The Oscars may still have a ways to go before it becomes a truly inclusive celebration of film, but the show took a bold step in that direction Sunday when Michelle Yeoh stepped up to collect her trophy.
In winning the best actress Academy Award for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the 60-year-old Malaysian star was the first Asian actress to do so.
“Thank you, this is for all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight,” Yeoh said through tears. “This is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof, that if you dream big, dreams do come true. And ladies don’t let anybody tell you you are past your prime. Never give up.”
Yeoh continued: “I have to dedicate this to my mom, and all the moms in the world, because they are the superheroes, without them none of us would be here tonight. (My mom) is 84 and I’m taking this home to her, watching in Malaysia. I’m bringing this home to you, and my extended family in Hong Kong where I started in my career. Thank you to the Academy, this is history in the making.”
