History for Yeoh as Everything triumphs

First Asian woman to win best actress Oscar while Fraser crowns comeback

- Lizzie Edmonds

MICHELLE YEOH made history by becoming the first Asian woman to win the best actress Oscar as her movie Everything Everywhere All At Once swept the board on Hollywood’s biggest night.

The sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, claimed seven prizes at the 95th Academy Awards — including three acting gongs, best director and best picture.

Taking to the stage, Yeoh, 60, said: “For all the little boys and girls who look like me, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.

“Dream big, dreams do come true. Ladies, never let anyone tell you you are past your prime. This is history in the making.”

Speaking in the winners room later, she told reporters she had “kung fu’d” the “glass ceiling” with her win.

“I think this is something that we have been working so hard towards for a very long time and tonight we broke that glass ceiling,” she said.

Yeaoh’s mother cried as she watched the ceremony at a viewing party in Kuala Lumpur. Janet Yeoh, 84, said she was immensely proud of “my little princess”, adding: “I so love my daughter and she has made Malaysia proud. Malaysia boleh (Malaysia can)! ”