Michelle Yeoh Makes History Not Once But Twice At The Oscars

Michelle Yeoh made history at this year’s Oscars. She became the first Asian women to win the Best Actress category and the first Malaysian-born actress to win the same category. 

Photo: Kayla Oaddams via Cosmopolitan

When Yeoh was accepting her award she was not only advocating for the Asian community, but also for women in general. During her speech, she said, “For all those little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.” She later threw in her speech, “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.”

She is now the first actress of color in over 20 years to win this category. The previous woman of color to win this award was Halle Berry, who was the one to give Yeoh her award on stage. 

Photo: Robert Gauthier via Today

The actress was awarded the Best Actress Oscar for her role in the movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once”. The movie was nominated for 11 awards and won 7, including one of the big ones, best picture. 

Photo: Myung J. Chun via Los Angeles Times

Yeoh talked to reporters about how this win is not only about her, it is something bigger. She is representing the Asian community and giving them a sense of belonging by proving that an Asian woman has the talent to win one of the best awards in the acting industry. 

While she is the first Asian women to win best actress, she is only the fifth Asian-born person to win an Oscar for their acting. She hopes to be an inspiration for young children of Asian descent and give them hope as to what they can do with their future. 

Photo: Patrick T. Fallon via Rolling Stone

Michelle gives a lot of credit to her mother, 84, who was watching her daughter on screen all the way from Malaysia. She credited her during her acceptance speech by saying that “I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes, and without them none of us would be here tonight.”