Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh continues her winning streak, adding Kering’s 2023 Women in Motion Prize to her already impressive list of accolades, including an Oscar and a Golden Globe. This article explores Yeoh‘s remarkable journey, her impact on the film industry, and her commitment to shattering stereotypes.
The prestigious Kering’s 2023 Women in Motion Prize has found its deserving winner in Malaysian-born actress Michelle Yeoh. Following a successful awards season where she secured an Oscar and a Golden Globe, Yeoh’s exceptional accomplishments have been further recognized by the French luxury group Kering during their annual dinner honoring women in cinema at the Cannes Film Festival, running from May 16th to 27th.
Yeoh made history as the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress with her outstanding performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once“. She has leveraged the platform of various awards ceremonies to address important issues such as diversity, racism, and ageism. Kering’s Chairman and CEO, François-Henri Pinault, praised her for breaking stereotypes and inspiring future generations in the world of cinema.
A strong advocate for change, Yeoh believes that public awareness has grown in recent years, and it is crucial for women, both onscreen and off, to continue playing roles and telling stories reflecting the world’s diversity and complexity. She joins the distinguished ranks of previous Women in Motion award recipients, including Viola Davis, Salma Hayek, Gong Li, Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon and Jane Fonda.
With memorable roles in films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon“, “Memoirs of a Geisha“, and “Crazy Rich Asians“, Yeoh has experienced a career resurgence that highlights her incredible acting talents and her prowess as an action-film heroine. Her upcoming projects include the film adaptation of the stage musical “Wicked“, “Avatar 3“, and the Disney+ series “American Born Chinese“, premiering on May 24th.
Cannes Film Festival Director Thierry Frémaux expressed his excitement to honor Michelle Yeoh, an actress passionately dedicated to her craft and whose diverse accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the industry. Having served on the Festival de Cannes jury in 2002, Yeoh has consistently pushed boundaries and explored new possibilities, making these recent awards the natural culmination of her extraordinary journey.
