Michelle Yeoh: Asian Actors Winning Awards Should Be the Norm in Hollywood

Michelle Yeoh reflects on how far actors of Asian descent have come, and how they have paved the way for future generations. Her award-winning film, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is in theaters and streaming now on Showtime.
#Colbert #MichelleYeoh #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce #EEAAO #Showtime
---
Subscribe To "The Late Show" Channel: bit.ly/ColbertKZbin
Watch full episodes of "The Late Show": bit.ly/1Puei40
Listen to "The Late Show Pod Show" podcast: link.chtbl.com/Awagtx95?sid=yt
Like "The Late Show" on Facebook: on. 1df139Y
Follow "The Late Show" on Twitter: bit.ly/1dMzZzG
Follow "The Late Show" on Instagram: bit.ly/29wfREj
Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.
---
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@sarina9994]

It’s so special to me that she acknowledged Merle Oberon, who had to hide her Indian and Maori heritage to stay afloat in this industry that has always treated people of color and other minorities so heinously. Michelle is so incredibly humble, gracious, and kind. I absolutely adore how she exudes such compassion and care when she talks about EEAAO and the many Evelyn Wangs of this world. She deserves all the things ❤

[@lukasribin4168]

The entertainment industry exists outside of America you know..in places where white people are the minorities not getting any roles in major cinema. Also Merle Oberon was still white, she is a very privileged and poor comparison. Not to mention that people of color or “other minorities” are not treated “heinously” in the industry. It’s entertainment, and if you’re in it or have the luxury to even humor yourself into thinking you could make it..then you’re likely treated better than most people on planet earth to begin with. Actors and actresses are not being barred from normal jobs, they’re mad for shallow reasons and coming up with excuses as to why they’re not more famous, their concern is not genuinely with being given less opportunity…when MOST aspiring actors of any race are unlikely to amount to anything on screen or off. The biggest privileges in the industry (and often society itself) are good looks, nepotism in your favor and general connections with powerful people. Race is secondary to all of this, if it wasn’t then this interview would not even have happened.

[@jckung3914]

@@lukasribin4168 First, are you familiar with the "One Drop" rule applied to African Americans? So poor African Americans with even one drop of non-white blood is deemed non-white. But a famous Hollywood star who's 50% non-white is "still white"? Hypocritical much? Are you aware Asians have been here in America earlier than whites? Yes, native Americans came from Asia. There have been Asian Americans in this country forever. Our experiences and stories are different from Asians who live in Asia. Our language may be different too. Many Asian Americans speak English as the 1st language. They can't find roles in Asia. It's like saying African-Americans should go to compete in film awards in Africa instead of complaining #OscarsoWhite. No need to reply. You're enjoying white privilege so much that you're clueless aout racism.

[@briangan3133]

Since when has this industry treated people of colour "heinously"? Black actors like Will Smith, Kevin Hart and Denzel Washington, Asian actors like Ken Jeong, Simu Liu and Lucy Liu all get their representation

[@alexlazzerly3677]

I love Cate Blanchett but I really hope Michelle Yeah wins it this year.

[@alextee2192]

Go Go Go Oscar...🥳🥳🥳

[@talkfilm2686]

I love Blanchett

[@foppishdilletaunt9911]

What a choice !

[@KenOath1234]

as an Australian, I agree! Grew up watching Michelle Yo in Jackie Chan movies - always loved her work!

[@babilabub]

Hell yeah !!! Go Michelle.

[@sarikatharyn]

i love her acknowledgement of the actress who had to hide her ethnicity. this is a real icon.

[@robhawkinsmoya]

Do you know the name of that person?

[@senatorhung]

@@robhawkinsmoya Michelle referenced her at kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3y8loasnst6b9U. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merle_Oberon

[@kharynj6629]

@@senatorhung thank you. I couldn’t catch her name when she said it

[@sarikatharyn]

@@robhawkinsmoya Merle Oberon was nominated in 1936

[@RedPanda555]

I think when most people refer to Asian people, they generally mean Chinese, Japanese, Korean etc type of Asian ethnicities, not Indian.

[@arcticgoddess]

I just love her. The whole cast and directors too. We get used to stars who seem over Hollywood and pretentious about awards. Then the cast of this incredible movie is so emotional and grateful and excited for every award no matter how small and you just want to root for these kind, humble legends of film. It's been a season of great films with kind and grateful people and it's such a breath of fresh air..

