Michelle Yeoh received the honorary Golden Bear at the Berlinale, expressing her hope that her career has inspired actors from diverse backgrounds. The award ceremony took place on March 15, 2024, at the prestigious film festival in Berlin. Yeoh, bundled in a cozy white sweater, shared her thoughts with The Hollywood Reporter, admitting she was nervous about walking to the stage.
“I hope I don’t trip and fall flat on my face,” she remarked, reflecting on the significance of the moment. Despite her apprehension, the ceremony unfolded beautifully, highlighted by an emotional tribute from Anora director Sean Baker. Yeoh spoke movingly about her late father and her upbringing in Malaysia, where she nurtured dreams of stardom.
While celebrating this milestone, Yeoh remained humble, questioning whether she deserved the recognition. “I think they’ve made a mistake,” she said, acknowledging that a lifetime achievement award feels premature as she believes her journey is ongoing. Yet, she took a moment to appreciate the festival’s recognition of her extensive career, which spans over 40 years.
Yeoh’s filmography is remarkable, starting with her iconic roles in martial arts films like Yes, Madam and Wing Chun. Her transition to Hollywood began in 1997 when she portrayed Bond girl Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies. This paved the way for her international acclaim, culminating in her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which garnered ten Academy Award nominations.
Her career continued to flourish with appearances in major productions, including Memoirs of a Geisha and Crazy Rich Asians. Yeoh’s success has had a profound impact, particularly for Asian actors and actresses. “I hope that what I have done has made a difference for actors who look like me, for women in particular,” she stated.
Yeoh believes her Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once has opened new doors in the industry. She noted that she now receives scripts originally intended for male characters that have been reimagined for women. “They don’t just see me as an Asian, they see me as an actor who can be in any of these roles,” she said.
In discussing the current landscape, Yeoh praised the emerging talents in the industry, recognizing actresses like Awkwafina and Sandra Oh. Despite their success, she emphasized the ongoing need for more opportunities for underrepresented talent.
When considering the role of filmmakers in addressing societal issues, Yeoh suggested that while cinema can highlight certain subjects, it is not the primary responsibility of filmmakers to instill political beliefs. “If you want real and hardcore, turn on the TV for the news,” she said, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility in civic engagement. “If you don’t vote, then don’t complain,” she added, stressing that everyone has a role in shaping their communities.
Yeoh recently starred in the blockbuster Wicked, where she played the character Madame Morrible. Despite the film’s success and numerous accolades, she expressed disappointment that some of her co-workers were overlooked during award nominations. “The disappointment for them is very strong,” she noted, particularly referring to the lack of recognition for key contributors in the craft categories.
As an Academy member, Yeoh takes her voting responsibilities seriously, choosing not to disclose her favorites for the year’s awards. “Every movie stands out on its own in different genres,” she explained, acknowledging the competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, Yeoh is preparing to return to Chinese cinema after a long absence. She mentioned her ongoing project, The Wandering Earth 3, expressing admiration for the invigorating visions presented by younger directors. “It gives me great pleasure, joy, to see that development,” she shared.
Ultimately, Yeoh’s career and endeavors reflect her commitment to advocating for diversity and representation in the film industry. She remains focused on the future, always considering the impact her roles may have on aspiring actors. “Every time I look at a character, I try to understand why a director would want me to play that role,” she concluded, embodying the humility and dedication that have defined her journey.
