March 14, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – Datin Janet Yeoh was ecstatic when her daughter Tan Sri Michelle was announced Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards.
Clapping, Janet hugged family members around her when Michelle was named the winner.
“I am very happy with Michelle’s success,” Janet, 84, told The Star after the Oscar broadcast.
“She won the award because she is hardworking. You can see that in the way she fights in movies, the way she performs. She is very beautiful, talented and smart also,” Janet added.
Janet shared her happiness with her family members and celebrity guests at an special viewing party of the 95th Academy Awards at Dadi Cinema in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the Yeoh family this morning (March 13).
The whole hall erupted with joy when the Ipoh-born star was announced the winner.
Family cheering while watching a live broadcast from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia of Michelle Yeoh receiving the best actress award for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. Photo: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
In her speech, Michelle thanked her mum, which made Janet beam with pride.
“I have to dedicate this (award) to my mum, all the mums in the world because they are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight. I’m taking this home to her. She’s watching right now in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys. I’m bringing this home to you,” Michelle said during her acceptance speech.
Janet, who paid close attention to the screen throughout the broadcast, looked happy whenever the film Everything Everywhere All at Once received an award. The film won a total of seven Oscars.
After the broadcast, Michelle surprised her mum by video calling her to inform her of the win.
Michelle’s nephew and niece were equally joyous of the actress’ victory at the Oscars.
The two youngsters addressed the guests who were present during a break of the viewing.
“Michelle has lived a passionate life as an actor and is a very hardworking individual,” said her nephew, Kelvin Yeoh, calling himself and his sister, Vicki, as Michelle’s No.1 fans.
Vicki added that Michelle is proof that dreams can come true.
“We hope that she continues to inspire people just as she has inspired us. She really is an inspiration not only to Asians but everyone, everywhere and maybe … all at once,” Vicki said.
Janet had earlier said on the red carpet that she was so nervous about the outcome that she couldn’t sleep.
Among the local celebrities who were present with Janet to witness the historical moment included Amber Chia, Nasha Aziz, Sangeeta Krishnasamy and Henley Hii.
Also at the event was Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri who presented Yeoh the Anugerah Wanita Kasih Unggul award in conjunction with International Women’s Day, which Janet received on her daughter’s behalf.