JOHOR BARU – Actress Michelle Yeoh has made history after becoming the first Malaysian to win an Academy Award for her performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Upon receiving the award, Yeoh expressed her gratitude for the recognition and opportunity to bring diverse stories and perspectives to the big screen, while dedicating her success to her friends and family.
Yeoh’s win has been widely celebrated on social media, with many fans and industry peers congratulating her on the achievement.
Taking to Facebook, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng congratulated Yeoh for the win, reminding the actress that Malaysians are proud of her success.
“Congratulation to Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh 楊紫瓊! First Malaysian to win (an) Oscar! Making all Malaysians proud. We are so proud of you!!!
“So Gancheong (excited) and happy for you??? Hebat!” Lim posted on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh paid tribute to the actress by quoting her winning speech, pointing out that her win was also a success for women.
Most inspiring quote for all of us aunties - “Ladies, don’t let anybody ever tell you that you are past your prime” - Michelle Yeoh
— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) March 13, 2023
“Most inspiring for all of us aunties – ‘Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you that you are past your prime’ – Michelle Yeoh,” the minister tweeted.
The Segambut MP was present at the Pride of Malaysia Exclusive Viewing Party Oscar 2023 to witness the awards ceremony live along with Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and the actress’ mother Datin Janet Yeoh.
The award-winning actress also received praise from members of Malaysia’s entertainment industry, with stand-up comedian Dr Jason Leong congratulating her on the win.
Leong also made a satirical comment on Yeoh’s win, pointing out that Singaporeans may appropriate her success.
“Soon, Singaporeans will be like, ‘Michelle Yeoh originated from Singapore’ and CNN will be printing that as a headline.
“And the Malaysian (government) will be too busy censoring movies like Pulau and Mentega Terbang to correct it,” Leong tweeted.
Ronny Chieng, a notable stand-up comedian from Johor Baru, also congratulated Yeoh before taking a swipe at Singapore and Australia’s performing arts industries.
“Everything great in pop culture and the Oscars starts with not trying to make it in Singapore or Australia with garbage amateurs,” Chieng posted on Instagram.
Malaysian Youtuber Jin Lim (commonly known as Jinnyboy) also praised the actress, before providing a comedic take on the Malaysian public’s response to the win.
Michelle Yeoh Won OSCAR!! First Malaysian to do so!
— Jin Lim ? (@Jinnyboy) March 13, 2023
Everyone else: So tmrw public holiday ah?
“Michelle Yeoh Won Oscar!! First Malaysian to do so!
“Everyone else: So tomorrow public holiday,” Jin tweeted. – The Vibes, March 13, 2023
