Michelle Yeoh’s mother says Oscar win is the best birthday present as she turns 83 next month
KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 — “I’m very proud of my lovely daughter,” said Datin Janet Yeoh repeatedly while choking on her emotions after her daughter Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh won at the Oscars.
Janet was overwhelmed by emotions and was visibly in a state of shock after her daughter’s name was called the winner of the Actress in a Leading Role award for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
The 60-year-old actress made history today after becoming the first Malaysian and Asian woman to win the category at the Academy Awards.
Janet said she is a proud mother and is happy for her daughter to receive Hollywood’s most coveted award after decades of hard work.
“She really worked hard for it and I’m glad that her hard work had paid off.”
When asked if she had wished to be at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with Michelle, she said she has difficulty walking due to her age and was glad that she watched the ceremony live together with her family and friends.
Over 100 guests comprising family members and celebrities gathered at Dadi Cinema at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur this morning for a live viewing of the Oscars.
Among the guests at the live viewing party were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and business tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan.
Janet said hoped to see Michelle soon as she will be celebrating her 83rd birthday next month.
“[Her win today] was the best birthday present for me.”
Commenting on Michelle’s dress for the Oscars, Janet teasingly said she had approved it and it was a suitable one for her daughter.
Earlier, Michelle had revealed on NBC’s Today’s Sunday Sitdown that Janet had told her not to wear pants for the award ceremony.
“It’s because she looks short in pants,” Janet told reporters with a laugh.
The event also saw the Ipoh-born actress’ family members overwhelmed with joy after the Oscar win.
Michelle’s niece Vicki Yeoh said she was very excited for her aunt to grab the highest award in the film industry.
“Growing up, she always treated me like her child and I’m very proud of her,” said the 29-year-old.
“She was always supportive of me through university, graduation and life.
“She is the most supportive auntie you can ever have.”
Similarly, Michelle’s nephew Kelvin Yeoh said he has many fond memories of her while growing up.
“She taught me as a child to be really hard working in anything I wanted to do.
“She is the first Asian to win an Oscar [for Best Actress] and we are incredibly proud of her.”
Actress Carmen Soo expressed her feelings about Michelle and said “she totally deserves the win.”
“On set, Michelle is always down to earth, professional, prepared and kind.
“She is a class act.”
Soo co-starred with Michelle in 2018 blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians.
