It was an Asian pride-slash-family affair yesterday in Hollywood when winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan delivered their acceptance speeches at the 95th Annual Academy Awards.
Yeoh took home the Oscar for Best Actress while Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor for their performances in the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Michelle Yeoh Delivers Inspiring Speech at Oscars
Yeoh did not waste a single moment and started her speech with a powerful message for all Asians. She then followed suit by addressing her fellow women with a very empowering reminder of going after their dreams.
“Thank you. For all the little boys and girls who look like me, watching tonight, this is the beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof that dreams, dream big and dreams do come true,” she began.
“And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up,” added the 60-year-old actress.
Yeoh proceeded to thank her team, the whole cast and crew of their successful movie, but the special mention was dedicated to her mum and all the mothers in general.
“I wouldn’t be standing here tonight without the Daniels, without A24, without my amazing cast and crew, without everyone who was involved with Everything Everywhere All At Once.
But 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 will be here tonight,” she shared.
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She went on to say that her 84-year old mum is watching the show with their family in Malaysia, and that she will be bringing home the trophy to them.
“She’s 84 and I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching it right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys. I’m bringing this home to you.”
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Michelle Yeoh’s mum, was seen beaming with pride at the victory of her daughter at a viewing party arranged by their family and friends in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A TikTok video from Hype Malaysia showed the proud mother clutching the hands of her friends when Michelle’s name was called.
Associated Press also reported telling the media present at the event how proud she was of her “princess.”
“I so love my daughter and she has made Malaysia proud. Malaysia Boleh (Malaysia Can)!” she said.
Michelle Yeoh was noted as the first “Asian-identifying Oscar nominee,” and now she is the first Asian to win an Oscar for best actress in a lead role.
Ke Huy Quan Thanks the Two Important Women In His Life
In the same theme, Best Supporting Actor winner Ke Huy Quan wasted no time and called out to his mother as soon as he went on stage to receive his trophy.
“Thank you. My mom is 84 years old and she’s at home watching. Mom, I just won an Oscar!” he exclaimed tearfully.
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The Vietnamese actor went on with his heartwarming speech and talked about his journey, starting as a refugee who boarded a boat to America and now reaching “the American dream.”
“My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp, and somehow I ended up here, on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it’s happening to me. This is the American Dream,” he shared.
He went on to thank the award-giving body for bestowing him the honour, then proceeded to thank his family, starting with his mother and brother.
“Thank you so much to the Academy for this honor of a lifetime. Thank you to my mom for the sacrifices she made to get me here. To my little brother, David, who calls me every day just to remind me to take good care of myself, I love you, brother,” said Quan.
Of course, he saved the best for last and paid tribute to his wife of 20 years, Echo.
“I owe everything to the love of my life, my wife, Echo, who month after month, year after year for 20 years told me that one day my time will come,” he shared.
Image Source: Instagram (Ke Huy Quan)
Whether you’re a wife, a mum, a daughter or simply an Asian, it’s impossible not to be moved by these amazing and heartwarming moments at the Academy Awards. We are so proud of you, Michelle and Ke Huy!
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