Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Michelle Yeoh, an acclaimed Malaysian actress made history at the 95th Academy Awards held on the 12th of March 2023, as the first Asian woman to receive an Oscar for Best Actress in a leading role. The actress won this award for her stellar performance in the absurdist sci-fi comedy film Everything, Everywhere All at Once which also received the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Michelle Yeoh will also make her mark in Asian history as the first Malaysian to receive an Oscar and the first ever Asian to score a win in the lead acting category.
The Malaysian thespian first gained popularity in the 1990s by starring in a series of Hong Kong action films. Yeoh set the bar high for other actors and actresses by performing her own stunts at an early stage in her career. Taking her acting journey to the next level, she entered Hollywood by moving to the United States and landing roles in hits such as James Bond’s film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Ang Lee’s martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Michelle has performed brilliantly on the silver screen throughout the years in an array of movies that have gained international recognition, while her supporting role in the movie Crazy Rich Asians (2018) has been quite memorable for audiences worldwide.
Accepting the highest appreciation for her acting career, Michelle Yeoh delivered a powerful acceptance speech that would one day inspire generations of Asian actors and actresses.
“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof to dream big and dreams do come true,” stated Michelle Yeoh while celebrating her historic win.
Michelle Yeoh not only made Asians proud at the 95th Academy Awards, but her win was also momentous to women across the globe. Yeoh dedicated her award to her mother, and mothers all around the world as she claimed “They really are the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight.” She also proved that age really is, only a number and that it should never restrict anyone from reaching their fullest potential. Standing as a female force to reckon with, she said “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.”
