Michelle Yeoh made history Sunday night as the first Asian woman to win the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture, and she clearly couldn’t contain her excitement, even dropping the bombshell during her historic and emotional speech.
The “Crazy Rich Asians” star was visibly overcome with emotion when her win was announced.
“I think if I talk, my heart will explode,” Yeoh began. “You all know the ride, the roller coaster ride, the ups and downs. But most importantly, we never give up.”
He continued: “I thank you for your love, your support because I know that I am facing titans.”
Flustered, Yeoh had to back away from the microphone, letting out a “shit” and “shit!” meanwhile she and the audience laughed.
“This is not just for me, this is for every girl that looks like me,” the actor continued. “Thank you for giving me a seat at the table because so many of us need this: we want to be seen; we want to be heard. And tonight you have shown us that it is possible. And I’m grateful, and my mom will be forever grateful to you.”
Earlier in the evening, Ke Huy Quan received an award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. The former “Goonies” star also made history as the first Asian man to win an individual SAG Award for acting in a movie.
“This is a very emotional moment for me,” he said. “Recently, I was told that if he had won tonight, he would make me the first Asian actor to win in this category. When I heard this, I quickly realized that this moment no longer belongs only to me. It also belongs to everyone who has asked for a change.”
He continued: “When I walked away from acting, it was because there were so few opportunities, and now tonight here we are, celebrating,” he continued. “The landscape looks so different now than before. Thanks to everyone who contributed to these changes. Many thanks to SAG-AFTRA for this truly prestigious honor.”
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” swept the SAG Awards, winning not only Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, but breaking the record for the most SAG Awards for any film in history.
Watch a video of Yeoh’s acceptance speech above.
