Michelle Yeoh has made history, becoming the first Asian woman to win Best Actress at the Oscars.
The actress, who plays Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once, was overcome with emotion as she went up on stage at the 95th Academy Awards to accept the golden statue.
“Thank you,” she began. “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility.”
Yeoh is the first Asian woman to win the prestigious award, but also only the second to be nominated for it. It’s a startling statistic that showcases a serious lack of diversity at the Oscars over the years.
A 60 years old, it was also an achievement that people had told Yeoh she was too old to achieve.
“And ladies, do not let anyone ever tell you that you are past your prime,” she added, taking big breaths to deliver her speech without succumbing to the emotion of the moment.
“Dream big and dreams do come true.”
Everything Everywhere All At Once tells a sci-fi story of a Chinese-American immigrant family, who set out to defeat a villain in the multiverse. The story received a huge 11 Academy Award nominations, with directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert taking out Best Director, Ke Huy Quan taking out Best Supporting Actor, Jamie Lee Curtis taking out Best Supporting Actress and the film winning Best Picture, alongside Yeoh’s win.
Yeoh took the time in her speech to thank ‘The Daniels’ her directors, along with the award-winning cast and crew.
In the movie, a mother’s love is one of the key themes explored, so she dedicated the award to all mothers in the world. “They are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight,” she said.
“Thank you to the Academy, this is history in the making, thank you,” she finished.
