Michelle Yeoh Makes Oscar History After Taking Out Best Actress Award

Michelle Yeoh has made history by winning the Best Actress award at the 2023 Oscars for her outstanding performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once“.

She was up against stiff competition from other talented actresses. These included Cate Blanchette (“Tár”), Ana de Armas (“Blonde”), Michelle Williams (“The Fabelmans”), and Andrea Riseborough (“To Leslie”).

At 60 years old, Yeoh has become the first Asian woman to win an Oscar in the best actress category. And this marks the first Oscar nomination in her 39-year-long career. Although she is well-known for her supporting roles in films such as “Crazy Rich Asians”, Yeoh’s captivating portrayal of Evelyn Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has firmly established her as a leading lady in Hollywood.

In her emotional speech, Yeoh acknowledged the impact her win would have on young people who share her heritage.

“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is the beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dream big and dreams do come true. And ladies don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up,” she said.

Yeoh also paid tribute to her mother, who she credited as her inspiration. “I have to dedicate this to my mum, all the mums, in the world because they are really the superheroes and without them, none of us will be here tonight,” she said. “She’s 84, I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia with my family and friends. I love you guys. I’m bringing this home to you.”

“And also to my extended family in Hong Kong where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so I can be here today.”

“Everything Everywhere All At Once” led the Oscars race this year with 11 nominations. It won a total of seven Oscars. This included Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Picture. 

In her pre-victory state, Yeoh admitted she felt “happy” and “at peace”. 

“We got here! Who would’ve ever imagined that this little movie, that had a big heart, came all the way to the Oscars,” she told Laverne Cox on the red carpet.

Last year, the top gong was taken out by Jessica Chastain for her performance in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”.

Check out all our Oscars coverage here.

To see Everything Everywhere All At Once, book your tickets at Hoyts.