US President Joe Biden presented Malaysian actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh the Presidential Medal of Freedom for being the first Asian person to win Best Actress at the 2023 Oscars.
Biden stated that Yeoh has "shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings to enrich and enhance American culture" for decades when he gave her the award on Friday, May 3.
Her responsibilities cut over boundaries of gender, language, and culture. From science fiction to romantic comedies to martial arts, these examples highlight the commonalities among us.
Being the first Asian actor to win a Best Actress Oscar, she consistently crosses cultural boundaries to inspire and open hearts in addition to providing entertainment. "Congratulations," he said.
The actress has now been awarded America's highest civilian honours, joining the ranks of the other eighteen recipients of the medal.
According to The Star, Yeoh created history by being the first Asian and Malaysian to win an Oscar in March 2023 for her performance in the film Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Prior to this, Yeoh's efforts to promote gender equality, environmental challenges, and global health were acknowledged globally in the White House's introduction of her at the event.
It said, "Michelle Yeoh strives to contribute to American culture and motivates us to have confidence in potential on the big screen and beyond. She is equal parts pioneer and performer."
The actress, who became the first Asian winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2023, was among those in the list of recipients who received particular recognition for being the "firsts" in their respective fields, according to Reuters.
Among them are Jim Thorpe, the multi-talented athlete who was the first Native American to take home an Olympic gold medal in 1912, and Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space.
Former US senator Elizabeth Dole, former vice president Al Gore, former secretary of state John Kerry, and former mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg were among the other awardees.
Not just US citizens are eligible to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom; civilians and military people are honoured too.
The US president at the time, John F. Kennedy, established the medal in an executive order in 1963, stating that it would be awarded based on presidential decision to honour individuals who have made "an particularly valuable contribution to the security or national interests of the US, global stability, cultural or other significant public or even private endeavours."