[@heethn]

Me too, well said Sharon.

[@yaeguuji1829]

Yes. You can see the love jn their eyes.

[@guysovereign]

As an Asian woman, racism has negatively affected her life.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

Incredible woman. Just love her elegance and humour but talking about some serious points. Plus she’s a kick ass hero!

[@artbargra]

Whichever film she's on, she is always a joy to watch. So much talent and charisma.

[@kevanmcdougallmph]

You could tell the audience really really felt they were in the presence of such an incredible actor. A human who thoroughly loves their craft and so incredibly humble. I'm so glad Michelle is finally being given the opportunity to get her dues, which are far overdue.

[@aadamusman7980]

this woman is amazing, ive never cared who won the awards before, but ill be watching this time.

[@arcticgoddess]

Same!!!

[@abandonedfragmentofhope5415]

What people don't understand about the awards is the fact of who are handing out these awards? They are handed out by the Film Academy, the Television Academy, the Hollywood Foreign Press, the Screen Actors' Guild, the Writers Guild, the Directors' Guild, the Producers Guild, American Theatre Wing, Film Independent, Critics Choice Association, Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival and The Broadway League. These are the most powerful institutions in the Entertainment Media industry. They are filled to the brim with industry insiders' such as executives, directors, writers, actors, critics, cinematographers, costume designers, production designers, animators etc. etc. Getting a nomination means they're putting their faith in you. Most people see their careers skyrocket after receiving a nomination. Why? Cause normally these nominees get sent scripts, get more access to the news media, they get better pay offers, studios and rich people begin contributing more money to the projects they get involved in, people pay more attention to their work etc. etc. Look at what happened to Jennifer Lawrence after she received her nom for Winters' Bone she went from doing low budget indie films and minors roles on TV to being offered roles in the Hunger Games and X-Men franchises that made her a multi-millionaire. An award nomination can mean that someone stops struggling to get work, you can go from working in a film about zombie vampire pigs to a large multi-million dollar studio film about the disquieting anxiety of human loneliness and what that means to our modern society in less than 3 seconds flat.

[@TorQueMoD]

I was seriously mind blown to hear Michelle was the first Asian female to win a best actress award. She totally deserves it, but as she said so many have come before, how is this a first in 2023?

[@mish375]

She deserved that award decades ago but it never happened. Remember the Oscars are political so that could have been why.

[@gregXxo]

@@mish375 she was great in "The Lady"

[@cristinaapariciolinale2119]

Mmmm how about racism for 200 points?

[@larrywashington6259]

Bruce lee never won any.

[@jckung3914]

Hollywood wouldn't even cast Asians for Asian roles. How could Asian actors win anything if they're not cast in lead roles? Michelle Yeoh should have been nominated for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon but it's a "foreign film." There's always a justification why Asian actors don't get awards.

[@craigjohnson4182]

She's worrying about singing. But she's a multilingual, award winning actress, ballerina, kung-fu master, death defying stuntwoman, and Bond girl. I believe she will master singing like she masters everything everywhere.

[@watersportsbyjamesfitzroy5870]

Most Asians are multilingual

[@talkingkangaroo4934]

She'd actually recorded a Chinese theme song in Mandarin and Cantonese in the 90s. She has pretty much done everything in an awesome career. kzbin.info/www/bejne/anWtZI2jpL5gqLs

[@craigjohnson4182]

@@watersportsbyjamesfitzroy5870 I heard she hadn't learned fluent Mandarin until she signed on for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

[@Danny_mahi]

If Michelle says she's gonna beat you up, you better believe her, cuz she will. What a wonderful woman.

[@mk1st]

I know, can you believe she’s 60 😮

[@VinceValentine]

And it will look super cool.

[@zeemaybee]

I grew up watching her Kung Fu movies, and I completely believe that threat lol.

[@KB-sv7fm]

She was only kidding around. She doesn’t really know martial arts. She is just a dancer.

[@VinceValentine]

@@KB-sv7fm She had *some* martial arts training for her many action scenes. Remember that she was in James Bond, Star Trek, Marvel, and a few other action-oriented franchises.

[@KCNwokoye]

Love her. Please give her her well deserved Oscar.

[@sizzle9000]

She has so much poise and talks with such eloquence and humility. It is frustrating that it has taken this long for her, James Hong, Ke Huy Quan, etc. to be given starring roles, let alone be recognized for them, but I'm glad it's finally happening. You can tell by the way Stephen talks about this film in interviews with the cast that it really resonated with him.

