There’s no bigger comeback story than that of Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, who’s definitely living her best life at the moment. Her leading role in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once further boosted her popularity, earning her several major awards — including a nomination for Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards. This is monumental news, making her the first Asian to be nominated for the prestigious 2023 Oscars award.
Ahead of the 2023 Oscars happening on March 12th, here’s a look at Michelle Yeoh’s incredible history as an actress. All eyes will be on her this Oscars, which leaves us wondering what she’ll wear and who. Here are some of her best red carpet looks over the years, proving that whatever she chooses to wear will undoubtedly be classy and elegant.
Tomorrow Never Dies premiere, 1997
Despite taking on multiple leading roles in Asian cinema, Michelle Yeoh’s induction as a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies propelled her into Hollywood. The major Hollywood role put her in the spotlight, and she became one of the more iconic Bond girls of all time.
She wore a fantastic silver, glittery, embroidered slinky dress with sheer panels for the premiere. The high collar was reminiscent of one usually seen on a cheongsam, presumably a nod to her Chinese heritage.
Academy Awards 2001
For the 2001 Oscars, Michelle Yeoh once again channeled her Chinese heritage with a glittery, embroidered cheongsam silhouette dress. The bold zebra print in black and gold with sheer panels added more glamour to the outfit.
62nd Cannes Film Festival, 2009
The 2009 Cannes Film Festival saw her donning something a little more risque than usual. The mermaid dress by Roberto Cavalli featured a plunging neckline, with an embroidered top that visually brought attention to her waistline.
67th Venice Film Festival, 2010
Alongside sparkly dresses, emerald green also became one of Michelle Yeoh’s signature red carpet looks, as seen during the Reign of Assassins premiere during the 67th Venice Film Festival in 2010. Here, she wears an emerald green one-shoulder dress with ethereal drapes.
2019 SAG Awards
Do you see the trend with the sparkles? For the 2019 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, she donned an Elie Saab dress from the Spring 2018 haute couture collection. With a feathered skirt and embellished top, Michelle Yeoh looked like a modern-day swan princess.
Golden Globes 2019
Channeling a green goddess, Michelle Yeoh donned a Shiatzy Chen gown and shawl for the 2019 Golden Globes awards. She also accessorized with the same emerald ring she wore in Crazy Rich Asians.
The emerald ring also comes with an entertaining story on the side. Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu reportedly showed Yeoh a mock-up of the engagement ring she was supposed to wear, and she disliked it so much that she decided to offer a ring from her personal collection instead. Everything worked out!
Academy Awards 2019
2019 was Michelle Yeoh’s year. She slayed at the 2019 Oscars wearing an ethereal Elie Saab gown from the fashion house’s Spring 2019 haute couture collection, with metallic accents and a sweetheart off-shoulder neckline. Complimenting the dress were Chopard jewellery and a Richard Mille timepiece, alongside a silver Roger Vivier clutch.
Palm Springs International Film Awards 2023
Sometimes, Michelle Yeoh enjoys experimenting with something different too. Take this Schiaparelli sculptural dress she wore at this year’s Palm Springs International Film Awards, for example. It’s a departure from her usual style, but we’re very much here for it.
Golden Globes 2023
Closer to the Oscars, Michelle Yeoh stuns the red carpet in a glittery, deep blue Armani Privé gown. It was an understated, elegant look with complimenting icy jewellery that just works. This leaves us wondering: will she go the safe route with her Oscars red carpet outfit, or will she experiment with something completely different?