Malaysian actress Tan Sri Dato Michelle Yeoh has been an icon for as long as fans can remember. Known for her roles in “Magnificent Warriors”, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Crazy Rich Asians”, it has taken the legendary performer several decades to land her first lead role in the 2022 hit movie, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”.
Awards season is upon us and the prestigious Academy Awards had just announced its list of anticipated nominees. We’re over to the moon to share that the Malaysian superstar finally got the recognition she deserves and sharing her excitement are many of her fellow co-stars and actors who also received their first nominations:
1. Michelle Yeoh – Nominated for Best Actress, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
The iconic actress, known for doing her own stunts in movies, is the first Malaysian to be nominated for an Academy Award and the first Asian in 88 years since Merle Oberon in 1935. Speaking to NY Times, the 60-year-old said, “Of course, I’m over the moon, but I feel a little sad because I know we know there have been amazing actresses from Asia that came before me, and I stand on their shoulders.”
She added that she hopes that the nomination will open more opportunities for Asian actors and that there would be more diversity in nominations in the future. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is now leading The 2023 Academy Awards with a total of 11 nominations.
2. Ke Huy Quan – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Starring alongside Michelle Yeoh in the record-breaking movie, the actor said that he couldn’t believe his life-long dream has finally come true. “It’s a dream that only existed in my imagination for the longest time. I never thought that my name would have the prefix ‘Oscar-nominated actor’. What an incredible day this is,” he told Hollywood Reporters.
3. Stephanie Hsu – Nominated for Best Supporting Actress, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
As if playing the daughter of the legendary Michelle Yeoh wasn’t exciting enough, the 32-year-old actress nabs her first Oscar nomination for playing Joy Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”. One of her biggest contender for the award? Her very own co-star.
4. Jamie Lee Curtis – Nominated for Best Supporting Actress, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
As previously mentioned, Jamie Lee Curtis is also nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category for the first time in her career. The Golden Globe winner posted her reaction on Instagram at the exact moment the nominations were announced. “THIS IS WHAT SURPRISE LOOKS LIKE! No filters. No fakery. Just the truth of a moment of joy captured by a friend,” she captioned.
5. Brendan Fraser – Nominated for Best Actor, “The Whale”
It’s also been a long time coming for this beloved actor. After a long hiatus in acting, the 54-year-old is finally an Oscar-nominated actor. “I’m absolutely overjoyed and deeply grateful to The Academy for this recognition. A gift I certainly didn’t see coming, but it’s one that has profoundly changed my life. THANK YOU!” he said.
6. Austin Butler – Nominated for Best Actor, “Elvis”
Starting his career appearing in Disney and Nickelodeon shows, the actor received his first nomination in the Best Actor category for his performance as the King of Rock ‘n Roll himself, Elvis in “Elvis”.
7. Paul Mescal – Nominated for Best Actor, “Aftersun”
Known for his debut television role as Connell Waldron in the controversial miniseries “Normal People”, the broadway actor nabbed his first Oscar nomination for outstanding performance in “Aftersun”. “This is truly a special moment for everyone involved in Aftersun. To be recognized by the Academy is such an insane honour and I’m so utterly grateful,” he said.
Other first-time Oscar Nominees include:
8. Colin Farell – Nominated for Best Actor, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
The Irish-born actor is one of the many amazing talents that are nominated in the Best Actor category. “Just so grateful to the Academy for all the love it’s shared with the Banshees cast and crew. Also, beyond honored to be lumped together with my fellow nominees. A heartfelt congratulations to all the lads!” he said.
9. Bill Nighy – Nominated for Best Actor, “Living”
After being nominated and winning multiple prestigious movie awards in the UK, the actor earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for this role in “Living”. “Everyone associated with Living is honoured by the Academy’s nomination and grateful for the spotlight it throws upon the film. We hope it will encourage people to see it. I was surrounded by assassins and this belongs to them all,” he said.
10. Andrea Riseborough – Nominated for Best Actress, “To Leslie”
Starting her career in theatre, the 41-year-old has landed her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress after many, including fellow celebrities, praised the actress for her performance as Leslie Rowlands in “To Leslie”.
11. Brendan Gleeson – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Famously known for his iconic role as Professor Alastor (Mad-Eye) Moody in the “Harry Potter” franchise, the 67-year-old is joining the other nominees for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Academy Awards coming this March.
12. Hong Chau – Nominated for Best Supporting Actress, “The Whale”
There are a lot of Asian nominees this year and we couldn’t be happier. Joining this amazing list of first-timer is Hong Chau, who shared her reaction saying, “I am overjoyed by this morning’s news. Being a part of this film was an unforgettable experience, and I share this nomination with the creative and talented people alongside whom I worked on this project.”
13. Brian Tyree Henry – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor, “Causeway”
“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!️️️ I am beyond honored to be nominated!!!!! And in such amazing company!!! I’m so grateful,” said the actor, and fans all around the world definitely felt the same excitement when it was announced that he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in “Causeway”.
14. Barry Keoghan – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Dedicating his first-ever Oscar nomination to his child, the Irish actor posted on his IG story saying, “That one’s for you, Brando. Daddy loves you.”
15. Kerry Condon – Nominated for Best Supporting Actress, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
From starring in the 2003 movie “Intermission” with fellow Oscar nominee Colin Farrell to being nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Award herself, the Irish star has certainly come a long way for her to finally get the recognition she deserves.
16. Ana de Armas – Nominated for Best Actress, “Blonde”
Not only is this her first nomination but Ana de Armas is also the first ever Cuban actress to be nominated for an Academy Award! The 34-year-old managed to get nominated in the Best Actress category for her role as the icon Marilyn Monroe in the 2022 biopic “Blonde”.
Bonus
1. Rihanna – Nominated for Best Original Song, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
Being nominated for an Oscar for the first time for a comeback song is truly remarkable. The Barbadian singer’s song “Lift Me Up” for the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack is nominated in the Best Original Song category.
Sources: TheAcademyAwards (1)(2), HollywoodReporter, NY Times
