‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Star Michelle Yeoh Says the Oscars Shouldn’t Nominate Based on ‘Diversity’

February 26, 2019

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, most recently of “Crazy Rich Asians” fame, said in an interview Sunday that she doesn’t think Oscar nominations should be doled out solely for the sake of diversity.

Speaking to E!’s Giuliana Rancic on the red carpet of the 91st Academy Awards, the 56-year-old BAFTA nominee revealed that although she was disappointed by the lack of nominations for female directors this year, she also wouldn’t approve of the idea of nominating people based on gender alone, rather than merit.

“I think this year there were a few women roles that were really outstanding,” Yeoh said. “And we really need more and more of them. I was just disappointed that there were no women directors nominated.

“But it’s hard. Because it is so competitive. I think a lot of the time, let’s not nominate because we need to make up the numbers for the gender or the diversity. We have to do it because the movie and all the characters speak for what it is.”

“And I think it is getting more and more diversified because there are more opportunities created,” Yeoh added. “That’s where it begins.”

While recent iterations of the prestigious film ceremony have been shrouded in controversy regarding poor representation of minorities, the 2018 Oscars saw a huge win for diversity, with people of color winning in a landmark 10 categories.

“Crazy Rich Asians” — the first Hollywood movie to feature an all-Asian cast since “The Joy Luck Club” in 1993 — did not pick up any nominations.

Featured Image via Instagram / michelleyeoh_official

Share this Article