Michelle Yeoh's mother in tears at daughter's historic Oscars win: 'I'm very happy but too overwhelmed'
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh made history at the 95th Academy Awards after she took home the prestigious Oscars trophy for her acting prowess in Everything Everywhere All at Once, making her the first Asian to win the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
A round of applause erupted at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles the moment Michelle's name was called amid tough competition in the likes of Cate Blanchett, Ana de Armas, Andrea Riseborough, and Michelle Williams.
Michelle's co-stars beamed of pride for her momentous achievement, but no one was prouder than her mother Datin Janet Yeoh, who bursted into joyful tears as she watched her daughter's win unfold in a live viewing event at a cinema in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
"I'm very happy but too overwhelmed to say much," Michelle's 84-year-old mother said, according to a report by Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times. "She certainly deserved it and I had no doubt at all that she would win it."
She added, "She's a very hard working girl and I love her very much."
At 60, Michelle Yeoh won the first Oscar for Malaysia . Her mother Janet exalted . Cheers erupted all round at special viewing ceremony in KL . Malaysia made history, https://t.co/KHxOtxcYaD pic.twitter.com/tVEOxucRG3
— Melissa Goh (@MelGohCNA) March 13, 2023
During Michelle's speech after she won, she took the time to dedicate her win to all the important people that have helped her reach her milestone, especially her mother.
"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 said.
She went on, "[My mom is] 84, and I'm taking this home to her. She's watching right now, in Malaysia with my family and friends. I love you guys, and 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 I can be here today."
In a past interview with Deadline, the 60-year-old actress shared that her mother would have "made a great movie star."
"My mom loved the whole aspect of performing. Even now, when we throw her a birthday party, it’s like a concert. She’s doing costume changes, getting on stage and serenading everyone. She would have made a great movie star," she said.
Michelle was recognized for her role as Evelyn Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her co-stars, Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu were also nominated in the category Best Actress in a Supporting Role, with Jamie winning the award.