Two premieres at this year’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards in Los Angeles: For the first time, Michelle Yeoh (60) was an Asian woman who won the award for best leading actress. And Ke Huy Quan (51) is the first Asian to be honored as the best actor in a supporting role at this ceremony. Both were recognized for their roles in the film Everything Everywhere All at Once.
With tears, Quan accepted the award: “Thank you very much! This is a really emotional moment for me.” It had become clear to him that this moment did not only belong to him. “It also belongs to everyone who wanted a change,” said the Vietnamese native. When he once took a break from acting, he says it was because there was little opportunity for him to work. It looks very different now. Then he spoke to those people who are waiting to finally be seen: “Hang on, because at some point the spotlight will be on you!”
Michelle Yeoh’s speech took a similar direction. The Malaysia-born actress addressed the audience in a visibly emotional manner: “Each of you knows the journey, the roller coaster ride, the ups and downs. But the most important thing is that we never give up.” She dedicated her award to every girl “who looks like me.”
The awards were presented for the 29th time by the Hollywood Actors Association. They are among the most important prizes in the industry and are seen as a harbinger of the upcoming Oscars in March.
Other honorees included Brendan Fraser for Best Actor in a Leading Role (“The Whale”), Jason Bateman for Best Actor in a Drama Series (“Ozark”), Sam Elliott for Best Male Actor in a Television Motion Picture or Series (“1883”) and Jeremy Allen White for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (“The Bear: King of the Kitchen”).
Other winners included Jamie Lee Curtis for Best Supporting Actress (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Jessica Chastain for Best Female Actress in a TV Feature Film or Series (“George
The Oscar favorite “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was awarded best ensemble in a motion picture. The team of “The White Lotus” won a trophy for best cast member in a drama series. The Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series award went to the cast of Abbott Elementary. Sally Field accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award.
