Michelle Yeoh creates history as first Asian lead actress to win at Oscar 2023

Michelle Yeoh has created history at the Oscars 2023 by becoming the first Asian woman to win best actress Oscar! The actress won the best actress Oscar at Sunday night’s ceremony for her role in the hit genre-bending film Everything, Everywhere All at Once directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.

The victory makes Yeoh the first Asian star to win best actress in the 95-year history of the Academy Awards. “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities,” Yeoh said in her acceptance speech. “This is proof that dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime. Never give up.”

“I wouldn’t be standing here tonight without the Daniels, without A24, without my amazing cast and crew, without everyone who was involved with Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the Malaysian-born actress said before dedicating the award to her mom and all the other moms in the world. “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 will be here tonight,” she continued. “She’s 84. And I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia, K.L., with family and friends. I love you guys. I’m bringing this home to you. And also 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 that I can be here today. And to my godchildren, to my sisters, all of them, to my brothers. Oh God. To my family, thank you. Thank you.”

“Thank you to the Academy — this is history in the making!” she shouted in excitement as she exited the stage. Yeoh triumphed over some phenomenal actresses in the industry including Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie), Cate Blanchett (Tar), Michelle Williams (The Fabelmans) and Ana de Armas (Blonde).

Yeoh’s work in Everything Everywhere All at Once garnered her many other accolades, including a Golden Globe, an Independent Spirit Award, several local Film Critics Awards, a SAG Award, and nominations for a Critics’ Choice Award and a BAFTA Award.

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