Winning the Academy Award marks many firsts for veteran actress, Michelle Yeoh: not only was she the first Malaysian to win, but also the first Asian descent nominee to actually bring home the coveted award.
The Ipoh-born star won the award for her spectacular performance in everything everywhere all at once: an endearing sci-fi film exploring the intricacies of generational expectations, family dynamics and time travel all wrapped up in one.
Among the nominees for the same category were renowned starts like two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett (Tar), Michelle Williams (The Fabelmans), Ana De Armas (Blonde) and Andrea Riseborough (To Leslia).
Malaysian netizens were heavy on the congratulations. So much so that even the current Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim personally congratulated her online, saying “I would like to congratulate Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh who was named Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards for her performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once. This Indeed puts Malaysia’s name on the global stage. I hope that this achievement will continue to inspire local artistes and filmmakers.”
epa10399272 Malaysian actor Michelle Yeoh poses with the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy in the press room during the 80th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 10 January 2023. Artists in various film and television categories are awarded Golden Globes by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. EPA-EFE/CAROLINE BREHMAN
Not shying away from the podium, Michelle Yeoh was seen to have expressed spontaneity, delivering a sassy remark to the musician while she was giving her speech. However, it was her acceptance speech that cemented her roots. Yeoh said: “I have to dedicate this (award) to my mum, all the mums in the world because they are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight. I’m taking this home to her. She’s now watching it in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys. I’m bringing this home to you.”
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh accepts the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
A momentous occasion for Malaysians, and Asians all around as Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh makes history and leaves a legacy for which future artists will strive to achieve.
