Acceptance Speech by Michelle Yeoh for Winning the Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role

Presenter: The Oscar goes to Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once. As a child, Michelle Yeoh studied to become a ballet dancer, and despite her illustrious career in action films, has no formal training in martial arts.

Michelle Yeoh: Thank you. 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. And ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime. Never give up.

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. Oh, 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.