The 2023 Oscars witnessed a few historic moments. But one of the most emotional events happened toward the end of the ceremony — when Ke Huy Quan and Harrison Ford shared a meaningful embrace, which left viewers feeling everything everywhere all at once (pun intended). And here’s why that hug deeply tugged at our heartstrings.
Quan played the role of Short Round, the adorable little sidekick of Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford). In the movie, they go through all sorts of adventures while trying to retrieve some mystical and sacred stones.
Nearly 4-decades after their film, the chemistry between the duo continues. Prior to the award ceremony, Ford was asked about Quan’s Oscar nomination, and the Hollywood icon had nothing but praise for his former co-star.
“I’m so happy for him. He’s a great guy. He’s a wonderful actor. He was when he was a little kid, and he still is.”
Quan also opened up about the accidental (and first ever) reunion they had in 2022. He said he wasn’t sure if Ford was going to recognize him.
“I go, ’Oh my gosh, he probably thinks I’m a fan, and he’s going to tell me to not come near him.’ But he looks, and points at me, and says, ’Are you Short Round?’ Immediately, I was transported back to 1984, when I was a little kid, and I said, ’Yes, Indy.’ And he said, ’Come here,’ and gave me a big hug.”
Earlier this year, Quan left audiences emotional after delivering his speech for his first Golden Globe. At the 95th Academy Awards, he turned on the waterworks again when he recalled the sacrifices his parents had to make, so he could reach his “American dream.”
Ford was also a presenter at the Oscars, where he announced the winner of the last category — the Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All at Once. The cast, including Quan, went onstage to accept the trophy, and Short Round and Indy came face-to-face again.
They shared a tight and emotional hug, and audiences couldn’t help but compare this sweet moment to a film scene from their younger years. One Twitter user wrote, “Harrison Ford presenting an Oscar to Ke Huy Quan. River of tears.” Another one said, “Low key crying over the full circle moment of Harrison Ford giving an Oscar to Ke Huy Quan.”
Quan also received love from other people that night (and deservingly so). In a press conference after the Oscars, he said he also shared a special hug with Steven Spielberg, who directed Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
He vividly described the event, which happened during a commercial break. “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.”
Quan’s emotional moments definitely brought us warm and fuzzy feelings, and if you want to experience more uplifting celebrity reunions like this, check out these other stories here, here, here, and here.
I was such a fan of Quan when he was in Temple of Doom but also in The Goonies. I loved both characters so much. I wish he would have been in more things when he was younger instead of being type cast like he was. He was a fantastic young actor. I'm very happy for him that he has been able to finally achieve such great success and honors with his acting, it's been well deserved. I wish him continued success and happiness.
