Michelle Yeoh recently expressed her hopes of making a significant impact on the film industry as she prepared to receive the honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. During an interview on March 7, 2024, the acclaimed actress shared her thoughts on her career and the challenges faced by actors who share her background. “I hope I don’t trip and fall flat on my face,” Yeoh remarked, reflecting on the long walk to the Palast stage for the ceremony.
Dressed in a cozy white knitted sweater, Yeoh downplayed the significance of the award, saying, “I think they’ve made a mistake!” She believes that a lifetime achievement award is premature, stating, “I feel like I’ve not finished my journey. I still have a long way to go.” Yet, she acknowledged the honor in being celebrated at a festival she considers one of the three most important—alongside Cannes and Venice. “It’s the Berlinale, the people here, who have appreciated my whole portfolio of 40 years,” she added.
Yeoh’s career began in the martial arts genre, where she gained recognition for her roles in films like Yes, Madam (1985) and Wing Chun (1994). Her transition to Hollywood started with her portrayal of Bond girl Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). She later starred in critically acclaimed films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018).
Yeoh, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), believes her success has opened doors for others in the industry. “I think [winning] does open more doors in the sense that people see you and they’re willing to change what they are doing to make space for you,” she explained. This shift has allowed her to receive scripts originally written for male characters, emphasizing her identity as an actress rather than just an Asian performer.
The actress also took a moment to praise the younger generation of Asian actresses, including Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, and Lucy Liu. While she acknowledges their talent, she insists there is still a need for more opportunities in the industry. Yeoh further stated, “It’s not a filmmaker’s job to address global politics,” suggesting that films should focus on storytelling rather than political commentary.
Yeoh noted the importance of civic engagement, urging audiences to understand the significance of voting. “If you don’t vote, then don’t complain,” she advised, asserting that it is everyone’s responsibility to participate in democracy. She believes that while films can entertain and foster connections, they should not be expected to solve societal issues.
As anticipation builds for her role in Wicked, where she portrays the formidable Madame Morrible, Yeoh expressed disappointment that the film was overlooked in several Oscar categories. “I was so desperately disappointed when they were not acknowledged at the Oscars,” she said, particularly highlighting the lack of recognition for the film’s crafting, including costume design and cinematography.
Yeoh is also focused on her future projects, particularly in Chinese cinema. “Since 2018, I have not been back to China to work,” she noted, referencing her recent endeavors in Europe and Hollywood. She is currently involved in The Wandering Earth 3, expressing enthusiasm for the innovative visions of young directors in the industry.
In her approach to selecting roles, Yeoh emphasizes the importance of contributing something new. “Every time I look at a character, I try to understand why a director would want me to play that role,” she concluded. Her commitment to fostering diversity in cinema continues to resonate as she remains a vital figure in the industry, inspiring future generations of actors.
