It was a historic midnight Sunday for Michelle Yeoh and her Everywhere at once Co-star Ke Huy Quan at the SAG Awards. Yeoh became the first Best Asian Film Actress winner in SAG history for her portrayal of Evelyn Wang, while Quan became the first Asian Film Best Supporting Actor winner for her role as Waymond Wang.
The A4 film won four awards tonight, including Best Ensemble, confirming its status as a front-runner heading into the Oscars.
Yeoh rose to fame in the 80s and 90s as an action star who did many of her own stunts before finding international audiences through films such as the James Bond film. Tomorrow never dies and Ang Lees Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
“I think if I speak, my heart will explode,” Yeoh told her colleagues in her acceptance speech. She also thanked SAG-AFTRA for “understanding what it is [takes] to get here”, because they all refer to the “journey and the rollercoaster ride and the ups and downs” of the industry.
She added: “It’s not just for me, it’s for any little girl who looks like me.”
Quan was a rising young star when Yeoh climbed the ladder. He famously played in Short Round Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and data The Goonies, among other memorable roles. Taking a break from Hollywood, he earned a film degree from USC before going behind the scenes.
He made a spectacular comeback as an actor Everything, everywhere, all at once and has since become the darling of the awards show.
“This is a really emotional moment for me,” Quan said through tears tonight. “I was recently told that if I win tonight, I will be the first Asian actor to win in this category. When I heard this, I quickly realized that this moment was no longer just mine; it also belongs to all those who asked for change.”
Quan recalled that he gave up because of a lack of opportunities for Asian actors. “And tonight,” he said, “we’re celebrating James Hong, Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Hong Chau and Harry Shum Jr. The scenery is so different now than it was before.”
Quan concluded his speech with a message to everyone watching from home and waiting to be seen: “Please keep going because one day the spotlight will find you.”
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
