Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh poses with the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" in the press room during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023 - AFP picture
PETALING JAYA: Hong Kong actor Chapman To Man Chak has highlighted the fact that Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is a Malaysian.
"A reminder to the Hong Kong government. Michelle Yeoh is Malaysian. Don't take advantage and claim she is a Hong Konger," he posted on Facebook on Monday (March 13).
Yeoh won the Oscar for Best Actress for the movie "Everything Everywhere All At Once".
She also became the first actress of Asian descent to win the Best Actress award in the Academy's 95-year history.
Yeoh is also the first Malaysian to be nominated for and win the award in the prestigious category.
Previously, Hong Kong's culture chief congratulated Yeoh after she won a Golden Globe for her role in the movie, describing her as a "Hong Kong actor".
Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said the award was well deserved.
"Michelle Yeoh first made her name in the Hong Kong film sector before moving on to the international stage with her exceptionally outstanding acting skills and hard work... We are empowered by the fact that Hong Kong actors have continued to shine in the global film industry," he said.
Yeoh, who was born in Ipoh, beat Australian actress and two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett - said to be her closest contender - and other nominees including Ana De Armas, Michelle Williams and Andrea Riseborough for the coveted acting prize.
In her acceptance speech, Yeoh said: "I have to dedicate this (award) to my mum, all the mums in the world because they are really the superheroes, and without them, none of us would be here tonight.
"I'm taking this home to her. She's now watching it in Malaysia, KL, with my family and friends. I love you guys. I'm bringing this home to you.
"And also to my extended family in Hong Kong, where I started my career. Thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders, giving me a leg up so I can be here today."
