Michelle Yeoh’s Historic Oscar Win & Speech Is A Testament To Women That No One Is Ever Past Their 'Prime’

Mar 31, 2023

Michelle Yeoh is one of the most sought-after actresses in the world today. Initially making her mark in Asian cinema, the Malaysian-born actress made her Hollywood debut in the 1997 James Bond film “Tomorrow Never Dies.” She also worked on films like “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Reign of Assassins,” “Kung Fu Panda 2,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” among many others. 

Although she has a vast filmography, it wasn’t until her lead role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” that propelled her to ultimate stardom. She brilliantly portrayed a dissatisfied laundromat owner turned multiversal hero, and showcased her great acting skills and a very impressive stunt performance in her action sequences. 

She has received plenty of awards and nominations for the role. Yeoh earned her second BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role, her first Golden Globe nomination and win, and her second Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, which she also won. 

But perhaps the greatest success that Yeoh earned in 2023 was winning the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 95th Annual Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars. She was the second person of color since Halle Berry and the first Asian woman to have won in the category. Like the winners in the other acting categories in the same year – her castmates Jamie Lee Curtis and Ke Huy Quan, and even the Best Actor awardee, Brendan Fraser, it was Yeoh’s first time being nominated for the coveted awards ceremony. 

In her emotional acceptance speech, Yeoh used the opportunity to encourage women to seek greatness despite their age. Read on to learn more about Yeoh’s rousing speech! 

At the 2023 Oscars, the Academy Award for Best Actress was presented by two former winners – Jessica Chastain and Halle Berry, who is the first woman of color to win an Oscar in the said category. 

As soon as Yeoh’s name was announced, the whole Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, erupted into a deafening cheer and applause in honor of Yeoh’s history-setting win. It was a full circle moment for Berry to hand the Oscar to the second woman of color to win the award. 

In her speech, the 60-year-old actress gave an empowering reminder to young people and women in general. 

“Thank you, thank you. 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 ... dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up,” she said, prompting the whole venue to cheer again. 

After thanking the directors and crew of the film, Yeoh thanked a special woman in her life – her mother. 

“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. She’s watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys, I’m bringing this home to you,” she continued.

According to IGN, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” is now the most-awarded movie ever in cinema history with 158 accolades up the film’s sleeves, beating “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” with 101 awards. 

What can you say about Michelle Yeoh’s speech? Are you a fan of hers? Do you agree about her message that no woman is ever past her prime? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends or any woman who you think should see Yeoh’s speech!