Michelle Yeoh Reflects On Her Win & The Long Fight For Inclusivity: "Finally After 40 Years" - Oscars Backstage

Michelle Yeoh returned to the Oscars press room backstage after winning Best Actress, crediting her work with Everything Everywhere All at Once for moving the needle on inclusivity. She called it an “historical moment,” saying the Academy acknowledged and embraced “diversity and true representation.” Holding up her Oscar, Yeoh said she has been working toward this recognition for a long time and celebrated the win as proof that perseverance leads to results. Her message broadened beyond her own victory, encouraging people who feel sidelined to keep going—urging them not to be boxed in, and arguing that minority communities, including the Asian community, deserve to be seen, heard, and offered opportunities. The remarks were framed as a long fight spanning 40 years.