As you can imagine, we are all over this. The Silver Marketing Association (SMA) supports promotes best practice and ethical marketing to the mature market. This means everything from promoting causes like the Age Friendly Employer Pledge to undertaking important research work into the various aspects of the silver sector. They champion businesses in the sector – Silver Magazine included – and the business awards are a highly contested badge of honour for those who win. Here are the Silver Marketing Association awards.

About the awards

These awards recognise and celebrate the companies and organisations that have delivered a successful marketing campaign in the last year, focusing on the older demographic and showing creativity, empathy and measurable results. The entries are judged by a brilliant lineup of informed and impartial judges. The awards’ headline sponsor this year is Boom Radio – so the host for the event will be Boom co-founder and presenter David Lloyd (below). We’ve seen him speak before and he’s hugely entertaining – worth going to the event just for him!

In alphabetical order, the shortlisted entries in each category, together with the sponsors, are:

Best Radio/Podcast Campaign – sponsored by Senior Response

Shortlisted:

• Age Co – Things Get Better with Age Co
• Boom Radio & One Traveller – One Traveller radio campaign
• Intergenerational England – The Talking Generations Podcast
• Vintage Travel – Vintage Travel – Silver Awareness

Best Print Campaign – sponsored by Saga Magazine

Shortlisted:

• Age Co– Things Get Better with Age Co
• Alfa Travel – Alfa Travel 2024 brochure
• BlueStar Media & Silver Travel Advisor – Silver Traveller Magazine
• BlueStar Media & Ambassador Cruise Line – Ambassador Cruise Line – Fair Winds Magazine

Best Outdoor Campaign – sponsored by Mash Marketing

Shortlisted:

• Centre for Ageing Better - Age Without Limits
• The Kite Factory and Don’t Panic – Oxfam – Staying In The Fight
• YourStride – Grassroots Bowls Clubs

Best Direct Mail Campaign – sponsored by Eight Days a Week Print Solutions

Shortlisted:

• Audley Group – Audley Luxury Retirement Villages
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Merry Christmas
• McCarthy Stone – Time to open a new chapter

Best Social Media Campaign – sponsored by Silversurfers

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line –  Ambassador Cruise Line
• Ageism Is Never In Style – #ILookMyAge
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Sustainable Kitchen Makeover

Best TV Campaign – sponsored by ITV

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line Ambassador Cruise Line – Enjoy yourself
• The Kite Factory and Don’t Panic – Oxfam – Staying In The Fight
• TVADSWORK and Doro – The Doro TV Commercial’ Campaign

Best PR Campaign– sponsored by Marketing Radar

Shortlisted:

• Finn Partners & The Advantage Travel Partnership  – Travel Triumph: Targeting the Silver Traveller for The Advantage Travel Partnership
• LOTUS & Visit Guernsey – Visit Guernsey – Renoir in Guernsey; 1883
• Wallacea Living – The Time of Your Later Life

Best Digital Marketing / Age Tech campaign – sponsored by AgeSpace

Shortlisted:

• CareCall – CareCall
• Dementia Adventure and Freddie’s Flowers – Blooms of Connection: Celebrating Dementia Adventure’s 15th Birthday with Freddie’s Flowers
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Digital Lead Generation Campaign
• Mistral Hotel – Singles in Crete & Copywrite That - New Sunday Best Friend

Best Overall Multi-Channel Campaign – sponsored by Precision Platinum

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line – Ambassador Cruise Line – Enjoy yourself
• Centre for Ageing Better – Age Without Limits
• McCarthy Stone – Time to open a new chapter
• Wallacea Living– The Time of Your Later Life

Good luck to everyone taking part! The awards will be presented at a sparkling drinks reception on Tuesday 25 June 2024 at the Cavendish Centre, London W1 from 17:30 -18:30 following the Silver Marketing Summit.

Please contact enquiries@silvermarketing.org if you would like to attend the Silver Marketing Association awards.

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The post Silver Marketing Association business marketing awards appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The Silver Marketing Summit is fast approaching, on Tuesday 27 June. As sponsor for the Best Social Media Campaign award, we’re VERY PROUD to be part of celebrating the growing world of silver marketing. And the Silver Marketing Awards are just about to happen.

