7 inspiring quotes in movies nominated for Oscars this year, from Everything Everywhere All at Once to Top Gun: Maverick
- With 11 nods, sci-fi film starring Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan lead the nominations for the 95th Academy Awards
- Each of the flicks on our list has thought-provoking lines that will give an important perspective on what matters in life
Stephanie Hsu (from left), Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan star in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Photo: A24/TNSWith the Oscars coming up, we are looking at seven inspiring quotes from some of the films that have been nominated for Best Picture this year.
33 inspirational movie quotes that motivate us to live our best lives
“The universe is so much bigger than you realise.” – Alpha Waymond, Everything Everywhere All at Once
This captivating sci-fi film, which earned 11 Oscar nominations, takes viewers into a multiverse full of possibilities. Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) is a struggling laundromat owner whose life is disrupted by a visit from Alpha Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), a version of her husband from another universe. Soon, she realises the universe is far larger than she ever thought possible.
Example: Failing the university admission exams does not mean that you cannot succeed in life – the universe is so much bigger than you realise!
“You can’t just love something. You also have to take care of it.” – Burt Fabelman, The Fabelmans
This semi-autobiographical film directed by Steven Spielberg is his most personal film as he reflects on his childhood and early years as a filmmaker. With this quote, the main character is reminded by his father that love comes with responsibility.
Example: I know you care for this pup, but you can’t just love something – you also have to take care of it.
“This family is our fortress.” – Jake Sully, Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron’s sci-fi film follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family as they struggle to protect their home from humans who seek to destroy it. This heartfelt statement from Jake shows that family is indispensable in his heart.
Example: My father keeps reminding my younger brother that no matter how far away he is from home, family is always our fortress.
“Find out where you can be of help and leave what you can’t help behind.” – Autje, Women Talking
Based on a true story, the film follows a group of women in an isolated religious community in Bolivia. After discovering a horrifying secret, the women must decide whether to stay and fight or to leave.
Example: You are only one person, and there are a lot of people in need – you need to find out where you can be of help and leave what you can’t help behind.
“There’s a lot of people saying a lot of things, but in the end, you gotta listen to yourself.” – Elvis Presley, Elvis
The musical drama follows the life of American rock ‘n’ roll singer and actor Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) through his rise to unprecedented stardom. This line is a reminder to always follow your heart.
Example: If you are sure about your passion for fashion design, you should go for it. In Elvis’ words: “There’s a lot of people saying a lot of things, but in the end, you gotta listen to yourself”.
“While you’re swimming in abundance, the rest of the world is drowning in misery.” – Captain Thomas Smith, Triangle of Sadness
This satirical black comedy film examines themes of social hierarchy and capitalism. After a storm, a group of super-wealthy people are stranded on an island. This quote from the film cuts deep into the divide between the rich and the poor.
Example: Capitalism has exacerbated the divide between the haves and the have-nots – while rich people swim in abundance, the rest of the world is drowning in misery.
“Don’t think. Just do!” – Pete Mitchell, Top Gun: Maverick
Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, is an experienced navy aviator tasked with leading a group of elite pilots on a mission. Maverick’s advice to these pilots is to take action rather than overthink their choices, as they must make quick decisions in the heat of the moment.
Example: Now is not the time to get in your head and lose confidence in your performance – don’t think, just do!