The 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards were given out on Sunday, with the American absurdist comedy-drama Everything Everywhere All at Once coming out as the biggest winner by sweeping off categories such as lead actress, supporting actor, supporting actor and ensemble cast.
The lead actor of the film, Michelle Yeoh made history by winning the best performance by a female actor in a lead role, at the SAG awards, as she became the first Asian woman to win a leading film acting award.
While accepting her award, Yeoh said, “I think if I speak my heart will explode. SAG- AFTRA, to get this from you who understand what it is to get here… everyone of you knows the journey, the roller coaster ride, the ups and downs. But most importantly we never give up. I thank you… This is not just for me, this is for every little girl who looks like me.”
She then paused to compose herself, and continued, “Thank you for giving me a seat at the table and tonight you’ve shown us that it is possible. I’m grateful and my mom will be eternally grateful to all of you.”
Michelle Yeoh is the second Asian woman ever to win a film acting prize after Yuh Jung Youn won an award as a supporting actress for Minari (2020). In addition, she is the second Asian woman nominated as a best actress after Ziyi Zhang, who was nominated for Memoirs of Geisha (2005). Previously there have been Asian award winners from television categories, including two-time winners Sandra Oh, and Lee Jung-Jae and Hoyeon Jung at last year’s ceremony.
Michelle Yeoh’s victory comes along with other Asian winners as well from this year. Ke Huy Quan, her co-star from Everything Everywhere All At Once, became the first Asian male to win an individual film acting award. Further, Stephanie Hsu was also nominated for her performance as a supporting actress.
Nominated alongside Hsu was Hong Chau from The Whale, marking the first time in SAG history two Asians were nominated in the same category.