Hosted by Derek Jones, a veteran of the entertaining travel industry, the awards will showcase and celebrate exceptional campaigns in the mature marketing industry. Furthering the exposure of companies who are working towards a media landscape more representative of the older age range in the UK.

It’s not just an awards night though

The winners will be announced at the Silver Marketing Association Business Awards. The awards take place following the Silver Marketing Association’s Summit on 27 June, at the Cavendish Centre in London. Tickets for the Summit are still available, as well as tickets for virtual attendance. 

Read about the Silver Marketing Awards – Unveiling the Silver Business Awards

And the nominees are…

Best Print Campaign – sponsored by Radar

• Alfa Travel – Alfa Travel Brochure
• Bray Leino – Have you heard about Gine?
• Silver Travel Advisor – Silver Traveller

Best Digital Campaign – sponsored by SilverSurfers

• Action Alliance – Age Action Alliance launch
• Autumna – Targeted Shortlist
• Noon, in association with Vision Express and The Forth Angel – See Yourself Differently in Mid Life
• Real Response Media – World of Cruising 

Best Direct Mail Campaign – sponsored by Eight Days a Week

• Greensleaves Care –  Greensleaves Care Winter campaign
• Hodge – Mortgages as Unique as Your Clients
• JG Travel Group – Less is More

Best Social Media Campaign – sponsored by us! 

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line – Lead Generation
• Jam & Staysure – Travel Worth Doing Right
• The Bias Cut – Ageism is Never in Style

Best TV Campaign – sponsored by Hodge 

• Bray Leino – Have you hear about Gina?
• Precision Creative and Media – Stannah Stairlifts – “Find Teddy”
• Saga – You’re not wrong
• The Kite Factory & Don’t Panic – WaterAid: What Jack gave

Best Radio Campaign – sponsored by LBC

• Accord Marketing & Olympic Holidays – Welcome to our home
• Boom Radio – Oddfellows friendship month
• Boom Radio – Kelvin Furniture retirement clearance sale 
• McCarthy Stone – Peace of mind

Best PR Campaign – sponsored by Mash Marketing

• Anything But Grey – Saga Exceptional
• DAPS Agency Ltd – Boosh Foods Bone Broth
• Finn Partners – the St. Helena 
• LOTUS (in collaboration with the Spanish Tourist Office) –  Spain Sustainability Day

Best Multi-Channel Campaign – sponsored by Precision Creative and Media

• Bray Leino – Have you heard about Gina?
• Centre for Ageing Better – Age friendly employer pledge
• Saga – Experience is Everything
• Silver Travel Advisor – Silver Travel Tours

We’ll see you there!

The Silver Marketing Association Summit is being held at the Cavendish Centre, Duchess Mews, London, W1G 9DT.

After a day of insightful talks and discussions, involving people from organisations like ITV, Daily Mail, and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, to name a few, the Silver Business Awards will be presented at 17:30, following the summit’s finish at 16:45. Sparkly drinks will be served after the awards, until 19:00, for you to enjoy whilst celebrating and networking. 

We don’t want anyone getting getting lost. Oxford Circus, and Regent’s Park are the closest underground stations. Use the Victoria, Central, or Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus station. Or, head to Regent’s Park station using the Bakerloo Line.

Registration and networking begins at 9:00 (coffee and pastries provided), with events and talks promptly kicking off at 9:25. See the full summit itinerary here. 

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Behold! The Silver Marketing Awards Shortlist! appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In the competitive world of business, finding ways to stand out and generate attention is essential. So if you’re working within the 40+ market, you need to know about the Silver Business Awards.

Beyond the allure of the trophies and accolades, there are a number of benefits to be gained from entering and, ultimately, winning these prestigious honours. 

Silver Magazine is very proud to be a sponsor of the inaugural Silver Marketing Association Business Awards. Let’s tell you a bit more about them and why you should enter…

Enhanced credibility and reputation

Participating in business awards instantly elevates your company’s credibility and reputation. By undergoing a rigorous evaluation process, you showcase your commitment to excellence and industry leadership. 

