Michelle Yeoh Seeks New Challenges After Oscar Win

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh shows her engraved Oscar statuette during a news conference after returning to her home country for the first time since winning her first Oscar for Best Lead Actress, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia April 18, 2023. (Reuters)
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh shows her engraved Oscar statuette during a news conference after returning to her home country for the first time since winning her first Oscar for Best Lead Actress, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia April 18, 2023. (Reuters)
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Michelle Yeoh Seeks New Challenges After Oscar Win

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh shows her engraved Oscar statuette during a news conference after returning to her home country for the first time since winning her first Oscar for Best Lead Actress, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia April 18, 2023. (Reuters)
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh shows her engraved Oscar statuette during a news conference after returning to her home country for the first time since winning her first Oscar for Best Lead Actress, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia April 18, 2023. (Reuters)

Michelle Yeoh says she is looking for new challenges including as a producer, as she credited perseverance, hard work and passion for her historic Oscar win last month.

The 60-year-old became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for best actress for her performance as a laundromat owner in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The movie won a total of seven awards, including best picture.

Returning to her native Malaysia to celebrate her mother’s birthday, Yeoh said she felt a sense of relief after clinching the award.

“It was a roller coaster ride that started last year when the movie first came out. It was a whole year of not knowing, wanting, hoping, wishing,” she told a news conference. “During the journey, everyone was asking, ‘Do you want the Oscar?’ I said, hell, yes, of course I want the Oscar. Who doesn’t? I am not going to beat around the bush and say no because it represents so much to so many of us.”

Yeoh reiterated that her Oscar victory was a “beacon of hope” for Asian women.

“It shows us it can be done and all of you can do it,” she said.

Yeoh, who started her career in Hong Kong before becoming a Hollywood star, said she was blessed to have been able to work on diverse movies and with “forward thinking filmmakers to fight for what I truly believe in — representation, diversity, especially empowerment of women.” She said she refuses to be boxed in stereotypical roles but believes in pushing the envelope in her career.

While she has no interest in directing, she said she may branch out again as a producer.

“Directors have no life. I love my life too much,” she said in jest. “I love producing. I have produced before and now I can start to do so again … now I am able to branch out more because people have started to listen, and appreciate what you can bring forward. As an actor, I love what I can do. I am so lucky to be able to say it’s not a job, it’s really a passion.”

Yeoh said she will be heading back to London to complete the filming of “Wicked,” a two-part movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical directed by Jon Chu. She said she hopes to return to Asia in the next few months.

“I am always looking for a challenge,” Yeoh said. “I believe there is so much to do in our part of the world. All of us collectively. Don’t isolate yourself. Don’t feel that I must always tell my story. We are collaborators, we are storytellers. Let’s work together and do great things.”



Konoz Initiative Wins Two Platinum Awards at MUSE Creative Awards for 'Horizon'

Konoz Initiative Wins Two Platinum Awards at MUSE Creative Awards for 'Horizon'
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Konoz Initiative Wins Two Platinum Awards at MUSE Creative Awards for 'Horizon'

Konoz Initiative Wins Two Platinum Awards at MUSE Creative Awards for 'Horizon'

The Konoz initiative, a Saudi Ministry of Media project, has achieved a global milestone by winning two platinum awards at the international MUSE Creative Awards competition for "Horizon" in the cinematography and documentary film categories.

The win brings to 31 the total number of awards won by the initiative locally and internationally, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.

"Horizon" is one of the production, artistic, and visual works of the Konoz initiative, documenting the richness and diversity of wildlife and natural resources in the Kingdom.

Produced in collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife, the film aims to raise awareness about the environmental diversity in the Kingdom, its unique geographical regions, and efforts to protect wildlife and preserve rare species.

It also introduces the world to the Kingdom's treasures by showcasing its stunning landscapes, rich in diverse plant and animal life, while promoting awareness of its natural wealth.

The international competition celebrates excellence and innovation in design, advertising, and digital media, honoring works that leave a lasting impact on audiences.