[@NewMessage]

Stunning person. In every sense.

[@aadamusman7980]

Humility and grace personified, and super hot too.

[@Miquelodeon87]

Everything Everywhere All at Once is an unbelievable film and Michelle Yeoh's role in it is just sensational. They deserve every award.

[@hhheidi1121]

Win or not as a Malaysian 🇲🇾 I’m so proud of her. Malaysia Boleh 🎉❤❤

[@markdangga2371]

She needs to WIN for BEST ACTRESS this MARCH

[@Seetha-Golden]

Go, Datuk, go!

[@josieyap]

​@@Seetha-Golden , she is Tan Sri now 🤗

[@technomarineco]

And she does it all with class and elegance!

[@markzzzzberg1312]

@@Seetha-Golden the Malaysian Sultan awarded her "Tan Sri" title back in 2013

[@quehzac4554]

1:27 Just goosebumps from this monologue. She has opened doors for so many aspiring actors, regardless of nationality 💪

[@PADS62]

Wow! Michelle Yeoh is simply Amazing. She's so down to earth, cute, funny and she seems like she'd be easy to talk to! I had a huge smile on my face the whole interview. I'd love to go have lunch with her, I bet we'd have a blast! I'm 60 also. 😁

[@mk1st]

I hadn’t even heard of this movie before I saw it on an in-flight movie and was blown away (wished I’d caught it in the theatre). Hope she wins the Oscar, she certainly deserves it.

[@tyrant-den884]

Now that's got to be a wild one to see for them first time in a plane though.

[@jckung3914]

Oh, which airline did you catch that film? I haven't been able to find the film anywhere but I'll be traveling on Saturday. I'll fly AA.

[@mk1st]

@@jckung3914 United, Chicago to LA

[@ChineduOpara]

I am low-key jealous that you saw it for the first time... that's a feeling that one cannot recreate. Great film!

[@MingWLee]

Thank you to all the heart warmth comment down here. As an Asian woman, watching Michelle at the tip of the spotlight make me beyond just happy for her but she remains who she is since being as an actress. I have seen her movies and performance near the beginning, you will not believe how far she has come through. Asia countries are still mostly has conservative culture where women have so few chance to shine, let alone working in entertainment industry; many of them are still treated as a prop. I wish from now on there will be equal opportunity for not only Asian but to every actors/tress, so they can shine as bright as a star.

[@yellowonesdontstop]

She is such a trail blazer! They originally wanted her to just play a damsel in distress, but she asked why couldn't she fight too, especially as a trained dancer she was more than capable of learning choreography.

[@danielachamorro8783]

“Shut up please” polite and feisty 😂😂😂

[@guitou]

She always give such inspirational speech. Amazing talent and personality…. Pls Oscar give her the award 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mkate1947]

Michelle is soooo humble. Ugh I’m crying. I’ve admired her my whole life! I love her. Can’t believe she waited until she’s 60 years old to get the recognition she has long deserved.

[@SpaceForceCommander]

Michelle Yeoh is the first Asian actress I had a crush on when she starred in Tomorrow Never Dies with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond 007.

[@dan-jacobenglish1559]

A stately grace and beauty which is only augmented by her martial skills and acting prowess. She is a gem.

[@breezyncj]

Mine was Zhang Ziyi which I think has worked with Michelle a number of times now. Love them both!

[@Ernie1978]

I am rooting for Michelle Yeoh to win. What a career and what a great personality she has.

[@abigailmorgan6526]

I REALLY hope she gets the Oscar but I'm SO excited for all her upcoming work especially as Morrible!

[@xcw4934]

I love that she'd be one of those people who wouldn't flinch at taking on three assailants in a dimly lit parking lot but might be trembling if asked to sing in front of strangers.

[@elizabethle2237]

she really said what needed to be said! love michelle!

[@weycool4681]

I am from Taiwan and I have seen her from the early 90s. She always has such class in her. Her demeanor and the way she talks. She just seems so classy.

[@itsjeninMass]

OMG. She's a delight! I'm so happy for her success. She's amazing!

[@rannierunsfast]

She's so elegant and badass

[@Benny8692]

Really humble of Michelle to point out she wasn't the first Asian actress to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, she's incredible.

[@lukasribin4168]

Merle is not Asian.

