michelle Yeoh took home the best actress award at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night, making history in the process as the first Asian woman to win an Oscar for leading actress. Earlier in the evening, i Everything everywhere All at once Co-star Ke Huy Quan was the second Asian actor to win the Oscar for the Best Supporting Oscar; Haing S. Ngor, who was of Cambodian descent, won The Killing Fields in 1985.
Everything everywhere All at once won seven of the 11 awards it was nominated for on Sunday night, including Best Picture and Best Director. Along with Yeoh and Quan, Best Supporting Actor winner Jamie Lee Curtis helped the film capture three of the four acting awards at the ceremony.
“Despite her distinguished career in action films,” an announcer told the audience Yeoh, 60, on her way up to the stage, “she has no formal training in martial arts.” ” Yeoh began in Hong Kong action films, followed by roles in the 1997s Tomorrow will not die and 2000s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Everything everywhere All at once marking the first widespread recognition of her talents by Hollywood.
Here is a full transcript of her comments.
For all the little boys and girls who are like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and opportunity. This is proof – dream big – and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re 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 involved in Everything Everywhere All at Once. I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world, because they are true heroes. And without them, none of us would be here tonight.
She is 84, and I am bringing this home to her. She is currently watching this in Malaysia KL [Kuala Lumpur] with my family and friends. I love you guys. I’m bringing 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 my leg up so that I can be here today.
And to my godchildren, my sisters, all of them, my brothers, my family, thank you. Thank you. Kudos to the Academy – this is history in the making. Thank you.
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