Michelle Yeoh says her Oscar win broke the glass ceiling
After his historic win, Yeoh said the award “belongs to everyone who has ever identified as a minority.”
Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” came as no surprise, but it was one of the most anticipated awards of the night as she became the first Asian woman to win Best Actress.
Throughout her Oscar campaign, Yeoh has always been outspoken about the historical implications of an Asian actress finally winning the coveted award. When it came time to speak to the media after his win, he basked in the joy of his performance.
“This is actually a historic moment,” Yeoh told reporters after the win. “So I really have to thank the Academy for recognizing and embracing diversity and true representation. I think that’s what we’ve been working hard for for a very long time, and tonight we frickin’ broke that glass ceiling. I took it out and smashed it.
Yeoh went on to emphasize that his win was about more than Asian actors being in the spotlight. He explained that the significance of this moment goes far beyond individual demographics because it is a step towards a more inclusive film industry that makes room for everyone.
“And we need this, because there are many people who felt invisible and unheard. This is not just the Asian community – this is for anyone who has ever identified as a minority. We deserve to be heard, we deserve to be seen, we deserve to have equal opportunities to sit at the table. That’s all we ask. Give us this chance, let us prove that we are worth it.”
After looking back on his journey, Yeoh offered some advice to other artists waiting to see him. He encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams, no matter what stage of life they are at.
“If this is your passion, this is your love, then you have to stand up for what you believe in and what you want to do,” she said. “I’m still here today – after 40 years I finally understand this. It just shows that we are winning the battle. And that’s what we do. So don’t give up, never give up. Because once you give up, it’s a loss. Don’t let anyone put you in a box, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re past your prime. Because we believe in ourselves, we believe in what we do, we love what we do. Light the fire in your soul and stay the course.”
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