Winning an award – or even being shortlisted – demonstrates to clients, partners, and stakeholders that your business has been acknowledged as a trusted and exceptional player in your field. This validation builds trust and confidence, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

Amplified brand visibility and exposure

…social media platforms often showcase award recipients, giving your brand valuable exposure to a wider audience

Business awards provide an unparalleled platform to increase brand visibility and exposure. They attract significant media attention, allowing your company’s achievements to be highlighted across various channels. As an example, Silver Magazine will be live Tweeting the winners, publishing a full report after the event, and doing some focus features on winners and runners-up. And that’s just us.

Media outlets, industry publications, and social media platforms often showcase award recipients, giving your brand valuable exposure to a wider audience. This increased visibility can lead to enhanced brand recognition, increased customer interest, and expanded market reach.

Differentiation and competitive advantage

In a crowded marketplace, standing out from the competition is vital. Business awards offer a unique opportunity to differentiate yourself from your rivals. Entering the awards also gives you a chance to check into your own progress and plans. Through the application process, you delve deep into your business’s strengths, achievements, and unique value proposition. 

This exercise not only helps you refine your messaging but also uncovers areas where you excel. By emphasising your award-winning status, you establish a competitive advantage that sets you apart from others in your industry, attracting both clients and top talent.

Employee motivation and recognition

Winning a business award is not only a testament to the company itself, but also a recognition of the hard work and dedication of your employees. Being acknowledged for their contributions boosts morale, instils a sense of pride, and fosters a positive work culture. 

Employees become motivated and inspired to continue performing at their best, knowing their efforts are valued and recognised by the wider business community. The recognition generated by business awards can also attract talented individuals seeking to join an award-winning team.

Networking and industry connections

The relationships formed through business awards can have long-lasting benefits…

Participating in business awards offers invaluable networking opportunities within your industry. Award ceremonies and events bring together industry leaders, influencers, and fellow nominees, creating an environment ripe for forging new connections. Networking with peers, judges, and sponsors can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and future business ventures. The relationships formed through business awards can have long-lasting benefits, expanding your professional network and opening doors to mentorship, knowledge sharing, and growth.

So what are you waiting for?!

In the competitive world of business, seizing opportunities to shine is paramount. Business awards offer a multitude of benefits, from enhancing credibility and reputation to amplifying brand visibility and differentiation. They provide a platform to celebrate and recognise the achievements of your company and employees while creating invaluable networking opportunities. Embrace the power of business awards, and position your business at the forefront of recognition, success, and continued growth.

The awards will be presented at a sparkling drinks reception on Tuesday 27 June 2023 at the Cavendish Centre, London W1 from 17:00 -19:00, hosted by the inimitable and entertaining Derek Jones, and following the Silver Marketing Sunmmit.

Read more: How to make your business successful and competitive in uncertain times

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Unveiling the Silver Business Awards: unlocking success and recognition appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the 95th Academy Awards has caused quite the stir. Not Will Smith level, obviously. But this year was not without drama; one suspects that with actors, this comes with the territory.

It’s a shame to see Angela Bassett miss out again, but we’re thrilled for Jamie Lee Curtis, 64. Brendan Fraser, 54, is having the season of HIS ACTUAL LIFE. And Ke Huy Quan, 51, was probably the most excited winner we’ve ever seen. 

I don’t normally add ages to an article like this unless it’s relevant, but I feel it’s relevant. Because this year’s awards has seen a definitive rise in older winners. Michelle Yeoh, 60, summed it all up when she said, “…don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up!”

You don’t need us to run down the full list of who won what by now. If you’re a fan, if you love the glam, you’ve already watched it, checked out the coverage, drooled over the fashion images.

What I’d like to do here is shine a light on the four winners above. We managed to bag backstage chats with them all. And if you’re a Silver regular, you’ll know what’s coming next. Yeah – these are not youngsters. This is not their first time at the rodeo, to coin a phrase.

Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh: we broke that glass ceiling

13th Mar, 2023. Michelle Yeoh arriving at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2023, Los Angeles. Credit: Doug Peters/Alamy Live News

Michelle Yeoh has been celebrating winning the Actress in a Leading Role award at the Oscars. The Malaysian actress received the golden statuette at the 95th Academy Awards for her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Michelle beat Cate Blanchett [‘Tár’], Ana de Armas [‘Blonde’], Michelle Williams [‘The Fabelmans’] and Andrea Riseborough [‘To Leslie’].

On collecting her award, Michelle said: “Thank you. Thank you. For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight—this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that—dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up!”

