Oscar 2023: Best Original Screenplay Winner & Analysis

The Best Original Screenplay category at the Oscars is always a fascinating one, right? It celebrates the purest form of storytelling in cinema – the ideas that sprung directly from a writer's mind, not adapted from a book, play, or another film. The 2023 Oscars were no exception, showcasing a diverse and compelling lineup of nominees. This article dives deep into the winner and the other amazing contenders. We will explore what made the winning screenplay stand out and analyze the key elements that contribute to a memorable and impactful original story. For anyone interested in screenwriting or just film in general, understanding what the Academy recognizes in this category is super valuable.

And the Oscar Goes To...

Everything Everywhere All at Once! Guys, this movie was a whirlwind! The winner of the Best Original Screenplay at the 2023 Oscars was Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known collectively as the Daniels, for their mind-bending, genre-defying masterpiece, Everything Everywhere All at Once. This victory was a major highlight of the night. The film had already swept through awards season, earning critical acclaim and audience adoration alike. But what exactly made the screenplay so special? Let's break it down.

A Deep Dive into Everything Everywhere All at Once

The genius of Everything Everywhere All at Once's screenplay lies in its audacious ambition and heartfelt core. On the surface, it's a chaotic, maximalist explosion of alternate realities, kung fu fighting, and bizarre imagery. But underneath that, it's a deeply moving story about family, love, and finding meaning in the chaos of modern life. The Daniels managed to weave together seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and emotionally resonant narrative. The script is incredibly inventive, constantly throwing new and unexpected curveballs at the audience while remaining grounded in the emotional journey of its protagonist, Evelyn Wang (played by the incredible Michelle Yeoh). The writing is sharp, witty, and surprisingly philosophical. The Daniels tackle big questions about existence, purpose, and the importance of human connection, all while delivering laugh-out-loud moments and breathtaking action sequences. The screenplay also deserves immense credit for its character development. Each character, even those in alternate realities, feels fully realized and complex, with their own motivations and desires. The relationship between Evelyn and her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu) forms the emotional backbone of the film, and the screenplay explores their struggles with empathy, acceptance, and cultural differences with nuance and sensitivity. The dialogue is also particularly noteworthy. It's authentic, often funny, and perfectly captures the way real people communicate, even in the most absurd situations. The Daniels have a knack for writing dialogue that is both naturalistic and highly expressive, allowing the actors to bring their characters to life in a truly memorable way.

The Other Nominees: A Showcase of Original Storytelling

While Everything Everywhere All at Once took home the gold, the other nominees in the Best Original Screenplay category were equally deserving of recognition. They represented a diverse range of genres, themes, and storytelling styles, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of screenwriters working today. Here’s a quick look at the other contenders:

The Banshees of Inisherin

Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin offered a darkly comedic and profoundly melancholic exploration of friendship, loneliness, and the futility of conflict. Set on a remote Irish island, the film tells the story of two lifelong friends whose relationship abruptly ends, leading to increasingly bizarre and tragic consequences. McDonagh's screenplay is a masterclass in dialogue, filled with witty banter, sharp observations, and moments of unexpected tenderness. The characters are richly drawn and deeply flawed, and the story unfolds with a slow-burning intensity that keeps you hooked until the very end. The script explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to reflect on your own relationships and the choices you make in life. The writing is both hilarious and heartbreaking, often in the same scene, and the performances are uniformly excellent.

The Fabelmans

Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner's The Fabelmans was a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story about a young man's growing passion for filmmaking and his complicated family life. The screenplay is a heartfelt and nostalgic tribute to the power of cinema and the importance of following your dreams. It's also a deeply personal and honest exploration of Spielberg's own childhood, warts and all. The film is filled with memorable characters, touching moments, and stunning visuals. The screenplay captures the magic of filmmaking and the transformative power of art. It's a story about family, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, told with Spielberg's signature warmth and humanity. The writing is both insightful and emotionally resonant, and the film is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

Tár

Todd Field's Tár presented a complex and morally ambiguous portrait of a renowned conductor whose life unravels amidst allegations of misconduct. The screenplay is a brilliant and unsettling exploration of power, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions. Cate Blanchett's performance as Lydia Tár is mesmerizing, and the screenplay provides her with a rich and nuanced character to inhabit. The film raises important questions about cancel culture, the abuse of power, and the complexities of artistic genius. The writing is sharp, intelligent, and unafraid to challenge the audience. Tár is a film that stays with you long after you've seen it, prompting you to consider the ethical dilemmas faced by artists and the responsibilities that come with power and influence.

Triangle of Sadness

Ruben Östlund's Triangle of Sadness offered a satirical and often outrageous critique of wealth, beauty, and social hierarchy. The screenplay is a wickedly funny and thought-provoking examination of class dynamics and the absurdity of modern society. The film is divided into three distinct acts, each more outlandish than the last, and the screenplay keeps you guessing at every turn. Östlund's writing is sharp, cynical, and unafraid to push boundaries. Triangle of Sadness is a film that will make you laugh, cringe, and question everything you thought you knew about the world. It's a bold and provocative satire that leaves a lasting impression.

Key Elements of a Winning Original Screenplay

So, what can aspiring screenwriters learn from the Best Original Screenplay nominees? What are the key elements that contribute to a truly great original story? Here are a few takeaways:

• A Unique and Compelling Concept: The best original screenplays start with a fresh and intriguing idea that hasn't been seen before. It's about finding a new angle on a familiar theme or exploring uncharted territory.
• Well-Developed Characters: Memorable characters are the heart of any great story. They need to be complex, believable, and relatable, even if they're flawed or unconventional.
• Strong Emotional Core: Even the most outlandish stories need to have an emotional center that resonates with the audience. It's about tapping into universal human experiences and emotions.
• Tight Structure and Pacing: A well-structured screenplay keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. The pacing should be deliberate, with each scene building towards a satisfying climax.
• Authentic Dialogue: Dialogue should sound natural and reflect the way real people speak. It should also reveal character and advance the plot.
• A Clear Point of View: A strong screenplay has a clear perspective and a message to convey. It's about saying something meaningful and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Final Thoughts

The Best Original Screenplay category at the Oscars celebrates the power of storytelling and the importance of original ideas. The 2023 nominees were a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of screenwriters working today. Everything Everywhere All at Once's win was a well-deserved recognition of its audacious vision, heartfelt story, and innovative filmmaking. By studying the winning screenplay and the other nominees, aspiring screenwriters can gain valuable insights into the art of storytelling and learn what it takes to create a truly memorable and impactful film. Keep writing, keep creating, and who knows, maybe one day you'll be holding that Oscar yourself!