After Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian to win the Oscar for best actress, Malaysians reacted with joy and jubilation, referring to the actress as the “pride of Malaysia” and a “inspiration to all women and Malaysians”.
At a viewing party in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Yeoh’s family and friends yelled and celebrated when her victory was revealed.
Janet Yeoh, her astonished and ecstatic mother, was the center of attention.
She works quite hard, you know. At a news conference later, in front of a banner of her daughter that said “Pride of Malaysia,” she stated, “Everyone knows it.
Vicki Yeoh, the actress’ niece, cried out in a loud voice as she seemed as as shocked as the rest in the room at the announcement.
Jaw-dropping moment, she pronounced. “I couldn’t speak. I sobbed. It occurred so quickly, and we are so delighted that she won, that our auntie won.”
Yeoh, 60, was honored for her portrayal of Chinese-American laundromat owner Evelyn Wang in the science-fiction comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once. Yeoh was born in the northern city of Ipoh to Chinese parents from Malaysia.
Yeoh received her first Oscar nomination, and many people thought she would win.
Yeoh established her name in Hollywood when Pierce Brosnan cast her as the first ethnic Chinese Bond girl in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies. In addition, she appeared in the historical drama Memoirs of a Geisha from 2005, the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians from 2018, and the 2000 martial arts movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
Yeoh referred to her victory as a “beacon of hope and possibility” for “all the boys and girls who look like me” in her acceptance speech. She also urged women not to believe any claims that they were past their prime as she dedicated her victory to her mother and all moms. Don’t give up.
Yeoh’s career has been hailed as prestigious and exemplary by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also expressed hope that it will continue to inspire Malaysians.
“We take enormous pride in her achievement, adding to a long list of successes and capping a critically acclaimed acting career spanning decades,” Anwar said in a statement on his Facebook page. “In creating history by being not just the first Malaysian but the very first Asian actress to win in this category.
The viewing’s sports minister Hannah Yeoh instantly shared the following inspirational remark on social media: “Women, don’t allow anyone ever tell you that you are past your prime.”
Rozaidi Jamil, president of the Malaysian Artists Association, told the FMT website that Yeoh has set a new threshold.
Yeoh’s accomplishments serve as an example and a reminder that skill and work can get you far, no matter your background or where you come from, he added.
Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh was trending on Malaysian social media. Yeoh received the title of “Tan Sri” from the Malaysian king in 2013, which is one of the greatest honors bestowed upon people in the nation.
“History created for Asia and Malaysia,” wrote Syed Saddiq, a politician. Her amazing talent is evidence of how much of an inspiration she is to Malaysians and women in general.
Lawmakers Sim Tze Sin and Wee Ka Siong also complimented Yeoh for being a role model for resiliency and tenacity and congratulated her for “shattering glass ceilings” for Asian and Malaysian women.
She added, “Michelle Yeoh’s triumph and speech means EVERYTHING as a Malaysian who is in the US for graduate school and is a dancer in the hard-competitive performing arts industry.