There’s more to the speech, but we wanted to pin down Michelle for a chat…

Backstage at the event…

Lucy: Congratulations Michelle. What does this win mean to you in terms of Asian representation within the entertainment industry?

“…tonight we freaking broke that glass ceiling. I Kung Fu’d it out and shattered it.”

MICHELLE YEOH: This is actually a historical moment, and I have to thank the Academy for acknowledging, embracing diversity and true representation. I think this is something that we have been working so hard towards for a very long time, and tonight we freaking broke that glass ceiling. I Kung Fu’d it out and shattered it, and we need this because there are so many who felt unseen, unheard. It’s not just the Asian community. This is for the Asian community and for anyone who has been identified as a minority. 

L: Have you ever felt like taking a step back from acting? And because you stayed, what advice would you give to people who are afraid to take up space?

MICHELLE YEOH: You should never be afraid. If this is your passion, this is your love, you have to stand up for yourself and for what you believe in and for what you want to do. I think that is what it is. I’m still here today. Finally, after 40 years, I get this. 

It just goes to show, we will  we will win the battle. And that’s what we’re doing. So don’t give up. Never give up. Because once you give up, then it’s a loss. It’s a total loss, right? So, yes, don’t let anybody put you in a box. 

“So don’t give up. Never give up. Because once you give up, then it’s a loss.”

Dare to dream. Because if you don’t dream, then it’s impossible. But nothing is impossible. Look at me, I’m here.

L: So, yesterday was exactly a year ago when ‘Everything Everywhere all at Once’ premiered. Can you take us back to that day last year and refer to that day to how you are feeling today, with all this success today?

MICHELLE YEOH: It’s been quite a marathon, hasn’t it? For the cinema that we want a collective experience where we want to enjoy, share that laughter, crying, or whatever it is together. That is what the magic of being at the movies at South by Southwest, it was the first actual – not streaming, not virtual – festival. And we were so blessed that everyone came, and we were blown away. Because you know, you give your heart and soul to a movie, but there is never any guarantee… when you put it up in the sky, please don’t fall flat on your face, right? 

I swear to God, it’s you [viewers], all of you, because you made it interesting. They had to come to the cinemas to watch this crazy wacky movie. Because you didn’t want to be left out of the conversation. So in that way, thank you to all of you. You propelled our little gem of a film. Yes, we had a huge beating heart.

This movie has helped in communication. This movie has helped to open hearts between families, whether it’s husband and wife, daughters and mothers, daughters and fathers, but just simply family. And we never give up on each other. 

L: Mothers are a big feature for you. What is something that your mother told you or gave you that you’ve carried with you through this journey?

MICHELLE YEOH: I think mothers are very important to all of us because without them, none of us would be sitting in this room, to start off with. The most important thing is my mother has always instilled in me confidence. Taught me about love. Taught me about kindness and compassion. 

I’m not very, very good at that at times. Actually, the recent thing that she asked me to do is ‘Don’t wear pants to the Oscars.’ I think what mothers do is they’re constantly reminding you to be better. And they do it with love and they do it because they really want you to be better so you have more opportunities, and you will have a better life. And that for them, is their ultimate goal.

L: Thank you so much

MICHELLE YEOH: Thank you.

Brendan Fraser: I hope I can live up to this

12th Mar, 2023. Brendan Fraser walking on the red carpet at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News

Brendan Fraser has won the Actor in a Leading Role award at the Oscars. The US actor received the golden statuette at the 95th Academy Awards for his performance in ‘The Whale’.

Brendan beat Austin Butler [‘Elvis’], Colin Farrell [‘The Banshees of Inisherin’], Paul Mescal [‘Aftersun’] and Bill Nighy [‘Living’].

On collecting his award, Brendan said: “So this is what the multiverse looks like! Oh my goodness!

“I thank the Academy for this honour and for our studio, A24, for making such a bold film. I am grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship, ‘The Whale’. It was written by Samuel D. Hunter who is our lighthouse. Gentlemen, you laid your whale hearts bare so that we could see into your souls like no one else could do. It is my honour to be named alongside you in this category.”

Backstage at the event, Brendan said:

L: Huge congratulations. This is such an amazing moment for you. How do you feel right in this moment? What does winning this award mean to you?

