By Rebecca Rubin for Variety
Michelle Yeoh cemented Oscars history on Sunday night as she became the first Asian person to win for lead actress.
Yeoh took home the first Academy Award of her celebrated career, for best actress in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” The honor came after decades of in martial arts and action movies like “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and “Yes, Madam.”
“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities,” Yeoh said from the stage. “This is proof that dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you that you are ever past your prime. Never give up.”
Despite the stacked competition, Yeoh was the odds-on favorite to win because she was honored at nearly every precursory ceremony, including SAG Awards, Independent Spirit Awards and the Golden Globes. In clinching the trophy, Yeoh beat Cate Blanchett for “Tár,” Michelle Williams for “The Fabelmans,” Andrea Riseborough for “To Leslie” and Ana de Armas for “Blonde.”
