Web Desk
KUALA LUMPUR: Friends and family of Malaysia’s Michelle Yeoh responded with screams, jubilation, and pride on Monday at her winning the Academy Award for best lead actress, Asia’s first-ever winner in the category.
There were fist-pumps and ecstatic roars as her triumph was announced at an Oscars viewing party in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, with all eyes on her surprised and happy mother, Janet Yeoh.
“She is a very hardworking girl, you know. Everybody knows it,” Yeo’s mother told a news conference afterward, in front of a poster of Michelle Yeo that said “Pride of Malaysia.”
Yeo’s niece, Vicki Yeoh, looked equally stunned as the announcement was made, clutching her face and letting out a massive scream as the tears welled up.
“Jaw-dropping moment. I was speechless. I screamed, it happened so quickly, and we are so delighted that she won, that our auntie won,” she said.
Michelle Yeoh, 60, won the award for her portrayal of a Chinese American washateria owner Evelyn Wang, dealing with family turbulence in the science-fiction kung fu comedy film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
It was Michelle Yeoh’s first Oscar nomination, and she had been widely regarded as the front-runner.
Jubilation as ‘Pride of Malaysia’ Yeoh Wins First Oscar https://t.co/3EJhhLvZlu
— Dr. Zakia Belhachmi (@BelZakia) March 13, 2023
Yeoh made her Hollywood entry when she was cast as the first ethnic Chinese Bond girl in 1997’s “Tomorrow Never Dies” opposite Pierce Brosnan.
Yeo has also starred in the martial arts film “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,” and the 2005 period drama “Memoirs of a Geisha.” She also worked in the 2018 romantic comedy film “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Malaysian PM lauds Michelle Yeo’s success
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appreciated Yeoh’s success and said her career was exemplary and illustrious and would continue to inspire Malaysians.
“In creating history by being not only the first Malaysian but the very first Asian actress to win an Oscar in this category, we take great pride in her achievement, adding to a long list of triumphs and capping a critically acclaimed acting career of decades,” Anwar stated in a statement on his Facebook page.
Family friend Derrick Lee termed her as an inspiration.
“The efforts she put in for this film is extraordinary,” he said at the party.
