For her performance in 2001’s “Monster’s Ball,” Halle Berry received the Best Actress trophy. To this date, Berry is the only Black actress to win the award, and was, until now, the only person of color to hold the honor. With Yeoh now a Best Actress winner, history has been made, making her the second POC to hold the prestigious award. Recent years have seen the Oscars make great strides to be more inclusive with their nominees, with their 2023 showing proving that they’re learning the right lessons.
For Yeoh, however, it wasn’t just about winning Best Actress — it was about making a statement. “This is history in the making,” Yeoh said, wrapping up her heartfelt speech, acknowledging just how impactful her win is for the Asian community.
Other notable winners tonight from the Asian community included Yeoh’s co-star Ke Huy Quan, who walked with a Best Supporting Actor trophy, and M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose for their song “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR.”
Michelle Yeoh Made History At The Oscars, And Halle Berry Made It Doubly Special