[@Little1Cave]

@@lukasribin4168 She’s Anglo-Indian. Her father was British but her mother was part-Sinhalese, part-Māori. She is of Asian descent.

[@mish375]

@@lukasribin4168 Indian or Sri Lankan to be more precise is Asian.

[@bryansupersun]

She's so spirited 💥💥😍😍😍

[@tracys169]

B4 I came to the US, I already was a fan of hers. I grew up watching her movies. She's a great actor and very very capable martial artist. She and Jackie Chan would 'challenge' each other on movies with their death-defying stunts, she's SO 'crazy' or brave? LOL. I'm just SO CHUFFED that she's broken through the Hollywood/West film industry and is being nominated (and has been winning awards) for Oscar too. Wow.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

Their humility, graciousness, and enthusiasm was infectious! They had such heartfelt speeches. All this attention and accolades for an indie gem made for under 25 million! Their message to "dream big" was heard by everyone everywhere!

[@TheMikenificent]

Grew up watching her films, she was and has remained a star crush. An amazing talent and so funny, smart, graceful and beautiful. Love Michelle.

[@jd90024]

She is so lovely, awesome, and admirable!❤. All the best to you Michelle.

[@jaywa101]

Love her in Star Trek: Discovery a series with so many beautiful human faces of every shape, color and age. Really hope she wins!

[@theMLBfan]

She's so amazing! Glad to see her getting the success she deserves.

[@Danuta628]

So well deserved! This woman is amazing super human. Crouching tiger I’ve watched countless times. She Should’ve been nominated them too.

[@immortalasirpa6006]

I will *never forget* the impact Michelle Yeoh had on American audiences in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. We need more wuxia dramas in our lives. Women are allowed to be powerful in them.

[@BinaRamos1990]

Rooting for you! Manifesting!! Michelle Yeoh for the Win.. this wont hurt Cate as she has lots of it already.

[@HorseMuse]

You have earned every ounce of the awards you receive! Loved everything we have seen you play, Ms MY!

[@MrJimmy1953]

Smart, funny, wise, beautiful… How can you not love this woman?

[@HarryFilmsA]

She's so wonderfully charming! Love seeing her succeed!

[@joannejohnson7006]

I just adore Michelle! I watched this movie while visiting my brother and his wife for the first two in decades. He recommended it last July and I realized how great you and the crew are! Thank you and congratulations

[@drewphilsia]

Such an awesome interview!! ❤

[@cjordan1207]

Love her, she is very humble and friendly

[@tlouiseallen9302]

I Love Michelle Yeoh ❤. She’s brilliant and deserves “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once” 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼💪🏼🙏🏼🖖🏼

[@pihla01]

Hope she wins!!!

[@aftarsun]

So happy for all the recognition she’s getting!

[@ticklishaura1]

I love her so much. What an incredible performance in this film. No one deserves the award more than she does. ❤

[@elisabethoppenheim4767]

I have always loved Michelle Yeoh, she is wonderful!!

[@skysands5743]

What an Incredible person and I'm happy to witness what she does

[@RedRoadWoman7]

Michelle Yeoh for Best Actress! ❤️👏

[@elviselcapo]

I love her voice, her expressions, her acting, awesome!!!

[@DrForbin001]

I adore Michelle, her spirit, her energy is absolutely beautiful. Great human being and actresses.

[@arjaydelarge]

Academy award WINNER, Michelle Yeoh ✨

[@peterbathum2775]

Thank you for sharing your time here Miss Yeoh. Listening to you converse with Stephen showed that the characters you play are so engaging, intense, rich, compelling, captivating, because they come from you. I look forward to viewing more faces like yours in films; beautiful and mighty.

[@buttahp]

I love that she called out that she wasn't the first, but that her predecessor was passing. 🥺♥️

[@KrissieG]

I love her since Memoirs of a Geisha - she is stunning and elegant all around.

[@blinksstayfresh2524]

Michelle is a legend, been a fan of her since the 90s

[@vrinda793]

been waiting for this, also next brendan please

[@cthulhutheendless1587]

I love her glasses

[@skysands5743]

Nooooo!!! I want more of this woman

[@Nothingisreal641]

So proud of you ❤

[@genewaddlerandomstuff2122]

I hadn't heard of her before, but what an extraordinary person she seems to be.

