BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay (Everything Everywhere All At Once)
BAFTA's Best Original Screenplay goes to the writers who put a laundromat owner in eleven dimensions.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts gave the BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay to the writers' room behind Everything Everywhere All At Once, and A24 Films got to watch their multiverse epic collect that British honor on the same night. What won the jury was the script's structure — a laundromat owner in Los Angeles ricocheting through a multiverse, finding every version of herself, and figuring out that the most boring middle-manager life might be the one worth grabbing. That landed exactly when independent cinema distribution was making bigger noise than anyone expected a year or two ago. For me, the win wasn't just about the narrative architecture; it was recognition that a studio willing to greenlight a dad doing tai-chi in a tax office backs people who take real creative risks. The production team built something dense, weird, and deeply felt, and the Academy's writing award said: that earned you a shelf spot.
- Film Title
- Everything Everywhere All At Once
- Screenwriters
- Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
- Ceremony Year
- 2023
- Award Category
- Best Original Screenplay
- Distributor
- A24 Films
Lore & Background
Within the A24 universe, this victory represents more than just industry validation; it is proof that intimate, chaotic stories can achieve global resonance. The Daniels crafted a screenplay that defied genre conventions, weaving martial arts action with existential philosophy and family drama. Such a win reinforces the studio's brand identity as a sanctuary for filmmakers who refuse to compromise their vision.
The award also highlights the collaborative nature of independent production. Unlike major studio blockbusters driven by committee notes, this script was nurtured through trust between director-writers and their cast. Its success at the BAFTAs paved the way for similar projects within A24's slate, encouraging a new wave of writers to explore non-linear narratives without fear.
Furthermore, this recognition bridged cultural gaps, bringing attention to Asian-American storytelling on an international stage. The screenplay's themes of empathy and connection resonated deeply with voters, proving that specific personal experiences can hold universal appeal when executed with authenticity.
In Their Own Story
In a quiet corner of the void between realities, a golden trophy floats amidst swirling bagel-shaped event horizons. A single page of script drifts past, ink glowing with multiversal energy, recording every version of Evelyn's choices. The Daniels watch from a distance as their words ripple through dimensions, solidifying into an award that transcends time itself.
Reader's Guide
At the 76th British Academy Film Awards held in London during February of 2023, A24's multiverse epic secured a historic victory for its writing team. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert accepted the trophy for Best Original Screenplay, cementing their status as visionary storytellers within the industry.
Their acceptance focused on deep gratitude toward the cast and crew who endured the incredibly chaotic production process required to bring such a wild concept to life. They emphasized the power of kindness within an often cynical entertainment landscape, urging peers to remain open-hearted despite challenges.
This win was part of a larger night where the film dominated multiple categories, including Best Film and Director, marking one of A24's most successful ceremonies ever. For the studio, this accolade reinforced their long-standing reputation for championing bold, unconventional narratives that resonate globally with diverse audiences.
The Daniels highlighted how genuine audience connection matters far more than box office metrics alone when judging artistic success. Their speech resonated deeply with fans who saw themselves in the protagonist's struggle across dimensions. Ultimately, this award validated the significant risk taken on such a complex, genre-bending script that defied traditional Hollywood formulas.
It remains a standout moment in modern independent cinema history and a beacon for future indie projects seeking critical acclaim abroad.
Did You Know?
- The Daniels wrote the screenplay over several years before production began.
- Michelle Yeoh won Best Actress at the same ceremony for her role as Evelyn Wang.
- A24 distributed the film globally, managing its complex international release strategy.
- This win contributed to one of the most successful award seasons in A24's history.
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