Congratulatory messages pour in for Yeoh a er historic Oscar win
KUCHING: Messages of congratulations poured in from Malaysians for Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh a er she won the Best Actress award at the 95th Academy Awards yesterday.
Leading the way were Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin AlMustafa Billah Shah and his consort Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who posted their congratulations to the Ipoh-born actress in a post on the Istana Negara Facebook page, praising her efforts in elevating the country’s standing globally.
“It also proves that with determination, grit and hard work, Malaysians can compete and succeed internationally,” the post read.
Their Majesties also wished Yeoh all the best in her future endeavours and prayed that she would be blessed with continued success.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a Facebook post said Yeoh had created history as the first Asian to win in this category.
“The government joins the nation in expressing warmest and heartiest congratulations to Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh for winning the highly coveted Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles today (March 13).
“In creating history by being not just the first Malaysian but the very first Asian actress to win in this category, we take enormous pride in her achievement, adding to a long list of successes and capping a critically acclaimed acting career spanning decades,” he said.
He said following her latest accomplishment, Yeoh’s illustrious and exemplary career in this field will certainly continue to be a source of great inspiration and motivation to Malaysia’s homegrown actors and actresses.
“It will provide even greater impetus to the growth of our local industry. Way to go, Michelle!” said Anwar.
Yeoh, who won for her role as Evelyn Wong in the metaphysical multiverse comedy Everything, Everywhere All at Once, beat two-time Oscar winner and her closest contender Cate Blanchett, Michelle Williams, Ana de Armas and Andrea Riseborough for the coveted golden statuette, which is regarded as the most prestigious and significant award in the entertainment industry.
The 60-year-old gave an inspiring speech about never giving up on your dreams.
“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 that you are ever past your prime. Never give up,” she said to roaring cheers and applause at the Dolby Theatre in LA.
Everything, Everywhere All at Once was the biggest winner of the night with seven awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Yeoh’s co-stars Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis also won for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively.
Meanwhile, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said Yeoh’s win proved that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
She said Sarawakians involved in acting should “aim for the stars” especially with the state having its own television station.
“The sky’s the limit as long you work hard to perfect your acting skills, be disciplined and have a professional attitude. Never stop learning,” she told The Borneo Post.