Actress Michelle Yeoh has made history as the first Asian woman in the Oscars‘ 95-year history to win Best Actress.
The Malaysian-born star, 60, took home the golden gong at the 95th Academy Awards for her role as Evelyn Wang in the award-sweeping film Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Yeoh beat out heavy hitters including Australian star Cate Blanchett and Ana de Armas for the coveted statuette, and dedicated her award to her mum – as well as everyone who looks to her for inspiration.
Watch the video above.
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“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is the beacon of hope and possibilities,” Yeoh said as she accepted the Oscar.
“This is proof that dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up,” she said, before she was interrupted by voracious cheering and applause from the audience.
“I wouldn’t be standing here to night without the Daniels, without A24, without my amazing cast and crew, without everyone who was involved with Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
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Yeoh then dedicated her monumental win to her mother, and “all the mums in the world.”
“Because they are really the superheroes and without them, none of us will be here to night,” Yeoh said.
Yeoh revealed her mum is 84 years old, and that she’s taking her Oscar home to her in Malaysia, where she was watching the ceremony with her family and friends.
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“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 a leg up so I can be here today,” she continued.
“And to my children, 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. Thank you,” Yeoh concluded.
Everything Everywhere All at Once cleaned up at the 2023 Oscars, also taking out Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.
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