[@rkms5606]

She and Taraji P Henson telling the award musicians to shut it down.... Legendary 🔥🔥🔥

[@adoreanitamui3021]

Really hope Michelle Yeo wins the Oscar 👍❣️💕

[@feliciabrown-eaton9463]

So inspiring

[@whatchahowsya8688]

Michelle has done a little bit of singing for her movies back in Hong Kong. I have no doubt she will sound amazing.

[@susanloh8917]

You deserve the award! Malaysia Boleh Michelle 🇲🇾❤️

[@cristinaapariciolinale2119]

Michelle yeoh is a powerhouse actress, she deserves the oscar, cate blanched is a very good actress but this is Michelle’s year.

[@JpnhAbou]

Ok hear me out: Michele Yeoh and Meryl Streep, starring in a romcom thriller as opposing mother-in-laws

[@catt2402]

I can't believe she is 60. I have been watching her since I was a kid. I am so happy for her and the entire cast of EEAO. Fantastic film

[@HeatherSZ]

She's awesome! Love her

[@bettina5751]

What an elegance. I hope I grow old like her, graceful and so spirited. Thank you Michelle

[@siralphey234]

She needs to win the Oscar. Has to.

[@josephebrahmian1256]

she is Pride of Malaysia.

[@kaybouie1972]

I love her soo much❤

[@martycrow]

Such an amazing actress (check out her range of roles, her effort, her range, and her physicality) but even more a really wonderful person! I won't overdo the praise here, but finding out is a treat! I am so proud to call her a friend.

[@prajnachan333]

Michelle Yeoh won best actress 👏! 🕉 "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once."

[@redred4877]

yes queen i hope you get the oscar!

[@Noneofyourbizniz1]

I’m so glad she’s getting the recognition she so deserves. Wow. I love her. Give her that Oscar please

[@Noneofyourbizniz1]

@Wes Bradley-Taubner yes and I’m so fuqing 🤩

[@1sirgrandmastermrkingrober216]

You know what amazes me about Stephen Colbert a lot, is his discipline in his training, which is reflected in his work, in outstanding form “always” on stage in his program, the style, the grace & totally hardcase earned tailored suits, & immaculate hygiene basically beyond comprehension how good he’s doing at it. What a superhero experience and life for him to attain that level of Show business Ceuthe, like ONE TIME, let alone month after month of top styling out every show. It’s astounding and it’s the superhero life for him. It takes superhero guts to achieve that, this guy is likely happily Married of course, Class, but I’m just so impressed, the absolute ideals of show business at the top, man….what an admirable inspiration to other guys & other peoples for what to try for for hygiene. It’s movie screen ready to film the tops out at a moments notice, what fun for him lol. It amounts to superhero life, with that much work put in every day then once you reach it, the rest of the day is a Superman deal, sprucing up the Universe with his presence. I think it’s great. Just an unsung hero….that we sing about all the time. 📀💛🔒🔐✌️😇

[@dakotac180]

She deserves her flowers. I wish I could see everything everywhere all at once, they need to put it on HBO... I love that she mentioned Merle Oberon and she explains the messed up history of Hollywood. OMG I AM SO EXCITED FOR WICKED

[@motsach8508]

Love you so much, From VietNam

[@NinaC]

So so beautiful! I havent even watched the entire video but just have to say this mid way haha!

[@22Amazonas]

She is the best ❤️

[@heathereton5582]

I’m so excited for the film version of Wicked!

[@mitzchenng1790]

love this! I agree. Asian actors and actresses on television and on film should be the norm already.

[@ing678]

love her so much

[@maeranni]

She is magic.

[@corinnesmalley6375]

Michelle ALL THE WAYYYYYY!!!!

[@tonyquek6157]

Yes to Equal Opportunity!

[@symbasmith3049]

I cannot wait to see this film!😃 I think she is one of the most talented women ever, and absolutely the most STUNNINGLY beautiful woman in Hollywood, hands down.❤️ Elegant, yet powerful and gracious…

[@morley247]

Yes for Asian Excellence 💙

[@pornlapasss]

Just love her

[@sarahbateman8217]

Obsessed.🙌

[@persuasivebarrier2419]

Michelle Yeoh and Anthony Rapp really sell the Star Trek Discovery show. Enjoy her contributions and recognition.

[@eunicep.b166]

Congratulations to my favorite actor Michelle as the greatest icon as she always looking amazing 👏 ❤️ 🫶🙌😉😘🔥💯😊