Michelle Yoh. “Women criticize themselves a lot, men less.”

His most vivid memory of the Cannes Film Festival. In 2000, when Michelle Yeoh came to defend Tiger and dragon, submitted out of competition. “Cannes is a wonderful place, but sometimes very cruel. We had no idea how this martial arts film would be received. And then we were told that during its first showing, there was a standing ovation in the middle of the film after the first fight scene. Since then, the Malaysian actress has experienced other milestones in film history. Last March, she won an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance Everything everywhere at once (also won the Oscar for Best Picture). She is the first Asian woman to receive this award.

In video: Cannes, May 21, 2023 stair climb

On May 21 at Cannes, Michelle Yeoh was also the recipient of the Women In Motion 2023 Award, presented by Kering and the Film Festival, to recognize women who are changing the landscape of contemporary cinema. Later that day, he returned as part of a conversation about the impact of his Oscar and the representation of the Asian population in film. But also about his projects and the importance of taking time for yourself.

Variety

For Michelle Yeoh, it was clear that the Oscars, often criticized in recent years for its lack of diversity, were not ready to honor an Asian actress until now. “Although there are many of them…” he added, specifically referring to China’s Gong Li. For him, however, the representation of the Asian population is beginning to appear more in Western cinema. Attests to the film’s success Crazy rich Asians (2018). “This film, with an all-Asian cast, opened big doors. And back Everything everywhere at once, we have demolished walls.” However, we should not stop there. “Covid has been one of the most difficult times that humanity has experienced, it has put a lot of things into doubt, it acts as a big ‘reset’. We should take advantage of it and not return to bad habits. And those who have a voice should speak in this direction. Starting with those who have power. “The fight for equality and diversity must come from above as well as from below.” Expanding, in particular, the field of characters offered to Asian actors. “We want people to offer us roles that aren’t defined as ‘Asian characters.’ We are actors first and foremost.”

Take your time

At the age of 60, Michelle Yeoh also made an impression with a line she uttered during her Oscar acceptance speech: He returned to this iconic moment, stressing that “the older you get, the more things seem to shrink around you; you are offered fewer roles.” A reality against which she intends to show herself as a counterexample, encouraging women to maintain confidence. “I have always noticed that they are very critical of themselves. Men, much less so.

Today, Michelle Yeoh takes it easy that her Oscar earned her news and numerous offers, giving her career a huge boost. But he intends to make a choice with insight. “When you have great success, you think about what you can do better next. I think I have to wait for big stories to be offered to me.” Not forgetting to breathe. “What would I like to do next? Take two weeks off. Promotion Everything, everywhere, at once was intense, followed by an Oscar campaign. But it is important to bring the films to the public.” He, who has just finished filming his first musical, evil (with Ariana Grande) and will be in the next parts of the saga Avatar: intends to take a necessary break. “It’s important to make a conscious effort to make time for yourself.”

On video, 06400 Cannes, our Cannes postcard