same night while also winning Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan) and Best Original Screenplay.
• The film's budget was relatively modest compared to typical blockbusters, making its critical and awards success a massive victory for independent cinema.
• Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert are known for their previous short films and music videos before achieving this level of mainstream recognition.