Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Recently awarded Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan had a heartbreaking reunion with his ex Indiana Jones cost Harrison Ford at the awards ceremony on Sunday night.
Ford presented Everything everywhere at once with the Best Picture award, capping off a remarkable awards season for the film. When Quan took the stage, he and Ford embraced with sheer excitement, laughing and smiling as they hugged.
The moment was almost a direct callback to the 1984s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doomwhen Ford’s Indiana Jones hugged and then 12-year-old Quan, who starred as Short Round, the explorer’s trusty sidekick.
Ahead of the ceremony, Ford spoke of his love for Quan and excitement for his former costar’s career comeback. “I’m so happy for him. He’s a great guy,” Ford said. “He’s a wonderful actor. He was when he was a little kid and he still is. I’m happy. I’m very happy for him.”
As a child actor, Quan had memorable roles in a few eighties classics, including Indiana Jones, but struggled to find work as he got older. He spent several years working behind the camera and continued doing fight choreography X but, and serves as Wong Kar-wai’s assistant director in 2046. After the 20-year hiatus, however, Quan was inspired to give acting another shot and was quickly cast in Everything everywhere. Along with the film receiving the Best Picture award, Quan won Best Supporting Actor for his role.
During his speech, he reflected on his incredible life’s journey, noting the year he spent in a refugee camp after his family fled Vietnam in 1978. “Somehow I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in movies. I can’t believe this is happening to me. This – this — is the American dream!
Quan ended his speech by saying, “Dreams are something you have to believe in, I almost gave up on mine. To all of you out there, please keep your dreams alive. Thank you so much for welcoming me back – I love you!”