M’sian Actor Says Our Arts Industry Has No Reason to Be Proud of Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar Nomination

After securing the Best Actress Award at the Golden Globe, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is now nominated for the same category at the Oscars for her role as Evelyn in Everything Everywhere All at Once (EEAAO).

This marks the first time a Malaysian received a nomination for the Academy Awards.

Although we Malaysians might have a reason to be proud following the news, some believe that we shouldn’t ride on Yeoh’s achievements.

During a press conference on Thursday (February 2), local actor Bront Palarae said that although Malaysia can be proud of Yeoh’s successes, there is no reason for the country’s entertainment industry to ride on her name since she is not a product of the local entertainment industry.

This is because Yeoh began her acting career in Hong Kong in the 1980s, which eventually paved the way for her career in Hollywood.

“There is nothing for our industry to be proud of because she is not from our industry. It is true that she was born in Malaysia, but she is a Hong Kong actor.”

“However, Michelle’s nomination inspires us, especially young people, to pack your bags and leave because there are always opportunities elsewhere. Michelle has already shown the path and the road more clearly,” he added.

“But if you want to survive in the local industry and fight for it, that’s fine too. Henry Golding started in Malaysia even though he has not yet been nominated for an Oscar,” Bront explained.

According to Bront, the country has great talents among local artistes, but unfortunately, not everyone is good at appreciating and maximising the potential of their talents.

“What is clear is that we are not short of talent. But we lack people who are good at appreciating these talents.”

“The most difficult thing is not finding the difference between glass and gems. But I want to find someone who is good at judging which one is glass and which is a gem. This failure is a sad thing for the industry,” he added.

What do you think of his comments on the matter? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: After Golden Globe, Michelle Yeoh Receives Nomination for Best Actress Category at the Oscars