Congratulations are in order for Michelle Yeoh. She’s officially an Oscar winner after taking home the award for best actress in a leading role for her role of Evelyn Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” at the 2023 Oscars on March 12. The historic win makes Yeoh the first self-identified Asian actress to win in the prestigious category.
Yeoh has been an award season darling, winning for her “EEAAO” role at the Golden Globes as well. She became emotional while delivering her acceptance speech, saying, “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof . . . that dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anyone tell you you are past your prime. Never give up.”
After thanking her fellow castmembers and crew, Yeoh turned to thanking one of the most important women in her life, continuing, “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 would be here tonight. She’s 84, and I’m taking this home to her . . . I love you guys.” She closed out her speech, exclaiming, “Thank you to the Academy, this is history in the making!”
Yeoh was up against tough competition for the role, her fellow nominees including Cate Blanchett for “Tár,” Ana de Armas for “Blonde,” Michelle Williams for “The Fabelmans,” and Andrea Riseborough for “To Leslie.” Yeoh joins the exclusive club of past best actress in a leading role winners, which include Katharine Hepburn, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, Sally Field, Hilary Swank, and Halle Berry.
Watch Yeoh’s speech below, then check out photos from her winning moment.