Yahoo Movies Michelle Yeoh toasts historic Oscars win: 'Don't let anyone tell you you are past your prime'
The Everything Everywhere All At Once star dedicated the award to her mum
Michelle Yeoh made history at the 2023 Oscars as Everything Everywhere All At Once took home a clutch of major awards.
Yeoh, 60, claimed the Oscar for best leading actress, fending off competition from two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett to become the first woman from an Asian background to win the prize, and only the second woman of colour to take home the trophy.
Taking to the stage, she said: “Thank you, thank you. For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.
Read more: The biggest snubs and surprises at the 2023 Oscars
"This is proof that... dream big, and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up."
She thanked her directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and the cast crew on the sci-fi film, saying she wouldn't be 'standing here tonight' without them.
Yeoh then dedicated the award to her mother in Kuala Lumpur who was watching the event via livestream.
“I have to dedicate this to my mom, all the moms in the world, because they are really the superheroes and without them, none of us would be here tonight. She’s 84 and I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys, I’m bringing this home to you.
“And also to my extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so that I can be here today.
"And to my godchildren, to my sisters, all of them. To my brothers, oh God, to my family. Thank you, thank you!
“Thank you to the Academy. This is history in the making. Thank you!”
Read more: Oscars 2023: The full list of winners
Speaking in the winners room later, she told reporters that she had “kung-fud” the “glass ceiling” with her win.
“I think this is something that we have been working so hard towards for a very long time and tonight we frigging broke that glass ceiling,” she said.
“I kung-fud it out and shattered it, and we need this because there are so many who have felt unseen or unheard.”
