How Ke Huy Quan's Emotional Role Can Win It All This Awards Season

Ke Huy Quan, who played Harrison Ford's 11-year-old sidekick in "Indiana Jones" in 1984 and the Temple of Doom,” has grown up now and is ready to be an Oscar nominee.

Quan, 51, received rave reviews for his role as Waymond Wang, the delightfully goofy husband from Daniels' whimsical multiverse comedy "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Like hardworking former actors who received their big Oscar breaks later in their careers — such as Paul Raci for 'Sound of Metal' (2020) and Troy Kotsur for 'CODA' (2021) — history Quan's return is one of the seasons bright spots.

Also known for playing Data in "The Goonies" (1985), Quan quit playing the late 1990s. Now, the resurgence of the Vietnamese-born actor's career, like that of his A24 counterpart Brendan Fraser ("The Whale"), has generated an outpouring of support.

In the absence of a precursor for the emergence of a supporting actor, the name of Quan has been widely debated; he even earned a Gotham nomination in October. As the actor books more roles - he'll appear in Marvel's 'The Electric State' and 'Loki' - Quan's growing visibility in the industry will benefit his Oscar campaign.

To see ranked predictions for each individual category, visit < em>Oscar Center from Variety.

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE AT THE SAME TIME, Ke Huy Quan, 2022. ph: Allyson Riggs /© A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection Courtesy Everett Collection

Best Supporting Actor has become the go-to place to award veteran performers. Longtime actors such as Alan Arkin ("Little Miss Sunshine", 2006) and Mark Rylance ("Bridge of Spies", 2015) found a path to recognition even when all the signs pointed to their fellow nominees in the lead. . Quan will share the veteran's tale with Brendan Gleeson ("The Banshees of Inisherin") and Judd Hirsch ("The Fabelmans"), both of whom have decades of love built up in Hollywood. This could be an obstacle for him on the track.

In addition to Quan's inspiring comeback, his nomination would represent a historic feat: he would only be the 10th Asian actor to be recognized for a supporting actor. Only one of these nominees won - Haing S. Ngor for "The Killing Fields" (1984).

Michelle Yeoh, who plays Wang's wife Evelyn, is also on the fast track to catch his first name. A lead actress...