KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 — Oscar-nominated Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh stands by the Academy’s nomination of Andrea Riseborough for best actress in To Leslie.
In an interview yesterday (February 10) on BBC’s Today radio show, the Ipoh-born actress admitted she ‘didn't know enough to make a comment' but respected the Academy’s ability to recognise talent.
“I know that the Academy has always prided themselves to have regulations where we all play by the rules,” Yeoh said.
“If it was so easy, it could've been done before. We're ever-evolving. We will always keep evolving on how to protect our integrity. I have great faith that we will do that.”
Yeoh won Best Performance by An Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes last month for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Riseborough’s indie-drama film To Leslie was overlooked by mainstream audiences until Hollywood celebrities including Edward Norton, Kate Winslet and Gwyneth Paltrow praised it online towards Oscar season.
The surprising nomination received backlash from online users and other celebrities as they claimed the Academy had snubbed actresses of colour like Viola Davis for The Woman King and Danielle Deadwyler for Till.
Despite the criticism, Academy CEO Bill Kramer said in a statement that it reviewed its decision and decided to keep Riseborough’s nomination.
Yeoh said that she ‘loved’ Davis and Deadwyler, wishing they all could get Oscars but said that it was ultimately still a competition.
The 60-year-old shared that it took her 40 years to be nominated, saying her nod symbolised a message of Asian inclusion from Hollywood.
“It's taken so long to be seen and recognised... It's not even just about me. It's a validation for people who look like me to be there, to be part of this group.” Yeoh said.
“Every single actor, actress, and filmmaker poured their heart and soul into the movies ...I don't think we started the journey thinking this is what we're aiming for. The stories we want to tell are much more important than that.”