BRENDAN FRASER: I feel a bit light in the head. This is actually kind of heavy [referring to the statuette]. One arm might be longer than the other by the end of the evening. 

I guess it means that I’m going to have to find a job. I’m grateful for this because of the number of people who worked during a time of COVID that we all lived under, and we had to be very careful with one another to stay safe. And I think of all the films we’ve seen this year, there’s a secret ingredient, and my guess is that it’s that concern that we showed for one another and for the work that we do, because we all lived under an existential threat. 

We didn’t know if there would be a tomorrow. So going to make a film with this gravity just reinforced how important it is to perform as if it’s the first and last time you ever will. That’s all I’ve got.

L: What drew you to the role and how fulfilling this win is for you?

BRENDAN FRASER: Darren Aronofsky was going to make a film. Any actor is like a moth to the flame for that. And he told me that it was a story about a man who has been overeating and it’s harming him, and he’s very lonely, and he wants to reconcile with his child if he can. And that’s about all I knew. And, of course, he showed me the script. 

I was intensely moved by it, much in the same way, I learned, that Darren was when he first saw the stage play in New York ten years earlier that Sam D Hunter had written. Darren was quite forthright that this would be a challenging part just in terms of what it would take to create Charlie and his body, and luckily, he had now-Oscar winner Adrien Morot to do my makeup.

But it was my job to play Charlie from the inside out, and theirs to create him from the outside in.

L: Queer storytelling has come a long way since you starred in Gods and Monsters, which was also an Oscar-winning film. So how rewarding was it to bring a voice to a complicated queer character like Charlie? You have a lot of gay fans, the the gays love you! So…?

BRENDAN FRASER: I love you right back. Charlie is so much more than just a gay man. He’s a father, he’s an educator, he’s a truth seeker, and that he fell hopelessly, inconveniently in love with whomever is immaterial. He’s someone who found love, lost it, and then found it again. 

“Charlie is so much more than just a gay man. He’s a father, he’s an educator, he’s a truth seeker.”

I think that’s something that we can all take a page from. And know that with perseverance, if you put one foot in front of the other, like Charlie did, go to the light, believe me. If I can do it, you can too. Good things will happen.

L: What a year you’ve had. What was the first thought in your head when you heard your name called?

BRENDAN FRASER: This has been incredibly rewarding and affirming, and it’s given me a lesson in humility and gratitude. What did I hear when I first heard my name? I heard my name but I thought, ‘that can’t be right.’ But it was, so I guess I should get up there and say something quick!

Jamie Lee Curtis: Please don’t cancel me!

12th March, 2023. Jamie Lee Curtis posing for photos in the press room at the The 95th Academy Awards. (Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News

Jamie Lee Curtis won Best Actress in a Supporting Role award at the Oscars. The US actress received the golden statuette at the 95th Academy Awards for her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Jamie Lee beat Angela Bassett [‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’], Kerry Condon [‘The Banshees of Inisherin’], Hong Chau [‘The Whale’] and Stephanie Hsu [‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’].

On collecting her award, Jamie Lee said: “Stop. I have 45 seconds, and I promised Janet Yang I would do it well because I’m a good girl.”

She proceeded to thank her entire crew, her family, agents, team members and everyone who supports movies. It was quite the 45 seconds!

Read More: Getting candid: Interview with Jamie Lee Curtis

Backstage at the event, with Jamie Lee

L: Congratulations on this win, Jamie Lee

JAMIE LEE CURTIS: Thank you so much.

L: There are 65 women this year nominated for academy awards across various disciplines. How does it feel for you to be amongst that number?

JAMIE LEE CURTIS: Surreal and proud, and obviously I would like to see a lot more women being nominated so there’s gender parity in all the areas, in all the branches, and I think we’re getting there. We’re not anywhere near there. 

And of course, the inclusivity then that involves the bigger question, which is, how do you include everyone when there are binary choices, which is very difficult. And, as the mother of a trans daughter, I completely understand that and yet, to de-gender the category also I’m concerned will diminish the opportunities for more women, which is something I have also been working hard to try to promote. So it’s a complicated question, but I think the most important thing is inclusivity and more women. Basically, just fucking more women anywhere, anytime, all at once.

“I don’t believe in a world where there are a bunch of people up there looking down on us. I think we are them in our actions, and in our deeds, and in our ideas.”

