By Gabriela Baron
Michelle Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win this year’s Oscars.
Yeoh, 60, won best actress at the 95th Academy Awards Monday morning (Philippine time), becoming the first woman of Asian descent and the second woman of color to win the award.
“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities, that dreams dream big and do come true,” Yeoh said during her acceptance speech.
“And ladies, do not let anybody tell you, you are past your prime. Never give up,” she added.
The Swiss-based Malaysian actress proceeded to thank “Everything Everywhere All at Once” directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Sheinert, as well as her co-actors from the film.
“I have to dedicate this to my mom, to all the moms in the world because they are really the superheroes and without them, none of us will be here tonight,” she continued.
Yeoh played the role of Evelyn Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” a Chinese-American immigrant running a laundromat before discovering that she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself.
Kwan and Sheinert won best director, while Yeoh’s co-star Ke Huy Quan capped the best actor in a supporting role award.
Meanwhile, the multiverse sci-fi comedy film also made history after taking home seven awards in total, including best picture, best film editing, and best original screenplay.
Jamie Lee Curtis, who also belongs in the film’s cast, took the best actress in a supporting role award.
Yeoh rose to fame in the 1990s after starring in a series of Hong Kong action films where she performed her own stunts. – cf
