Michelle Yeoh just made history.
On Sunday, Yoh became the first Asian actress to win a Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in Everything together everywhere.
The award is usually presented by the previous year’s Best Actor winner, but since Will Smith – who won the previous year King Richard- Banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade after she slapped presenter Chris Rock during the 2022 broadcast, the show’s producers were Jessica Chastain and Halle Berry, — who in 2002 became the first black woman to win Best Actress. became a woman monster’s Ball – Hand over the trophy to Yeoh.
“To all those little boys and girls who look like me tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility,” she began her acceptance speech. “It’s proof that … dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t tell anyone you ever outgrew your prime.”
Yeoh thanked the film’s cast and crew, including its directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who went on to win an Oscar. Excellent direction.
Pausing to take a breath, Yeoh continued to acknowledge the other important people in his life.
“I have to dedicate this to my mom (and) all the moms in the world, because they truly are superheroes, and without them none of us would be here tonight,” she said.
“She’s 84,” the actress said of her mom, “I’m taking it home to me. She’s watching it in Malaysia right now… With my family and friends: I love you guys.” I do! I’m bringing this home for you.” She also thanked her “extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for carrying me on your shoulders, for giving me a leg up so that I can be where I am today.” I can be here.”
Finally, “For my God’s children, for my sisters, for all of them, for my brothers,” she concluded. “To my family, thank you. Thank you. Thank you to the Academy. This is making history. Thank you!”
Yeoh’s win was certainly historic, as she was the first Asian-identifying performer to be nominated in the lead actress category. as noted Academy websiteActress Merle Oberon (who was of Sri Lankan and Māori descent) was previously nominated in the category for 1935. The Dark Angel.
The actress joins fellow cast members Hui Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis, both first-time Oscar nominees and first-time winners, that evening.