L: You are everyone’s favourite nepo baby, as you said. Do you think your mum and dad are looking down on you tonight and smiling?

JAMIE LEE CURTIS: Well, let me just be honest. I don’t believe in a world where there are a bunch of people up there looking down on us. I think we are them in our actions, and in our deeds, and in our ideas, and then we build our own and then we give them to our children and that’s how the world goes on. So I am a product of them and I am a proud product of them. And I know they would be incredibly proud of me, of course. Thank you.

NEXT UP, THERE IS A VIRTUAL QUESTION…

JAMIE LEE CURTIS [completely misunderstanding the question!]: The virtual people don’t get shit. They don’t get food. They don’t get water. They’re at home. Their kids are screaming. Their husband’s cheating on them. They’re so bummed out. They want to be here with you people so bad.

[IT BECOMES CLEAR THAT THE QUESTION IS FROM AN ONLINE JOURNALIST]

JAMIE LEE CURTIS: Oh, excellent. Good. Good. Oh, you’re actually, I thought it was just sort of like a tweet. I didn’t realize there were people…. guys, don’t cancel me. Please do not cancel me because I assumed that your husband is cheating on you [laughs]. I literally thought when they said digital it was, like, a virtual that I thought it was a tweet question. Seriously. Do not ruin this moment for me. I cannot handle it if you cancel me now. Cancel me tomorrow. Just not tonight. Give me a break. I’m so sorry if I was insulting.

Q: How much Hungarian are you?

JAMIE LEE CURTIS: I can’t really show you on national television. How much am I? That’s very personal. I can sing that little song, (singing in Hungarian). I won’t sing to you people because Stephanie Hsu just sang, and she can sing; I can’t. Anyway, I love my Hungarian heritage.

Q: Can we consider this at least a semi-Hungarian Oscar?

JAMIE LEE CURTIS: Oh, yeah. The lower half. [Looks at statuette] Definitely the lower half.

L: Thank you so much.

JAMIE LEE CURTIS: Oh my goodness me. Now you people are going to hate me because I cracked wise. I’m so sorry. But I’m taking this really seriously. And this is the thrill of my life. And please don’t cancel me. Please. Thank you.

Ke Huy Quan: never forget where you came from

13th Mar, 2023. Ke Huy Quan walking on the red carpet at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News

Ke Huy Quan has been celebrating winning the Actor in a Supporting Role award at the Oscars. The Vietnamese/American actor received the golden statuette at the 95th Academy Awards for his performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Ke Huy Quan beat Barry Keoghan [‘The Banshees of Inisherin’], Brendan Gleeson [‘The Banshees of Inisherin’], Judd Hirsch [‘The Fabelmans’] and Brian Tyree Henry [‘Causeway’].

On collecting his award, Ke Huy Quan said: “Thank you. My mom is 84 years old. She is at home watching. Mom, I just won an Oscar.

“My journey started on a boat. I spent year in a refugee camp. And somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage.

“They say, ‘Stories like this only happen in the movies.’ I cannot believe it’s happening to me.”

Backstage at the event, we caught up with Ke for a chat.

L: Congratulations!

KE HUY QUAN: “Thank you. Can you believe I’m holding one of these? This is so surreal. Wow.”

L: When you starred in ‘Goonies’ and ‘Indiana Jones’, you were credited as Jonathan Ke Quan. What does it mean to win an Oscar with your real name on it?

KE HUY QUAN: “When I started as a kid, I was you know, it was my birth name, Ke Huy Quan. And I remembered when it got really tough, my manager told me that maybe, you know, it would be easier if you were to have an American sounding name, and I was so desperate for a job that I would do anything. 

“And it’s insane that I at one point that I would, you know, try a different name, not the name that was given to me. But it can only show you how desperate I was to try to try to make things different. So when I decided to get back into acting, which was three years ago, the very first thing that I wanted to do was to go back to my birth given name, and to and tonight to see Ariana open that envelope and say ‘Ke Huy Quan,’ that was a really, really special moment for me. And then immediately I was so emotional. 

“But the first image that I had in my mind was my mom, was my mom, who is the reason why I am in America, who is the reason why I have a better life, I have all these opportunities. 

