The relationship between the Academy Awards and SXSW

The SXSW Film Division is said to be the gateway to success for young and indie films, but now it has grown into a impressive film festival where it is said that all interesting films begin at SXSW.

At the forefront of this movement is A24, a film production and distribution company that is celebrating its 10th anniversary. A24 and SXSW go well together, and the company, who are regulars at SXSW, exhibit their work every year. 2016 Barry Jakins’ “Moonlight,” 2017 “Lady Bird,” and 2019 showed “Midsommar.” Last year, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” opened the SXSW2022 Film category.

One year and one day after that, the film overwhelmingly won the most out of the 95th Academy Awards! It won in 7 major categories, including Best Picture Award.

Both directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known as The Daniels, are also closely related to SXSW. In 2012 and 2015, the two won SXSW Film Awards Grand Jury Awards in the music video category. In 2016, it also branched out into feature films, with the comedy film “Swiss Army Man.”

As SXSW declares itself to be “a place to support all creators,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has become one dream fulfilled at SXSW.

Lead actress Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian actress to receive the award for Best Actress. In her acceptance speech, Michelle said, “To all the children watching this, this Academy statue is a sign of hope. It’s a sign that dreams can come true. I want this film to be my mother, and mothers around the world.” I dedicate this to you. You guys are superheroes!”

And Ki Hoi Kuan, who made an impressive return to acting in this work, also won the Best Supporting Actor Award. He became the first Asian actor in 38 years to win the award since Cambodian Hain S. Ngor.

“My journey started on a boat leaving a refugee camp, and now I’m on the biggest stage in Hollywood. It’s like a movie, but this is my life. It’s a dream. Dreams can’t come true if you don’t believe in them. Everyone, don’t give up on your dreams!!”

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is truly SXSW. SXSW has had comedy as one of its programs for several years, and it is clear that the attitude of trying to capture society through laughter is important. On the other hand, SXSW’s session category is “2050 (formerly Fantastic Future),” which discusses sci-fi future topics such as quantum computers, space development, and the multiverse.

It is of great significance that this sci-fi comedy film premiered at SXSW instead of Cannes or Sundance, and won many traditional Academy Awards.

A24 momentum continues at SXSW2023

Going back to this year, the momentum of the A24 will not stop. At all.

“Problemista,” directed, written by, and starring Julio Torres, has been unveiled for the first time in the world. A comedy about the immigration system in America.

Tilda Swinton, who stars in the film, is one of this year’s keynote speakers. As a featured speaker, Julio himself spoke about his creative style.

Director Furio, who has been active as a screenwriter on “Saturday Night Live” and has himself appeared as an actor in comedy works, basically directs the script he wrote himself. He said that the skills he developed on the TV show will be put to good use in the feature film.