Michelle Yeoh On Her Meaningful, Award-Winning Globes Night

It was truly Michelle Yeoh’s night at the Golden Globes on Tuesday evening. The actor won the Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy award for her role as Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once—one of the year’s buzziest films—and her powerful acceptance speech on-stage brought down the house. Yeoh spoke of her long fight to make it in Hollywood as a Malaysian actor, and dedicated her award to “all who came before me who look like me, and all who are going on this journey with us.”

The next day, Yeoh expanded further on why the award was so meaningful to her. “Representation is a nonstop battle, but our society continues to evolve and we have to see that reflected on our screens,” she tells Vogue. “It means so much to me to be a part of such an incredible film that will continue to break glass ceilings for Asian representation, while also promoting a message of kindness, love and family.” The actor also shared that the project has been one of her most challenging and meaningful to date. “For it to come now, after 40 years, has been the biggest blessing,” says Yeoh. “Playing Evelyn was demanding both physically and mentally, and sometimes you worry that the older you get, you will not be given these opportunities because people see you by your age rather than by your capability. It was also so beautiful for me to be able to give a voice to a very ordinary woman, an aging immigrant woman, who had never really had a voice before.”

Photo: Jeff Vespa

Before her big win on the main stage, Yeoh allowed Vogue in on her getting-ready process for the red carpet. The star chose a strapless Armani Privé gown for the affair that had a peplum waistline and was covered in dazzling midnight-blue sequins. “I loved everything about it,” says Yeoh. “The second I saw it, the bold color, [and the] intricate detailing of the crystals and silhouette were very intriguing and appealing to me. It felt timeless, but still cool and a bit modern. Armani is always a standout on the carpet for me.” Yeoh’s stylist Jordan Johnson adds, “Michelle is one who can pull off just about anything. There’s an edginess to her style accompanied by a grace and elegance, and the combination lends itself well to a variety of silhouettes. While selecting looks, she gravitates toward pieces with an architectural element, and this dress checked many boxes.”

She accessorized the statement piece with diamond jewelry from Moussaieff Jewellers, including a showstopping necklace composed of pear, cushion, and round diamonds. She also wore a bangle made of emeralds, and baguette and round diamonds, as well as a diamond ring. “I love jewelry,” says Yeoh. “We all love jewelry. The pieces were chosen by Alisa Moussaieff, a friend of mine for years. I am always impressed by how classic, timeless and beautiful Moussaieff’s jewelry is. Each piece is so unique and special, and the necklace, bracelet and ring brought the whole look a level of glamour and elegance that was beyond my wildest dreams!”

 Below, a closer look at how Yeoh got ready for the Golden Globes.