Michelle Yeoh reminds people that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Last night Yeoh, 60, became the first Asian woman to win Best Actress at the Oscars for her lead performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.
“For all the little boys and girls watching me tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility. This is proof – dream big and dreams come true,” Yeoh said during his keynote speech. acceptance. “And ladies, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re past your prime.”
Malaysian-born Yeoh is only the second woman of color to win the award. Halle Berry was the first, winning in 2002 for her role in “Monster’s Ball.” It was Yeoh’s first Oscar nomination.
In “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American mother and laundromat owner who becomes an unlikely superhero when told she must jump between absurd parallel universes in order to save the world.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” won seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director.
“I have to thank the academy for recognizing, embracing diversity and true representation,” Yeoh told reporters after her win.
“I think it’s something we’ve been working so hard on for a very long time, and tonight we broke that glass ceiling,” she continued. “I did kung fu and I broke it, and we need it because there are so many who felt invisible, inaudible,” adding that his victory is for “the Asian community and all those who have already been identified as a minority”.
Yeoh dedicated her win to “all the moms in the world” who she says “really are the superheroes,” paying a special tribute to her mother, Janet, in her acceptance speech.
“She’s 84 and I’m bringing this home to her,” Yeoh added. “She’s watching right now, in Malaysia with my family and friends. I love you guys, and I bring 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 boost, so I could be here today.”
Yeoh got his start in Hong Kong action movies, before landing bigger roles in global films like 1997’s “Tomorrow Never Dies” and 2000’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
As for advice for others who want to chart a similar path in Hollywood, Yeoh urged people to “never be afraid” and “never give up” on their dreams.
“If it’s your passion, it’s your love, you have to stand up for yourself, stand up for what you believe in and what you want to do,” she told reporters backstage. “I’m still here today…Finally, after 40 years, I get that,” she told reporters backstage while holding up her award.
Yeoh continued, “Ignite that fire in your soul and stay on the path. Believe. Dare to dream. Because if you don’t dream, it’s impossible. Nothing is impossible. Look at me, I’m here.”
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