“Like I said in my acceptance speech, she sacrificed so much. She had a great life where we came from, and she gave all that up so that all her children, there’s nine of us, there’s nine of us, and every single one of them are so grateful to my parents. So yeah. And Dad [looks to the sky tearful] I hope you’re proud of me. So…”

L: How does it feel to call yourself an Oscar winner tonight and be here?

KE HUY QUAN: “Tonight, my family, a portion of them, I have a big family, flew in from Houston to be with me tonight. So that was really special. 

“And, during one of the commercial breaks, I ran up to Steven Spielberg, and he gave he a big hug. He put his arms around me and he said, ‘Ke, you are now an Oscar-winning actor.’ And hearing him say that meant the world to me, and I still cannot believe it. Yeah, I mean. Wow. Wow.”

“… my younger self would not know all the struggles that I went through to be here, because he was just having the time of his life being a kid, being on a set.”

L: if your younger self could be here now at the age of data and your younger Goonie brothers were here, what would they say to you right now?

KE HUY QUAN: “Well, my younger self would not know all the struggles that I went through to be here, because he was just having the time of his life being a kid, being on a set with, you know, on a pirate ship going down a water slide. 

“And, you know, right before this night started, Corey Feldman one of my Goonies brothers called. I was talking to Kerri Green and of course tonight, Jeff Cohen, who is my entertainment lawyer, is here tonight with me. He was in the audience. And that’s why I wanted to thank him because I love all of them so much, and every single one of them is so happy. Sean reached out, Josh, Martha, and, you know, we are always bonded you know, we’re family together. Goonies never say die.”

L: A lot of people think of you as a very positive person, relate to you in numerous ways. How do you just stay humble and true to yourself?

KE HUY QUAN: “It’s how I was brought up. It’s how I was taught and, also, that’s why I always say: Never forget where you came from, because if you forget that, then all humility goes out the window. I remember how difficult it was for me, so that’s why every time I walk on a movie set, I’m so grateful. This tonight was certainly wasn’t, you know, I didn’t think this was possible. But yeah, I don’t ever want to forget that, and I always want to I think it’s important to appreciate where you are. 

“Never forget where you came from, because if you forget that, then all humility goes out the window.”

“And I’m just so grateful. I’ve said this maybe some of you have heard it, you know, I didn’t think any of this would be possible. And God, it has been so crazy. All of a sudden my mind is drifting back to the days when I lost my health insurance during the pandemic when I couldn’t get a job. And you know, somebody asked me this earlier: Do I have anything planned? What am I doing next? I don’t know what I’m doing next. 

“All I know is, first thing tomorrow morning I’m going to call my agent because I remember when I was struggling, I would call my agent. I try not to bother him too much. But I would call him, you know, once every three months, once every six months, and I would say, ‘Hey, is there anything out there for me?’ And the answer would always be the same: ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. There’s nothing out there, but I’ll continue to look.’ So hopefully when I call my agent tomorrow, he will give me a different answer!”

L: Thank you

KE HUY QUAN: “Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I love you all. I love you all. I love you, love you, love you, love you.”

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Edited for clarity. As told to Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

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The Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF) supported by FilmDoo, taking place on 16th & 17th September 2017 in Brighton, East Sussex, UK, is an international film festival aiming to redress the age and gender imbalance older women face in the film industry.

WOFFF champions women over 50 in front of and behind the camera, and this September’s third annual, interactive, engaging, entertaining weekend of films and activities for older women and their friends looks to be the largest event yet with 55 films being screened, from over 150 submissions from around the world, the largest number of submissions ever received.

Festival Director Nuala O’Sullivan said, “We’re excited to see the depth and breadth of talent on display, both on screen at the festival and in our other events. We’re delighted to have film industry professionals, like Felicity Beckett and Claire Lamond, on our jury panel and University of Brighton film academics, Vanessa Marr and Louise FitzGerald, hosting workshops and delivering lectures at this year’s WOFFF.”

For tickets go to www.wofff.co.uk/2017-festival/tickets
Prices start from £8.55 per programme
A Weekend Pass giving you access to all eight programmes is £56.35
All tickets are available via Eventbrite at https://wofff17tickets.eventbrite.co.uk
Some events are free but still require booking via Eventbrite. Limited concession tickets are also available.

For more information about the Women Over 50 Film Festival 2017, visit www.wofff.co.uk

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