The Only Sci-Fi Movie to Ever Win an Oscar for Best Picture is Now on Prime
The best movie about how not to get sucked in by a beagle and how to keep your family together.
Summary
- In the entire history of the Academy Awards, sci-fi films have only been nominated for Best Picture, but have never won.
- However, the absurdist sci-fi movie Everything Everywhere All at Once took home the top Oscar this year.
- It's a great story about the struggles of an American-Chinese family, and it's now available on Prime Video.
For nearly a hundred years, the Academy Awards have selected the most deserving nominees for Best Picture. It's important to note, however, that while critics can choose a movie of any genre as Best Picture, there is a certain pattern to their choices. Comedies, thrillers, crime and biographical dramas have a much better chance of winning the top prize.
Even in the fantasy genre, only two films, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and The Shape of Water, have won the award for the entirety of the ceremony's existence, and despite their settings, each is a poignant drama in its own right. But in all the years of film history, until the 95th Academy Awards, no sci-fi film had ever won Best Picture, despite its undeniable influence on pop culture. Except for one, which is now available on Prime Video!
One of the Greatest Sci-Fi Movies of All Time
No other genre seems to be able to convey as powerfully and eloquently as science fiction important questions about humanity's (and other beings') place in the world, identity, and the encounter with the incomprehensible. So many dramatic elements, so many profound ideas. And sadly, despite their enormous impact on mass consciousness, cinematic evolution, and even philosophical thought, none of these films have ever been honored with a Best Picture award.
That was until March of this year, when A24's Everything Everywhere All at Once took home the ultimate Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards. Indie filmmaking duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who made the acclaimed absurdist drama Swiss Army Man, hardly expected their next film to be such a colossal success, but it turned out to be exactly what audiences have been craving. Despite its multiverse setting, the film's surreal mix of genres focused on the drama of one family and their immigrant experience, which impressed critics.
How Do I Watch It on Prime and Other Services?
Everything Everywhere All at Once is now available by subscription on Prime Video! The movie is offered in several options:
- If you own a Prime subscription ($14.99 per month and $7.49 per month for students, both of which offer a 30-day free trial).
- If you purchase the movie on the Prime platform (SD for $19.99 and HD/UHD for $19.99).
- The movie is also available for rent in SD or HD/UHD quality for $3.99 or $4.99, respectively.
The Best Picture-winning sci-fi film is also available for streaming on Apple TV+ and The Roku Channel (Paramount+ or Showtime subscriptions required), as well as DirecTV. Everywhere All at Once is also offered for purchase or rental on other platforms, starting at $4.99 on iTunes.
Why Is It a Must-See?
The whole multiverse theme is an artistic framing of the feelings of loss, hopelessness, and alienation of Chinese American immigrants. It is the story of a daydreaming mother, sometimes fantasizing about other life choices, and a second-generation American daughter, struggling to find identity and acceptance from family members and trying not to fall into destructive nihilism.
What makes the film special is its emphasis on the linguistic identity of the characters: in addition to English, Mandarin and Cantonese are used equally, representing cultural alienation and noir melancholy in the style of Wong Kar-wai. Not to be overlooked are the stirring performances of Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis and James Hong.
Everywhere All at Once will prove to be a great option for both those looking for a great sci-fi movie and those looking for a powerful drama story.