Another day leading up to the Oscars, another award show to recap. Last night was the 29th annual SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Awards, and in the context of Asian America, things went swimmingly.
One of the night’s biggest wins was Michelle Yeoh for “Actress in a Leading Role,” her performance in the box office hit “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” earning her the award. In Yeoh’s emotionally charged acceptance speech, she rhapsodized about never giving up, and thanked SAG-AFTRA (The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) for their support. “This is not just for me; this is for every little girl who looks like me,” said the actress. Yeoh is the first Asian woman to win best leading performance for film acting.
Her castmate, Vietnamese American actor, Ke Huy Quan, made history, too. He continued his explosive award show run with a win for Actor in a Supporting Role, the first Asian male to ever do it. Quan now has a Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, and SAG Award — making him a frontrunner to win the Oscar for “Best Supporting Actor.”
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” also brought home “Actress in a Supporting Role” in Jamie Lee Curtis — but Stephanie Hsu enjoyers, don’t worry! The entire ensemble was honored with the ceremony’s “Outstanding Cast” award, in which 94-year-old Chinese American actor, James Hong, received his long overdue flowers. “[Producers] said Asians were not good enough and they are not box office. But look at us now!” he exclaimed.
Check out the complete winners list here, and the acceptance speech for “Outstanding Cast” and more, above!
