Michelle Yeoh honoured as pioneer by Biden with Presidential ...

Updated

May 04, 2024, 11:07 PM

Published

May 04, 2024, 12:05 PM

PETALING JAYA – Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President Joe Biden for being the first Asian to win a Best Actress Oscar.

In presenting her with the medal on May 3, Mr Biden said that for decades Yeoh has “shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings to enrich and enhance American culture”.

“Her roles transcend gender, cultures and languages. From martial arts, to romantic comedies, to science fiction, to show us what we all have in common.”

As the first Asian actor to win a Best Actress Oscar, she “bridges cultures not only to entertain, but also inspire and open hearts and that’s what she keeps doing. Congratulations”, said Mr Biden.

With this, Yeoh – who received the medal along with 18 others – has joined the ranks of those who have been given America’s highest civilian award.

In March 2023, she made history as the first Asian and Malaysian to win an Oscar, for her role in the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Prior to this, the White House had said in its introduction of Yeoh at the ceremony that her efforts to advance gender equality, conservation issues and global health have been felt around the world.

“Equal parts performer and pioneer, Michelle Yeoh continues to enrich American culture and inspires us to believe in possibilities on the big screen and beyond,” it said.

According to Reuters, Yeoh was on the recipient list that gave special recognition to “firsts” in their fields.

They include Dr Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, and versatile athlete Jim Thorpe, who in 1912 became the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal.

Other recipients included former US senator Elizabeth Dole, former vice-president Al Gore, one-time secretary of state John Kerry, and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to both civilians and military personnel and is not limited to US citizens.

In an executive order establishing it in 1963, then US President John F. Kennedy said the medal would be bestowed by decision of the US president, and that it was to recognise people who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours”. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK